Introductions Introductions An introduction is the first part

Introductions

Introductions • An introduction is the first part of an essay. It tells the reader what your paper is going to be about. • It also tells your reader your position on the topic. • Every essay must have an introduction. • Every introduction must have a thesis or position statement. • Basically an introduction must have 3 parts – The Grabber- the introduction strategy – A smooth transition to the topic; and – A thesis statement • Here are several ways to begin an introduction or several “grabbers. ”

Ways to Begin Introduction-1 Ask a question… Ex. 1 Why do students often complain about the cafeteria food? Could it be that they have a valid point? Perhaps, this is an issue that needs further investigation.

Ways to Begin Introduction-2 • State an interesting fact or statistic. –Ex. Nine out of 10 children think chocolate ice cream is the best kind of ice cream there is.

Ways to Begin Introduction-3/4 • State a quote or an anecdote (a short story) – Ex. Forest once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. ” I truly agree. That is why I feel that chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream.

The Great Introduction… What makes an good introduction? • It grabs or “hooks” the reader’s attention by using one or more of the following strategies: – An anecdote or scenario – A quotation – An interesting fact or statistic – A question • It tells how the writing will be organized. • The author’s position is clearly stated in a thesis statement.

Grabbing Your Audience… Good strategies used in introductions: • Use an Anecdote/ Scenario – The writer provides a personal experience or made-up situation to introduce the position. • Questioning – The writer asks thought-provoking questions to capture the reader’s interest. • Interesting fact or statistic – The writer gives an interesting piece of information to grab the reader’s attention. Lets Take A Look….

You Could Open with a Quotation: • Example: University of Delaware professor states: “Advertising, including television ads, billboards, and other advertising, including toys in boxed meals, has had an effect upon children as never before. Children these days are growing up with low concern for their health and more concern for what tastes good. ”

You Could Open with a interesting fact: • Example: • “Did you know that a typical child needs 2, 000 calories for an entire day and Burger King’s Whopper with triple cheese has 1, 230 calories? ”

You Could Open with an Anecdote: • An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. • “My hands felt sticky after pulling open the doors to “Big Bobby’s Boisterous Burger Hut”. The odor smelled of fried everything. I ordered a Big Bobby Combo #2. There was enough food to serve a small third world country on my tray. I nibbled at the ¾ pound burger and my chin was covered in a mayonnaise and ketchup concoction. I asked the server if I could have a few fries with my salt. I left the place feeling like my stomach was mad at me. ”

You Could Open with a Statistical Fact: • Example: • Thirty percent of the children in the survey ate fast food on any given day during the survey, and they ate an average of 187 calories a day more than those who did not eat fast food. These additional calories could account for an extra six pounds of weight gain per year, according to Ludwig.

Next: Creating a Thesis Statement • A thesis statement is one sentence at the end of your introduction that states your opinion. It needs to be strong. • First, choose 3 main focus points to discuss in your essay. These points will become the focus of three paragraphs in the body of your paper. Let’s use fast food as an example again. Fast food…(3 Discussion Points) • rapidly increases weight • causes high blood pressure • leads to sluggishness

Writing the Thesis Statement • Now take your three main focus points and summarize them. Put your completed thesis statement at the end of your first paragraph. THREE MAIN FOCUS POINTS • I believe fast food is harmful because it rapidly increases weight, causes high blood pressure, and leads to lethargy. COMPLETED THESIS STATEMENT • I believe fast food has negative health effects.

Our Introductory Paragraph: CATCHY TITLE Fast Food Is Killing America! HOOK THE READER Did you know that a typical child needs 2, 000 calories for an entire day and Burger King’s Whopper with triple cheese has 1, 230 calories? That is far more calories than anyone needs in one day! Fast food consumption has risen 500 percent since 1970 and today reaches nearly every part of society, including some public school cafeterias. Fast food is harmful because it rapidly increases weight, causes high blood pressure, and leads to sluggishness. Fast food is bad for your health! YOUR THREE ARGUMENTS THESIS STATEMENT Walsh Publishing Co. 2009

Introductions Using The JMMS Writing Formula • • • G- grabber E- Explain P- Prompt O-Opinion/Thesis R- Reasons C- Clincher

In paragraph form… G-Smokey Robinson used to sing the words, “My momma told me, ‘You better shop around. ” E-This statement was meant to suggest that people should take the time to date many people- often before they decide to settle down with a significant other. P-When I’m asked how I feel about teens and dating, my blood begins to boil! OTeens should not be allowed to date. R-Dating for teens can be very hurtful, dangerous, and confusing. C-People should be mature before they enter the world of dating.

Final Smokey Robinson used to sing the words, “My momma told me, ‘You better shop around. ” This statement was meant to suggest that people should take the time to date many people- often before they decide to settle down with a significant other. When I’m asked how I feel about teens and dating, my blood begins to boil! Teens should not be allowed to date. Dating for teens can be very hurtful, dangerous, and confusing. People should be mature before they enter the world of dating.