Lesson 7 Writing an Introductory Paragraph Introductory Paragraph

Lesson 7 Writing an Introductory Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph A strong introductory paragraph is crucial to the development of an effective explanatory essay. Thus when writing an introductory paragraph, it is important to include the explanation or clarification of the topic. Most explanations cannot be clarified without at least some background information. Therefore, it is essential to provide a foundation for your topic before you begin explaining your topic.

Parts of an introduction 1. Hook/Attention Grabber: 1 st few sentences that make the reader want to read the paper. 2. Transition sentence (not always necessary): Acts as a bridge between the hook and thesis or claim. Gives background info, defines terms, etc. 3. Thesis: the point or claim of your paper, gives (3)three reasons or pieces of evidence that explains your point.

Introductory paragraphs introduce the topic and suggest why it is important. Example: An analysis of the new essay format shows an improvement in the quality of writing. This sentence tells the reader that the topic of the paper will be improvement in the quality of writing.

Introductory paragraphs outline the structure of the paper and highlight the main ideas. Here is the beginning of an essay on math topics. Example: Considering the results of the High School Exit Exam, it is apparent that school curriculum is not properly addressing basic math skills such as fractions, percentages and long division. This sentence indicates three major pieces of evidence that address the point of the essay: fractions, percentages and long division. This is also the order in which they will be presented in the body paragraphs.

Introductory paragraphs state thesis. Example: New Jersey high schools will require all students to take a resume and cover letter writing workshop in order to better prepare them for employment. This thesis statement indicates what will be explained in the paper.

Most importantly, when writing an introductory paragraph, it is essential to remember that you must capture the interest of your reader. Thus, it is your job as the writer to make the introduction entertaining or intriguing. In order to do so, consider using a quotation, a surprising or interesting fact, an anecdote or a humorous story.

Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs. . . ØGeneral statement introduction ØQuestion introduction ØAnecdote ØStatistic

Examples using a general introduction: Ø Every day the newspapers, television, and radio news programs are flooded with stories about the tragic results of drug addiction. Ø One of the Surgeon General’s latest public-health crusades is a fight against the growing tide of fat and flab among American children. Ø Mountain bikes have taken over the bicycle industry.

Examples using a question: Ø Are standardized tests a fair measure of academic potential? Ø Should handgun ownership be outlawed in the United States? Ø Can mountain bikers peacefully coexist with hikers on wilderness trails?

Examples using a Statistic Ø A recent article in Time magazine states that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities. Ø The Inquirer recently conducted a study and concluded that students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have fewer problems and perform better academically. Ø A recent Gallup poll reported that 75% of Americans consider themselves to be environmentalists. 11

Example using an Anecdote Yesterday, twelve year old Billy Barnes came home at 3: 30 and let himself into his house with his key. After grabbing a box of Cocoa Puffs and a can of Coke, Billy watched Netflix (Stranger Things) for two hours. When Billy telephoned his mother at work, she was in a meeting and couldn’t talk to him. Billy represents a growing number of latchkey children who feel neglected, don’t do their homework, and get in trouble when they get older. 12

In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs. 13

General statement introduction Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue and much has been reported. There is evidence that tobacco endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains people of valuable energy. 14

Interrogatory introduction Should smoking be banned in all public places? This question is the subject of many discussions and arguments in towns across our country. Smoking has been shown to endanger everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains people of valuable energy. 15

Statistic introduction An article in the New York Times recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. Tobacco endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains valuable resources. 16

Now, complete Exercise 1 Write an introductory paragraph for the prompt: Using examples from literature, history, or your own experiences, write an explanatory essay about life in America for immigrants and their families. Think about the balance between old and new, allegiance to family and the unique hardships immigrants face once settled. (Possible sources: Joy Luck Club, Esperanza Rising, Snow) Be certain to: Ø Engage the reader (Hook) Ø Introduce the topic Ø Lead-in to thesis/Claim Ø Give a preview of the reasons/evidence that will be used in the essay.