The Introductory Paragraph The Introductory Paragraph You had

The Introductory Paragraph

The Introductory Paragraph “You had me at hello. ” Must grab the reader here! Sets the tone for the entire paper

If this was a trial, The Intro Paragraph would be… Your opening argument!

There are several components that must be present in the Intro Paragraph

The outline for this paragraph 1. Address your audience (remember your format) 2. Address the scenario/prompt (go to the actual prompt) 3. Introduce the subject 4. Address the counter-argument 5. End in stating your claim(thesis)

Break it down…

1. Address your audience You must the correct format! Let’s look at some and choose the correct format….

Write a letter… Dear Mr. So-and-so Write an editorial… Dear Editor, Write an article on cats… Cat lovers everywhere… Write a speech… Good Afternoon ____

Let’s take a look at the following prompt…

Writing Situation The United States Postal Service has honored many individuals from American history, such as President George Washington, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and animator Walt Disney, by placing their portraits (pictures) on postage stamps. Imagine you had the task of selecting the next person from United States history to be recognized on a stamp and the responsibility of explaining the reasons of your choice to the public. Directions for Writing Write an essay to the community explaining the person you would recognize and the reasons you have for this choice. Help your audience to understand why this individual is important and worthy of this honor by providing specific details and examples to support your ideas.

What would be the format? • An essay. Who is the audience? ? • The community? How would we address this audience? ? • My fellow community members,

2. Address the scenario in the “Writing Situation” What is the writing situation? • Selecting the next person from United States history to be recognized on a stamp and justifying the choice.

Addressing the scenario… How would we address this scenario? Postage stamps have become an important part of American culture recognizing significant contributors in history.

3. Introduce the subject What is the subject? The person I want on a new stamp. For this example, we will use… Harriet Tubman

Introducing the subject… How would we introduce our subject? Abolitionist Harriet Tubman is one of the most significant people in American History. Her contributions were invaluable to Abolitionist Movement and her story is inspiring to those needing hope.

4. Address the Counter-Argument What is a counter-argument? A contrasting or opposing position.

4. Address the Counter-Argument What is the counter-argument? Harriet Tubman should not be on a postage stamp.

Addressing the counterargument… How would we address the counter-argument?

Many people may think Harriet Tubman is not significant enough to be featured on a postage stamp; however, this belief cannot be further from the truth. In fact, her impact has helped make America what it is today.

5. End in a strong claim. What is a claim? The writer’s position on the topic. What do we mean by strong? The claim must be powerful!? Must be 1 -sided! Must be clear!

Ending in a strong claim… How would we end in a strong claim? Therefore, we need to have Harriet Tubman on our next postage stamp to recognize and honor her contributions to America.

Now… Let’s put it all together…

My fellow community members, Postage stamps have become an important part of American culture recognizing significant contributors in history. Abolitionist Harriet Tubman is one of the most significant people in American History. Her contributions were invaluable to Abolitionist Movement and her story is inspiring to those needing hope. Many people may think Harriet Tubman is not significant enough to be featured on a postage stamp; however, this belief cannot be further from the truth. In fact, her impact has helped make America what it is today. Therefore, we need to have Harriet Tubman on our next postage stamp to recognize and honor her contributions to America.

Do we have everything we need? . . . All the components?

(1) My fellow community members, (2) Postage stamps have become an important part of American culture recognizing significant contributors in history. (3) Abolitionist Harriet Tubman is one of the most significant people in American History. Her contributions were invaluable to the Abolitionist Movement and her story is inspiring to those needing hope. (4) Many people may think Harriet Tubman is not significant enough to be featured on a postage stamp; however, this belief cannot be further from the truth. In fact, her impact has helped make America what it is today. (5) Therefore, we need to have Harriet Tubman on our next postage stamp to recognize and honor her contributions to America.

Remember! • Do not • use “you” • use contractions • use questions • use slang • say “I think/I believe” • introduce a new idea • Do: • use strong vocab • check diction for appropriateness

a lot beautiful Forbidden Words very nice bad wonderful terrible just I think thing really good pretty fine you I know I believe