Writing an Introductory Paragraph Explanatory Writing The Introduction

Writing an Introductory Paragraph Explanatory Writing

The Introduction An effective introductory paragraph will have three parts: 1. Hook/Attention Grabbing Opening 2. Background information 3. Claim/Thesis

Hook A hook in the essay is a catchy sentence or paragraph in the introduction which serves as an attention-grabber. An effective hook in engaging and interesting. It makes your reader want to keep reading! Let’s consider the effects that fast food has on America’s children Here are some possible option when writing hooks…

Hook Option #1 Open with an unusual detail or fact. Example: A typical child needs 2, 000 calories for an entire day, and Burger King’s Whopper with triple cheese has 1, 230 calories (Smith).

Hook Option #2 Open with an anecdote (a short, sometimes amusing story). Example: His hands felt sticky after pulling open the doors to Big Bobby’s Boisterous Burger Hut. The odor smelled of fried everything. As he approached the counter, he softly stated his order-- a Big Bobby Combo #2. Sitting on the brown tray was enough food to serve a small third world country. He gnawed at the ¾ pound burger as a mayonnaise and ketchup concoction oozed and dripped off of his chin.

Hook Option #3 Open with a meaningful question Example: How many times do you think you have you eaten fast food in your lifetime? How many extra calories have you consumed because of your food choice?

Hook Option #4 Open with a hyperbole/exaggeration Example: Fast food franchises are popping up everywhere!

Hook Option #5 Open with a hypothetical situation (start with Suppose that… or Imagine if…) Example: Imagine if ALL people had access to fresh, healthy food choices. Would people still choose processed fast food?

Background Information/Context Provide the information that the reader will need to understand the topic For example: Many people are fighting against a fast food takeover in America in order to save our youth from living an unhealthily lifestyle.

Claim/Thesis Restate your research question with two reasons. For example: Fast food industries are affecting America’s youth because they are providing too many processed and unhealthy food options, and they are overtaking quality food markets and grocery stores.

Writing a Concluding Paragraph Explanatory Essay

Components of Concluding Paragraph 1) Restate thesis statement using different words (repeat the idea of your thesis statement BUT with deeper understanding). 2) Review your supporting ideas (summarize the main points in the body of your essay). 3) Last sentence: connect back to your hook (connect back to the introduction to "clinch" the ideas in the essay showing their importance. **No new information in concluding paragraph!

Example of connecting concluding sentence back to the hook: Hook: Ghandi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world. " Conclusion statement from that hook: If everyone followed these leaders examples and caused one positive change, the world would be a better place. Ghandi would be proud.