EQ: How do I engage the reader with my intro paragraph?

 To engage the reader or ‘hook’ the reader’s attention  To let the reader know what the rest of the essay will be about  To give a background to the topic at hand

 In SUTW terms, the ‘blue’ background information. This can be:  Actual background on the topic at hand  Whatever your ‘hook’ is to capture the reader’s attention and lead into the thesis statement

 Thesis statement:  This tells the reader what the rest of the essay will be about.  It comes at the end of the intro paragraph  In SUTW terms, it is color-coded green

 Among many ways to ‘hook’ or grab the reader’s attention:  Startling image method: This is where you present a series of startling images to the reader and then hit them with the main focus.  Keep your images to 3 maximum.  Example: Eyes watering, her white-knuckled hand grasping at her throat, water dribbling down her chin in a vain attempt to swallow; no, this isn’t a horror movie, but the image of my sister-in-law choking across the table before I jumped up to administer the Heimlich Maneuver. Although most people feel like nothing serious will actually ever happen, knowing some basic safety precautions can and will save lives.

 Statistics/facts: Although you may not be able to pull a statistic out of your hat, you can make a believable statistical statement  Example: Although it is not widely known, the majority of infant and toddler deaths arise from choking. Something as simple as cutting up a marshmallow may prevent a life-threatening incident. Although most people feel like nothing serious will actually ever happen, knowing some basic safety precautions can and will save lives.

 Use the series of startling image method for the following prompts:  1. Write an essay in favor of or against enforcing a uniform policy at school.  2. Write an essay discussing why sports are important in society today.

 Use the interesting fact/statistic method for the following prompts:  The effect of stress on young people today.  Solutions to prevent high-school drop outs.

 The “Turn-about”: This style starts with the opposite idea and then moves to the focus.  Example: Of course, any responsible parent teaches his/her children to tell the truth. Society even has stories to back up this notion. “Your nose is going to grow, just like Pinocchio if you keep up those fibs!” Youngsters are indoctrinated with this fundamental belief when in reality, it is not only acceptable, but necessary to lie from time to time.

 Anecdote: a brief, relevant, humorous, or moving story.  Can be about you, the person about whom you are writing, or someone else.  First person “I” okay in this part of the essay only.  Make it brief. Not more than 2-5 sentences. Example: When I was a young boy, my father worked at a coal mine. For 27 years, he made it his occupation to scrape and claw deep into the earth, searching for fuel. Without basic safety precautions, he could have easily been maimed or killed. Although most people feel like nothing serious will actually ever happen, knowing some basic safety precautions can and will save lives.

 Use the “turn-about” method to answer one of the following prompts:  1. Why are tattoos in style and what do they express?  2. The effects of fast food on your health.

 Use an anecdote to answer one of the following prompts:  1. Effects of rap and hip-hop lyrics on teen language and behavior.  2. What kids can learn from grandparents and great-grandparents.