Paragraph #1: Introduction Mr. King J110

Objectives and Standards Students will learn how to effectively construct the introduction paragraph for a multi-paragraph essay, including the attention grabbing beginning, description of the issue, and opinion statement. Students will take structured notes with the assistance of a teacher. Students will then practice writing their introduction paragraphs. Standards 2.4 Write Persuasive Compositions -Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion. 1.5 Written and Oral English Language Conventions -Reflect appropriate manuscript requirements, including title page presentation, pagination, spacing and margins, and integration of source and support material (e.g., in-text citation, use of direct quotations, paraphrasing) with appropriate citations.

Introduction Paragraph The Introduction is made of three basic elements: 1. Attention Grabbing Beginning 2. Description of the Issue 3. Opinion Statement

1. Attention Grabbing Beginning You want to introduce your topic to the reader without saying “My topic is…” or “I believe” or “I think” The attention getter is also called a hook -We will use the topic of racism for our example

1. Attention Grabbing Beginning Start with a sentence about racism -Racism is bad. Remember you cannot state your opinion yet… so rewrite using a general statement A general statement is a sentence that gives basic information to the reader Racism takes away freedom from a person.

1. Attention Grabbing Beginning Racism takes away freedom from a person. This is still too direct; make an even more general statement Most people believe that freedom is a right that all citizens should have. (Now this works!!!)

2. Description of the Issue Next, describe your topic to the reader using a few more details A good description will make your reader want to learn more about your issue Don’t pick a side yet, but instead remain objective Remaining objective means to evaluate a topic without taking a side

2. Description of the Issue First, think of your topic and generate ideas about it: -We will still use racism for our example -Now generate some ideas about racism: Ideas - attacks people’s freedom - ignorance - is bad - threatens/harms innocent people - comes from old habits - still exists today

2. Description of the Issue Next, take your ideas and make a few short sentences that describe your issue: Ideas - attacks people’s freedom - ignorance - is bad - threatens innocent people - comes from old habits - still exists today Sentences -Liberty is attacked by people who wish to threaten the innocent. -Most individuals strive to live a life while enjoying freedom. -The ability to live a life free from ignorance is difficult. -Racism is still festering in society today.

3. Opinion Statement The final part of your introduction is your Opinion Statement You want to leave the reader knowing which side of the argument you are choosing Remember to make your opinion statement without saying “I think” or “In my opinion” Make sure you have two arguments in your opinion statement (argument A and argument B)

4. Putting It All Together Here is an example of a completed introduction paragraph: Most people believe that freedom is a right that all citizens should have. In America, some individuals strive to live a life while enjoying this freedom. At times, however, this liberty is attacked by people who wish to do harm to the innocent. The ability to live a life free from ignorance is difficult because racism is still festering in society, even years after several fundamental changes have taken place. Living in a society free from ignorance will never happen because the long withstanding habits of the stubborn are impractical life-long choices, thus eliminating racism is an impossible task for mankind.

5. Now It’s Your Turn I will now hand out a worksheet to you. On this worksheet, practice writing your introduction paragraph. The introduction paragraph is due by the end of the period. Tips: If you get stuck writing your hook, skip step one and begin step two. You can always write the hook last. Brainstorm ideas before writing sentences. You may use your revised opinion statement for this paragraph.

Activity I want you to add to these ideas about racism. Add three ideas that you have about the topic of racism. Remember they don’t even need to be complete sentences, just ideas.   Ideas about Racism - attacks people’s freedom - ignorance - is bad - threatens innocent people - comes from old habits - still exists today - Next, I want you to write at least three sentences about the topic of racism using the ideas above.