How to write an Introductory paragraph “One today is worth two tomorrows.” Ben Franklin Ms. De La O English 9

When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that . . . Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. Give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

Remember that the introductory paragraph . . . Is the most important paragraph of the essay Must be at least five sentences minimum Needs to do three things Briefly introduce the topic Cleary state your position Provide three reasons

Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs . . . General statement introduction Question introduction Quotation introduction There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

Examples of general statement introduction Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms. In the United States of America the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.

Examples of question introduction Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Should we allow citizens to burn the United States flag in public?

Quotation introduction 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. The Monitor recently conducted a study and concluded that students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have less problems and perform better academically. A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that most Americans are very much against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity.

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

General statement introduction Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere while others are not so harsh. However, I believe that tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. Topic introduced Lead in to thesis Notice that the introduction has three parts. First, you introduce the topic. Then in one or two sentences you lead in to your position and reasons which is the third part, the thesis sentence. Also note that the thesis is stated in one sentence, both position and reasons. Thesis sentence

Interrogatory introduction What do you think about banning smoking? The whole country is divided on whether smoking should be banned. I firmly believe that smoking should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health; it pollutes the environment, and it drains us of valuable energy. Topic introduced Lead-in to thesis Thesis sentence

Quotation introduction In The Monitor it was recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. I believe that tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health; it pollutes the environment, and it drains of valuable resources. Topic introduced Lead-in to thesis Thesis sentence

Final reminders !!!! Be concise and to the point! Do not go into too much detail! At least 5 sentences minimum! You must do three things . . . introduce topic state position provide reasons