An Introduction to the Introduction How to Write effectively from the start

The Hook Your opening sentence(s) should hook the reader’s attention. a.k.a. grabber/lead sentence Lure in your audience. Do NOT give away all of the details supporting your claim or controlling idea.

Types of Hooks No “one size fits all” formula. What works best for you, the purpose of the prompt, and for your audience?

Types of Hooks Imagine Statement: EXAMPLE: “Ask” the reader to picture or imagine a scenario that will be addressed later. EXAMPLE: Prompt: Explain how additional funding could benefit schools. Imagine Statement: Imagine a campus full of eager students who are ready to learn, using technology to further their education, and effectively communicating with their peers. With additional school funding, this seemingly ideal picture could be a reality.

Now, You Try… Prompt: It is true that a single person can change the world. However, it often takes an entire group or organization to make a lasting impression stretching across the globe. Explain how The Coca-Cola Company has impacted the world.

Types of Hooks Imagery: (Sensory Language) Description of a place or situation. Appeals to the five senses. EXAMPLE: Prompt: Eating healthy foods is important. Explain why you should eat healthy foods. Imagery: Another stream of grease runs down the chin of a gluttonous customer at a fast-food restaurant, clogging his arteries one bite at a time.

Now, You Try… Prompt: It is true that a single person can change the world. However, it often takes an entire group or organization to make a lasting impression stretching across the globe. Explain how The Coca- Cola Company has impacted the world.

Types of Hooks Famous Quote: Begin with a meaningful quote from the text. EXAMPLE: Prompt: Eating healthy foods is important. Explain why you should eat healthy foods. Famous Quote: Ghandi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Thus, if one wishes to reap the benefits of life, a healthy diet is essential.

Now, You Try… Prompt: It is true that a single person can change the world. However, it often takes an entire group or organization to make a lasting impression stretching across the globe. Explain how The Coca- Cola Company has impacted the world.

Types of Hooks Dramatic Fragment: Begin with a dramatic concept or idea Often used with the rule of three. EXAMPLE: Prompt: Explain how additional funding could benefit schools. Dramatic Fragment: The newest technology. Healthier meals. Smiling faces all around. All of this could be a reality if schools were given additional funding.

Now, You Try… Prompt: It is true that a single person can change the world. However, it often takes an entire group or organization to make a lasting impression stretching across the globe. Explain how The Coca- Cola Company has impacted the world.

Controlling Idea / Claim: Reveals the main point or subject of your paper. Usually combined into a single, complex sentence. Usually the last sentence(s) of your introduction. A “road map” for your reader. Avoid using “I think…” or “I believe…” statements.

Example Prompt: Eating healthy foods is important. Explain why you should eat healthy foods. Controlling Idea / Claim: Without a doubt, maintaining a nutritious diet is highly beneficial, increasing energy levels, enhancing one’s physique, and most importantly, preventing potential illness. 1st body paragraph = energy 2nd body paragraph = physique 3rd body paragraph = illness prevention

Thus, the Introductory Paragraph… Hook + Controlling Idea / Claim= Introductory Paragraph You may need a transitional word, phrase, or sentence to connect your hook and thesis statement.

Example (Together) Prompt: Write an informational essay to explain how advancements in 3-D technology can benefit society. Hook: ? What works best for you, your purpose, and your audience? How can you maintain an appropriate style but still be creative?

Example (Together) Prompt: Write an informational essay to explain how advancements in 3-D technology can benefit society. Brainstorm possible points based off text-based evidence. What are some potential benefits? Controlling Idea / Claim: ?