Monday, March 15th, 2015 Review how to write effective introductions Identify types of introductions Explore challenges of 7th graders with research articles and textbooks W7.2a Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. 5 more school days until spring break!

Introductions Must Hook the Reader Action Academic Personal Introductions Must Hook the Reader “Quote” Creative Ask a???????? Question “Dialogue”

Make your writing a page turner! The lead (beginning or introduction) establishes the direction your writing will take. A good lead grabs your reader's attention and refuses to let go. In other words, it hooks the reader.

Hooking a reader is like a movie trailer. You want to give “a little bit” of the content, but you really want them to “buy the ticket.” Let the Show Begin!

REMEMBER THE RULE OF 3! Get the reader’s attention You should accomplish 3 things with your introduction: Get the reader’s attention Present your topic and purpose Connect with your audience

1. Creative Introduction Catches the reader off-guard with an opening statement Leaves the reader smiling or wondering what the rest of the essay contains.

WHAT IF I COULD OFFER EACH OF YOU $500,000?

NO, you will not have to do anything illegal!

So, would you like to know how to get it?

2. Academic Introduction Answers one or more of the six basic questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Used in formal essays Often uses statistics or data

GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL!!!! Studies show that people who graduate from high school will earn at least $500,000 more in their lifetime than people who do not. Staying in school will determine whether or not you get the $500,000.

2. Question Introduction Rhetorical question are not meant to be answered. They draw the reader into wanting to read further to discover the answer to the question. Ask an interesting question that you will answer in your essay.

Acne, baldness, sterility. Sound attractive, fellas Acne, baldness, sterility. Sound attractive, fellas? Or ladies, how about a deep voice, facial hair, and kidney damage? All of these appealing attributes, along with many others, are side effects of using steroids, yet people continue to use them!

Have you ever wondered how you would survive if you found yourself alone in the jungle? How would you defend yourself against predators? What would you eat? Where would you find water? Read Lord of the Flies to see just how a group of teenagers manage to survive!

Sample Questions to AVOID! AVOID meaningless questions that don’t ask the reader to think critically; a question you don’t expect the reader to answer. Examples of Meaningless Questions “Do you hate school uniforms? I do.” “Do you have a favorite season? Well I do.” “Have you ever wondered why people believe in school uniforms? Well, I’ll tell you.”

4. Personal Introduction Take the reader directly into your mind. It says, “This is what it is like to be me. Let me take you to my little world.” Often uses descriptive language.

Use a Personal Experience I walked into the antiseptic, crisp-white room on April 23, 1992. The beeping of the machines echoed immensely in my head and I knew that noise would haunt me for the rest of my life. I walked in further to join my family that stood beside the bed. I hung my head in grief and through tears got one last look. What words help re-create this experience?

Use a Personal Experience I walked into the antiseptic, crisp-white room on April 23, 1992. The beeping of the machines echoed immensely in my head and I knew that noise would haunt me for the rest of my life. I walked in further to join my family that stood beside the bed. I hung my head in grief and through tears got one last look.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6…” It was my first basketball game and I had the ball with the clock ticking away. I was standing on top of the world. However, to get to that point, I had to go through pre-game jitters, the embarrassing shot, and the opponent’s hard stares. Yes, it takes determination to succeed.

5. Quotation Introduction Open with a quotation that is well-known (but be sure to put quotation marks around it). You can also use a quotation from someone that is not famous. It could be from a song, movie, or one of your own.

WHAT PHRASE IS THIS GREAT CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER MOST FAMOUS FOR?

I Have a Dream

Examples of Famous Quotes “A penny saved is a penny earned.” –Benjamin Franklin “All that glitters is not gold.” – Shakespeare Student Example: John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." I think today's Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message. We expect our country to take care of us, but we are not taking care of our country.

6. Action Introduction Takes the reader into the middle of an action sequence. By not building up to the story, it forces the reader to read on to find out what’s happening. How could you describe this action-packed scene?

Do you know what historical event is being described? The race came to an abrupt holt as the sound of firecrackers filled the air. Runners suddenly collapsed as limps were shred to pieces. Cries of spectators billowed through the crowd. The smoke-filled street was mass chaos.

7. Dialogue Introduction Like the action introduction, this also brings the reader directly into the action. Used more often in narrative essays. The dialogue introduces the characters before the reader knows who they are.

you,” Han Solo proclaimed to Luke. The attack on the Death Star Battle “May the force be with you,” Han Solo proclaimed to Luke. The attack on the Death Star Battle Station was about to begin.

As you can see, “hooking the reader” is the key to success in writing! BUT…. Don’t forget the following tips.

Tip #1 Do NOT use the following phrases: “In this essay…” “I am going to tell you about…” “I will write about…” “The first reason is…” “The second reason is…”

Tip #2: Spend time developing the introduction It’s the first impression The reader will have of your writing.

Tip #3 Keep it straight forward. The introduction should be easy to understand Don’t go overboard on details. You don’t have to say everything in the introduction.

Tip #4 State your topic Don’t assume the audience knows what you are talking about. But don’t go to the other extreme and include a summary of your topic. Think middle ground.

Tip #6 Revise, Revise, Revise The first time is NOT the charm!