Writing the Introduction The Argument Essay Writing the Introduction How can we HOOK our reader?

Issue or topic: Chocolate Background information about your topic/issue: Chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree, which has the botanical name Cacao theobroma, meaning "food of the gods." The ancient Aztecs believed that the seeds of the cacao tree came from Paradise. Their Spanish conquerors, led by Hernando Cortés in 1519, apparently agreed with them. Cortés wrote his king that "chocolate is the divine drink that builds up resistance and gives strength." This food was once regarded as a gift from the gods. The U.S. Army includes 4-ounce bars of it fortified with vitamins in its combat rations. Astronauts take it into space, and mountain climbers have taken it to the top of Mount Everest. Chocolate is the favorite flavor for candy, cookies, and other sweets in the United States, where consumption (the amount eaten) averages about 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) per person per year. But the United States is only ninth in worldwide consumption of chocolate. The leader is Switzerland.

Open with an unusual detail or statistic; a startling or striking fact from an authoritative source. Combat rations for the U.S army include non perishable meals, water, and 4 oz. bars of chocolate. Nasa sends chocolate into orbit with our astronauts. The American military and those in charge of our space program know what many people have already figured out: eating chocolate is actually good for us. It’s certainly a relief that chocolate, beloved by so many, is beneficial. Chocolate makes us happy, it’s good for our heart, and, amazingly, chocolate helps fight disease. (transitional line)

Open with an exaggeration or outrageous statement Don’t touch that last chocolate bar! Mountain climbers have taken it to the top of Mount Everest because they can’t conquer anything without their chocolate. Why should they have to? Chocolate is actually good for our overall emotional and physical health. After all, chocolate will make us happy, it’s good for our heart, and it helps fight disease. The sooner we accept that, the sooner we can start indulging. (transitional line)

Open with a METAPHOR or SIMILE. (or quote) The Spanish conqueror, Hernando Cortés, said, “Chocolate is the divine drink that builds up resistance and gives strength”. He may not have had the research to back up his claims, but today, we know they’re true. Chocolate, in whatever incarnation we prefer, is actually good for us. It makes us happy, it’s good for our heart, and, amazingly, it does build up our resistance and help fight disease. (transitional line)

Open with an engaging QUESTION Have you ever treated yourself for depression by munching on a chocolate bar? When the world started to look a little brighter after you ate the last heavenly crumb, was it your imagination, or did you feel—happier? The ancient Aztecs also felt happier when they ate chocolate. They believed that the seeds of the cacao tree came from Paradise itself. Research now tells us we are wise to indulge. Chocolate is actually good for us! It does make us feel happier, it’s good for our heart, and it also helps fight disease. (transitional line)

Open with a SCENE. Across our nation, students in 50 states sit quietly as #2 lead pencils and booklets are handed out. It’s time for standardized testing. At Turn of River Middle School in Stamford, CT, some teachers are handing out something else: healthy Fiber One chocolate bars. (Chocolate is, after all, the favorite flavor in America for candy, cookies, and other sweets.) The number of bars handed out equaled the number of smiles that appeared. These teachers get high marks for knowing what many of us already know: chocolate is good for us. The students munching on their snack know that chocolate make us happier. It also makes us heart healthy—and fights disease. (transitional line)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OUR WORK PERIOD REFER to “Writing the Hook” in your writing journals + BACKGROUND INFO from your graphic organizer Decide on two types of “hooks” that might work with your information/topic. Write two different hooks (one paragraph each) Pair up; take turns reading hook(s) aloud. Each listener: fill out feedback sheet for one hook.

Hook was engaging; it really got my attention. Name____________________________My partner was_____________________ ______________ OUR GOAL COMMENT Hook was engaging; it really got my attention. Hook was not generic—used BACKGROUND INFO. CLAIM was clearly stated. Three clear reasons were included.