Intriguing Introduction Paragraphs Your introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay.  You immediately want to grab your reader's attention.  Then you want to inform your reader about what you are writing about and finish the paragraph with the argument of the paper—essentially, the thesis statement

The Parts of an Introduction Paragraph 1. Attention Getter: 2-4 Sentences You grab your reader’s attention while connecting your scenario to the novel in some way. Please, do not begin with “Did you know…” kinds of questions!

Attention Getter: 2-4 Sentences Instead, begin your paper with: A legitimate fact or statistic related to the writing prompt and/or the argument you intend to make in your paper A scenario related to the writing prompt and/or the argument you intend to make in your paper A significant quotation (avoid using quotations from the book you are writing about) Whatever option you choose, it must be obvious how the scenario, fact, or quotation relates to the literature.

Example Attention Getter: (write this example down) Scenario Imagine a world devoured by corruption, chaos, and sheer anarchy. A world where children have no role models to teach them right from wrong.

2.Bridge/Background Information. : 1-2 Sentences -Provides a brief plot snippet – DO NOT re-tell the entire story!!! -Consider what the prompt is asking and try to explain elements of the story that relate to the writing prompt.

Example of Bridge: A good leader uses his or her power for the benefit of everybody and not for selfish gain. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, a group of boys is stranded on an island where, for the first time in their lives, there are no adults to take care of them and no one to look up to for guidance.

3.Thesis Statement Your thesis statement should be your last sentence in your introduction paragraph.