Introductory Paragraph César E. Chávez Campus Writing the Introductory Paragraph by

Introductory Paragraph Your introductory paragraph will briefly introduce the topic, clearly state your position, and provide the three reasons to prove your point (use the word “because”)

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.

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. These are three different example of how you can begin your paragraph. Notice that in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.

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 Statement

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? If you begin your essay by asking a question, it usually takes you to the heart of the problem quickly.

Question 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 Statement

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 San Diego Tribune recently conducted a study and concluded that students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have less problems and perform better academically. An article in The Californian states that most Americans are against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity. You can begin an essay by providing some information from a magazine or newspaper you might have read. This introduction is more difficult to write but just as effective as the others.

Quotation Introduction It was recently stated in the San Diego Tribune 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 Statement

Remember Be concise and to the point. Do not go into too much detail. Write your thesis statement as the last sentence which introduces topic, states your position, and provides the three reasons that will become your topic sentences for your three supporting paragraphs