Quick notes on how to write an intro Write your intro! Pre AP Do Now: Paper for notes Agenda: Quick notes on how to write an intro Write your intro!

Introduction Hook Bridge Thesis broad Relevant info/connection specific

Hook Getting your reader’s attention. You do this by making a general statement that anybody can understand/relate to. Although your statement is general, it should still be connected to the ideas in your thesis. NO-NOS – You may not use: Questions: You are not allowed to address the reader. Quotes: Rarely done correctly and a cop-out Definitions: Cop-out and unnecessary in most cases

My thesis (aka position statement) Americans should not willingly give up their individual freedoms. Doing so could result in loss of privacy, loss of protection, and loss of identity. Authors George Orwell, someone else, and someone else, use their works to inform their audience of these possible dangers. (Thesis includes my position on the topic and the possible consequences)

My hook: Actions have consequences. This is a lesson most individuals have been taught since childhood. This is a statement that anyone can understand Notice how my hook relates to the idea of “consequences” in my thesis

Bridge You must connect your hook to your thesis in a logical manner. This is where you would introduce necessary background info for your audience to fully understand the topic.

Put it all together… Actions have consequences. This is a lesson most individuals have been taught since childhood. It is understood that if one makes a decision, he or she will have to live with the results of that decision. Today, however, Americans are having to deal with the consequences of other people’s actions. Since September 11th, 2001, and the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C., citizens have lost certain freedoms in the name of keeping America safe. The NSA and other government and private agencies have taken away the average citizen's right to privacy, telling them it is for their own good. Many, like author H.L. Mencken believe, “The average man does not want to be free.  He simply wants to be safe,” but this is simply not true. It has been proven time and again that Americans value freedom above all else, and  therefore Americans should not willingly give up their individual freedoms. Doing so could result in loss of privacy, loss of protection, and loss of identity.  Authors George Orwell, someone else, and someone else, use their works to inform their audience of these possible dangers.

Genre Agenda: The House of the Scorpion Story Board Directions to follow

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A CHAPTER: Look back through the chapter. Determine the four most important events of the chapter. These could be: Events that move the plot forward Events that caused a major turning point in the novel Events that made the reader see or understand something they had not seen before Summarize the event in your own words Find a direct quote that reflects whatever event you’ve chosen and write it out with page number Draw a picture that literally illustrates the event. Make sure you are picking events from throughout the chapter (not just the first pages) and are putting the events in chronological order!

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A CHARACTER: Look back through the entire novel so far. Determine the four most important events in the life of the character in the novel. These could be: In important description of character An important turning point in the nature or personality of the character Something major that happened or was said to the character Something major that happened or was said by the character Summarize the event in your own words Find a direct quote that reflects whatever event you’ve chosen and write it out with page number Draw a picture that literally illustrates the event. Make sure you are picking events from throughout the novel (not just the first pages/chapters) and are putting the events in chronological order!