Introductory Paragraph Book Analysis

What is the purpose of an introduction? An introductory paragraph catches the reader’s interest, provides essential background information, and prepares the reader for what’s ahead (thesis).

What should be included in your introduction? A hook Introduce title and author Background information Characters Context THESIS STATEMENT

The Hook Never, EVER use a question Should be a general statement Can be a fact or interesting bit of information A meaningful quotation Can be from the novel Can be a different quote that is relevant to the topic

Background Information/Context Introduce the character(s) that will be mentioned in the essay Any other relevant information the reader needs to know about the novel (i.e., setting)

EXAMPLE Knowledge is power. During the nineteenth century in the United States, slave masters prevented their slaves from learning to read and write as a tool of exclusion in a culture that was dominated by white males. In The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass explores the importance of literacy as a path to freedom and has an awakening that encourages him to educate himself. Although literacy does not provide immediate liberty, it gives him the will to try and escape. He goes against his master’s wishes and learns how to read and write. Douglass emphasizes the importance of literacy in his autobiography because it helps him to realize his humanity and it gives him the strength to escape from slavery, ultimately showing that slavery and education are not compatible.

THESIS STATEMENT Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction. If you have already introduced the title and author of the novel, you do not need to include it again here.

Other Information STAY IN 3RD PERSON! Never say “I” Don’t give away too much information in the intro. Make sure everything preceding the thesis flows and ultimately connects to the thesis. Does not need to be a “full” paragraph 4-6 sentences