Creating an introductory paragraph We will discover four new methods of writing hooks for an introductory paragraph.

A hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay A hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay. It serves as an introduction and works to grab the reader's attention. A quote or well known saying A definition Imagine Statement Snapshot

Quote or well known saying “What goes around comes around” “Always treat people how you want to be treated.” Just make sure you explain how the quote fits the prompt you are writing about. It should lead into your thesis, not stand alone as a quote with no explanation.

“ The city that never sleeps “ The city that never sleeps.” This saying has been used to describe New York City for many years. This is because as a big city, there are many things to do. THESIS: Therefore, a large city is a great place to live because there is more job opportunities and entertainment.

A definition (you may use similes, metaphors) Success can be defined as having a long, happy life with friends and family to share it with. Friendship is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs but in the end, the thrill makes it worthwhile. Avoid using dictionary definitions to start your composition. It’s overused and ineffective. Readers want your perspective.

A city is like a gift. It gives you opportunity. THESIS: Therefore, a large city is a great place to live because there are more job opportunities and entertainment.

Imagine Statement Imagine a world with no laws. People would be gunned down on the streets with little or no reason. Thieves would steal anything and everything with no fear of consequences. People and property would never be safe. Without laws, society would be a dangerous and corrupt place. Write an imagine statement about the opposite of what you will explain.

Imagine a small farm. There is only one job to do, and it is physical and dirty. When work is finished, you are far from everything. There are no movies, restaurants or people to see. THESIS: Therefore, it is better to live in a large city because there are more job opportunities and entertainment.

Snapshot It was the last five seconds of the game. The rain was pouring down. The ball came to me and I knew what I had to do. There was no fear and years of practice and hard work came down to this moment. I kicked the ball, it swished behind the net. Success is always a positive attitude and hard work. Paint a picture in the reader’s mind of an event that matches your topic.

I hear different languages on the street. I decide to grab lunch I hear different languages on the street. I decide to grab lunch. Should I get tacos, pizza, falafel or a hotdog? There are many options for everything here. THESIS: Therefore, a large city is a great place to live because there are more job opportunities and entertainment.

NOTICE!!! The thesis (position) statement goes after the hook. It is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. In order for the paragraph to flow smoothly, a transition word must be added to the beginning of the thesis statement. Therefore, a large city is a great place to live because there are more job opportunities and entertainment.

Transitional Words to Introduce Thesis Statements Therefore, Thus, Consequently, Hence, So, Accordingly, Notice the comma?

Now it is our turn to practice the hooks. As a class, we will write one of each of the four hooks for the following thesis statement. Therefore, it is important to have a good friend because it provides companionship and a confidant.

Quote or well known saying and explanation Definition (simile, metaphor) Imagine Statement (about the opposite) Snapshot (personal story)