Writing an Introduction Copy the information!!!

If your thesis has not been approved—see me before you begin! What is a Thesis? A thesis is a sentence that makes an argument -- says something that has to be proven or backed-up. When you read or hear a good thesis statement, your reaction will be "Really?" or "How do you figure that?" or "Oh yeah? Prove it!" or "That sounds interesting -- tell me more." In short, a thesis will set up the paper and prepare the reader to consider the evidence. If your thesis has not been approved—see me before you begin!

First Sentences (1-2) If using print reference: state the title, author, and give a brief summary of the basic plot of the story If an expository, descriptive, research or persuasive: use a catchy introduction. Examples include an interesting fact, a question to the reader, amazing statistics or percentages (1 out of every 3…), etc. You will need to draw your reader’s attention in the first sentence. Example: “It is impossible to fathom, but one out of every four teenagers has dealt with the effects of cancer. “ Make it work for your topic!

Middle Sentences (3-4) Move from broad overview of subject (sports) to specific topic (National Football League) of your essay You may use a citation or explanation to the definition of topic. You want to draw your reader in—make it something interesting! Support your first claim (introductory sentence) and set the tone

Last Sentences (1-2): THESIS You must include the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph as your last sentence You must lay out (in order) what upcoming body paragraphs will discuss; this is an outline for your paper. Thesis must always have parallel structure. You may have more than three points to make in your thesis, but you will have to address each of these topics in your paper.

Sample To most Southern Americans, fall is a symbol of more than just leaves falling off of the trees and changing into your long-sleeved clothing. It is more than the crispness of the air and the wind whipping around you. To many Southern Americans, fall means the start of one of the world’s most physical sports: football. As a football player, I, too, am in this majority that gets overly excited about getting the opportunity to tackle, to run and to throw the football with my teammates in the fall. I have played football for the past twelve years, and I plan to play next year when I go to college as well. I have always loved the game, but it has given me more than an athletic prowess. Football has given me life lessons about respect, honesty, determination, and friendship, and for that I will be eternally grateful. However, football has not always been as advanced as it is today. Football has changed over the past 150 years from helmets to shoes to rules, and these changes have made football accessible to all levels of people. Football, an exciting sport at all levels from high school, college to professional, has changed throughout the years.

Do NOT… Tell “In this essay, you will read about…” or tell me “My topic is about…” When it is avoidable, do not use first person! Do not use an informal tone.

MLA Format Typed, double-spaced Times New Roman 1 inch margins (do not try to alter this; turnitin.com will pick up on it) Size 12 font (for me, please make it size 14) See set-up for headings

MLA Heading Your name My name (Mrs. Dana Atkins) English Class (English III Honors, class period) Date (Day Month Year) 27 January 2014 Title of your research Practice

Any questions?