How to Write an Introductory Paragraph       An introductory paragraph is like a greeting. The paragraph should be short and to the point-- like saying, “Hello! Let me lead you through my ideas.” The introductory paragraph simply  gives your reader a concise idea of your essay’s purpose, like a map. 

Remember: that the introductory paragraph . . . Is the most important paragraph of the essay Must be at least three sentences. Needs to do three things: Briefly introduce the topic Cleary state your position Provide  three  reasons 

Grabbers—Not the main idea! Ways to begin introductory paragraphs. General statement   Question Citing an Authority

Grabber Examples: General Statement Almost every time you turn on the television you can find extremely violent shows. Some public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms. The public murder of prison inmates is sanctioned in some states—it is called “capital punishment.”

Grabber Examples: Question   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 the government sponsor murder, even of violent criminals?     

Grabber Examples of Citing an Authority 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 Monitor” recently conducted a study which concludes that students in schools where uniforms are mandatory have fewer academic problems. A recent article in “The Olympian” states that most Americans are against capital punishment and are in favor of passing a law banning it. 

Example: General Statement Introductory Paragraph           Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind.  Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere, while others are not so harsh.  I believe that tobacco  should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health. It causes premature deaths and it can debilitate people at an early age, something the country cannot afford.

Example of Introductory Paragraph Beginning with a Question              What do you think about banning smoking? Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere, while others are not so harsh.  I believe that tobacco  should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health. It causes premature deaths and it can debilitate people at an early age, something the country cannot afford.

Example of Citing an Authority Introductory Paragraph   “The Monitor” recently conducted a study which concludes that students in schools where uniforms are mandatory have fewer problems. Students who wear uniforms do better academically because they are not concerned about their clothing. Uniformed kids don’t worry about who has more than they do, and therefore have less anxiety. What’s more, since there is only one cost for a uniform, the cost for clothing is less, so that there is less financial stress in their families. Wearing a uniform to school is a good thing for kids.      

Final Reminders about Introductory Paragraphs Be concise and to the point. Do not go into too much detail—save this for later paragraphs. Write at least three sentences. You must do three things:       introduce topic            state your position or point            provide main support topics--3