10 TH GRADE ELA: ESSAY WRITING Parts of the Introduction

The Pyramid Scheme  Introductions move from the general to the specific.  A strong introduction begins with a big statement known as a hook and narrows until you get to your thesis and final supportive sentence.  Think of it as an upside down pyramid or triangle:

The 4 parts of an Introduction: Hook: This introduces the idea of your paper Linking Sentences: This transitions from the ideas to the story Thesis: This is the idea you will prove or explain Supporting Details: This is telling the audience how you will prove or explain your thesis

Sample Introduction In today's society, education is important if a person wants to be successful. It opens doors of opportunities so that a person has a choice in what to do with his or her life. Without education, many of those doors close until you are left with very few choices. In Sandra Cisneros' short story "A Smart Cookie", Esperanza's mother is in the very same position. The author expresses the theme of the importance of education and the idea that it provides opportunities by showing what happens when you do not have the luxury of choice in your life. To convey this theme, Cisneros emphasizes the protagonist’s characterization of shame and the resulting internal conflict that has left her life dissatisfied. Hook Linking Sent. Thesis Suppor ting Details

Now you try:  Here is your practice prompt:  Which is the best holiday on the calendar?