How to: Introductory Paragraphs Mrs. Steed Mesa High School

Introduction Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. It shouldn’t be extensive and wordy, but short and to the point like saying, “Hello!” Also, this portion shouldn’t contain any of the ‘meat’ of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of the essay’s purpose.

Remember The introductory paragraph must do four things: Grab the reader’s attention Briefly introduce the topic Clearly state your stand or position Provide the infrastructure or blueprint of the essay

First: Grab or Hook the Reader Use a vivid or powerful quotation that has relevance to your topic. Offer an interesting fact or statistic. Ask a thought-provoking question. Anecdote Surprising statement Examples …

Quotes 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. You can begin an essay by providing some information from a magazine, newspaper, or credible source.

Quotes cont. “The average child spends 25 hours a week watching television, more time than they spend in school or engaged in any other activity except sleep” (TV 1).

Interesting Fact/Statistic Through research, it is estimated that by the time an average child leaves elementary school, he or she will have witnessed 8,000 murders and over 100,000 other acts of violence (TV 3).

Thought-provoking Question Bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? You can also begin your essay by asking a question. A question usually takes you to the heart of the problem quickly

Thought-provoking Question However, Avoid asking rhetorical questions: “Have you ever wondered what would happen…” (Also avoid addressing the reader) Using questions to start your essays can be overused, do not use it every time.

Anecdote Throughout my childhood the only thing that I can say remained consistent was watching television with my grandparents… An anecdote is a little story which shows an example and illustrates whatever you're talking about.

Surprising Statement The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary. Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite. There are 1000 different chemicals in a cup of coffee. An unusual fact or startling statistic

Hook: What to Avoid Cliché statements: “Webster’s dictionary defines friendship as …” First person point of view: “In this essay I will show…” Asking rhetorical questions Vague or abstract language Broad generalizations: “Symbolism is a powerful tool used in literature…”

Introductory Paragraph Hook Introduce the topic Thesis Statement Blueprint

Introduce the Topic Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Notice, in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet. With some essays it will be necessary for you to include background information on your topic.

Thesis Statement Main idea Arguable point Justifies discussion Takes a stand Narrowed topic

Blueprint or Infrastructure Outlines exactly what will be addressed in the essay and in what order.

Introductory Checklist The hook/opening sentence engages the reader’s curiosity while remaining academic and sophisticated. The introduction avoids 1st person point of view, slang, and poor diction.

Introductory Checklist Avoid vague and abstract language and slang. The introduction should be clear, logical, and reasonable. Use the same verb tense consistently.

Credits Mrs. Snipes of Troy High School’s English Department Jose J. Gonzalez & NY Times: "Look to Television's Role in Youth Violence” “TV Bloodbath: Violence on Prime Time Broadcast TV”