Introduction Paragraphs Hooks and Thesis Statements

Introduction Paragraph Hook Necessary background OR Transition Thesis Hook- Grab reader’s attention Background- Introduce the topic OR Transition- Sentence(s) that connect your hook to the thesis Thesis-Summarize your claim and evidence

Hooks Catches the reader’s attention right away First sentence of your introduction

Types of Hooks Quotation “You are what you eat” is an expression that is familiar to many. When it comes to restaurant eating, though, many people may not realize what, exactly, they really are eating. “When trying to stay fit, I avoid eating in restaurants. I know they will derail my diet.” Beyonce understands the fact that dining out does not equal healthy eating.

Types of Hooks Question should NOT be a simple yes/no answer be careful – it is dangerous to assume the reader cares about the answer. Do you know the nutrition information from your favorite restaurant foods ?

Types of Hooks Intriguing statement startling fact that will surprise and intrigue readers OR broad statement readers can relate to Recent research shows that 245 chain restaurants do not meet national nutrition requirements. 80% of Americans go out to eat at least once per week.

Types of Hooks Anecdote Brief story that is an example, or captures the attitude/tone, or the issue, tone, or topic you are writing about Adrienne Harms sat down with friends at her favorite chain restaurant, Chili’s, two weeks ago. Recently diagnosed with celiac disease, she looked forward to ordering a new menu item advertised as being gluten- free. Only an hour after this supposedly celiac-friendly meal, however, Harms was sick to the point of needing hospitalization. Sadly, hers is not the only story of restaurants failing to provide healthy, safe meal options.

Types of Hooks Imagine Statement Create a “verbal picture” that will help readers imagine a scenario related to your idea Imagine sitting down in front of your favorite restaurant meal. Perhaps it is a slice of pizza, fresh out of the pizza oven, dripping with cheese. Maybe it is a bed of fluffy, steamy white rice topped with a sweet-smelling sauce and piping-hot chicken and vegetables. It could be a grilled burger, oozing barbeque sauce, barely contained by two toasty buns. Regardless of what your favorite restaurant meal is, one thing is for certain: while it may taste good, it is most definitely not good for you.

Which sentences is the hook? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.

Which sentences is the hook? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.

Background 2-3 sentences providing a basic overview of the topic In the middle of intro paragraph (between hook and thesis) What do readers need to know about your subject (in order to understand your thesis)?

Which sentences is background? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.

Which sentences is background? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.

Transition If you decide to save background information for the first body paragraph, you will need to make sure you smoothly transition from the hook to the thesis. “You are what you eat” is an expression that is familiar to many. When it comes to restaurant eating, though, many people may not realize what, exactly, they really are eating. Restaurant food is frequently very unhealthy for its diners.

Thesis Statement Purpose: Give a preview of your paper Claim and evidence In our case…. my debatable claim and and my three big ideas for evidence (based off of your essential questions)

Thesis Claim + 3 pieces of evidence, written as a statement Research Question: In what ways are restaurants failing to provide healthy dining options for customers? Thesis: Restaurants do not provide a healthy dining experience for customers because the menu items are not nutritious, the portions sizes are too big, and there are few options for those with special dietary needs.

Which sentences is the thesis? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.

Which sentence is the thesis? Imagine an entire generation plagued with diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and gallstones. These can be health results of obesity, an epidemic that is not only taking over our adult population but now impacts over 18% of our nation’s children (Smith 12). In order to be considered obese, children must have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, at or above the 95 th percentile (Dern). Since body mass increases due to a lack of exercise and poor diet, obesity can be easily avoided with changes and monitoring. Childhood obesity is preventable because we can promote healthy food choices, increase exciting exercise options, and implement school policies.