Introductory Paragraph for an Essay

Intro Paragraph Hook Topic Sentence: THESIS STATEMENT Main Points briefly listed: ROAD MAP

Hook Sentence(s) Purpose: to grab the attention of the reader– keep them reading! Possible hooks: Thought provoking question SAMPLE: PEER PRESSURE What’s the matter? Are you chicken? I wondered about Joe. The beanie was pretty normal for him, but when did the cigarette become part of his outfit?

Another Hook: Scenario-scene Paint an image or picture for the reader– describe a scenario/scene DO NOT USE THE WORD “IMAGINE”– you may use the word “picture” SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT PEER PRESSURE: Kyle was at the Highlands one Saturday with his buddies when a high school kid approached him and asked if he wanted some pot.

More Hook Sentences Interesting fact or anecdote (story) Quotation or Dialogue Short dramatic statement– or one word. SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Animal Farm: Tyranny. SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Outsiders: Gallant. Outrageous claim/fact/statistic

Thesis Statement Purpose: introduce your argument or position or issue Restate question or issue Indicate your position WITHOUT WRITING “in this essay I will” --NEVER DO THAT

Road Map (list main points) Purpose: lets reader know where the essay is headed and in what order main points will be addressed Sample: THESIS: One of the main themes of “RTT” is bravery sometimes comes in unexpectedly small packages. ROAD MAP: Kipling demonstrates this through Darzee’s wife, who feigns injury, and through Rikki’s final fight with Nagaina.