An Introduction to the Introduction HOW TO WRITE EFFECTIVELY FROM THE START.

The Hook  Your opening sentence(s) should hook the reader’s attention.  a.k.a. grabber/lead sentence  Lure in your audience.  Do NOT give away the specifics of your topic.

Types of Hooks  No “one size fits all” formula.  What works best for you, the purpose of the prompt, and for your audience ?

Types of Hooks 1. Imagine Statement :  “Ask” the reader to picture or imagine a scenario that will be addressed later. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?  Imagine Statement : Imagine a classroom full of eager students who are ready to learn and quiet as mice. This could happen if we were only allowed to have free time.

Now, You Try…  Prompt : Why is it so important to follow school rules?  Hook : ? Or  Prompt : If you were a professional athlete, which sport would you play and why?  Hook : ?

Types of Hooks 2. Dialogue :  Open with dialogue.  Must use quotation marks and proper punctuation. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : Write about a traumatic event that has happened in your life.  Dialogue : “Get out of the house, now!” Dad screamed as the blazing fire rushed toward us.

Now, You Try…  Prompt : If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?  Hook : ? Or  Prompt : If you were turned into a teacher for one day, what would you do?  Hook : ?

Types of Hooks 3. The Riddle :  Open with a riddle for the reader to solve. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : Write about a time you were influenced by peer pressure.  The Riddle : What can sneak up on you, influence you greatly, and get you into trouble? I will never forget the time my supposed friends pushed me to do something I never should have done.

Now, You Try…  Prompt : Tell about a time when you forgot to do something very important.  Hook : ? Or  Prompt : You have been asked to plan an after- school program for your school. Think about activities that students might enjoy. Write about this after-school program.  Hook : ?

Types of Hooks 4. Famous Quote :  Begin with a well-known (or not-so-well-known) quote.  From a book, song, person, etc. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?  Famous Quote : As Thoreau once said, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” When I look in the mirror, I see just another human being, one with a major physical flaw...

Now, You Try…  Prompt : You just found out that the world will end in three days. Explain how you would spend the remainder of your time on earth?  Hook : ? OR  Prompt : Everyone has experienced fear at one point in their lives. Think about a time when you were afraid. Explain why this was such a fearful event.  Hook : ?

Types of Hooks 5. Imagery : (Sensory Language)  Description of a place or situation.  Appeals to the five senses.  Can be purposeful fragments. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : Write about the best family vacation ever.  Imagery : Sitting silently on the crowded beach, listening to the echoes of seagulls screeching overhead, I remember breathing in the salty, coconut air.

Now, You Try…  Prompt : Why should students have free time at school?  Hook : ? OR  Prompt : Whether young or old, everyone has imagined their own version of an ideal day. Think about what you would do. Explain why this would be your perfect day.  Hook : ?

Types of Hooks 6. Brief Anecdote :  Begin with a quick story or personal experience relating to the topic.  Two-three sentences. EXAMPLE:  Prompt : There have been many inventions that have impacted the world. What has been the most beneficial invention? Explain why.  Anecdote : When I was in middle school, nothing brought more happiness to my life than music. Just relaxing on my bed, letting my mind freely flow to the vibes of Bob Marley, I was content. However, this satisfaction would not be fulfilled without the iPod.

Now, You Try…  Prompt : Who is your hero? Why?  Hook : ? OR  Prompt : There have been many inventions that have impacted the world. What has been the most beneficial invention? Explain why.  Hook : ?

 Thesis Statement :  Reveals the two OR three main points of your paper.  Usually combined into a single, complex sentence.  Usually the last sentence(s) of your introduction.  A “road map” for your reader.  1 st point = 1 st body paragraph  2 nd point = 2 nd body paragraph  3 rd point = 3 rd body paragraph

Example  Prompt : Eating healthy foods is important. Explain why you should eat healthy foods.  Thesis Statement :  Without a doubt, maintaining a nutritious diet is highly beneficial, increasing energy levels, enhancing one’s physique, and most importantly, preventing potential illness. 1 st body paragraph = energy 2 nd body paragraph = physique 3 rd body paragraph = illness prevention

Example (Together)  Prompt : Explain the potential benefits of attending college.  Brainstorm possible points.  What are some potential benefits?  What works best for you, your purpose, and your audience ?  Thesis Statement : ?

Now, You Try…  Prompt : If you could be a famous person, who would you be, and why?  Thesis Statement : ? OR  Prompt : What is your favorite means of transportation? Explain why.  Thesis Statement : ?

Thus, the Introductory Paragraph…  Hook + Thesis Statement = Introductory Paragraph  You may need a transitional word, phrase, or sentence to connect your hook and thesis statement.

Now, You Try…  Instructions: 1. Select one of the previous prompts. 2. From that prompt, choose the most suitable type of hook. 3. Lure in the audience. 4. Brainstorm possible points to create a thesis statement. 5. Connect your hook and your thesis statement. 6. Now, you have written an introductory paragraph.

Peer Review  After writing your introductory paragraph, share with THREE of your peers for constructive feedback.  On a sticky note, peers will identify the following: 1. Type of hook used, rating effectiveness on a scale of Two-three points of thesis statement, rating effectiveness on a scale of One positive, one negative comment (Be constructive!) 4. Sign your name as well.