What is the purpose of an introduction? Introduce the topic Prepare the reader for the subject matter Set the mood Writing an Introduction These notes belong on page 148 of your spiral

“Hook” your audience A good introduction will immediately grab the reader’s attention –B–Begin with a definition –B–Begin with an example –B–Begin with a question –B–Begin with a surprising or shocking statement –B–Begin with a description –B–Begin with an interesting character –B–Begin at the exciting part General definition: “A special place is somewhere Personal definition: “My special place is the #1 place where I feel safe.” General: “Special places can be…” Personal: “I have many special places… when I want to enjoy the company of my friends, we meet at Sally’s Pizza Parlour; when I want to be alone, I escape to the desk under my loft bed to in my journal. However, the special place I share with no one else is the field behind my house.” “Do you have a special place… somewhere only you know about?” “Next spring will mark the 5 th anniversary of my first trip to my special place: the sand dune where I broke my leg.” “The campfire’s aroma wafted across the beach as the salt water tickled my taste buds.” “Fourth of July always meant sharing sparklers with Grandma, and watching her long, thin fingers dance in the firelight.” “OK, I’m ready!” I shouted as I crossed my arms and scooted to the edge of the waterslide.

Some techniques not to use: –D–Don’t announce what you are going to do “In this essay I am going to tell you about...” –A–Avoid putting yourself down “My special place may sound dumb...” Don’t assume your audience knows your topic Write your essay as if it does not have a title! Writing an Introduction