INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH HOW TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

AN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH SHOULD: Get the reader's interest so that he or she will want to read more aka, THE HOOK. Let the reader know what the writing is going to be about via the central claim statement!  The claim statement is the best way to let your reader know what you are going to be writing about.  Your claim should be the answer to a question or address the issue you are trying to argue within your essay.

ACCORDING TO PROFESSIONAL WRITERS, THESE ARE THE MOST COMMON WAYS TO INTRODUCE A PAPER… 1) historical review 2) anecdotal 3) surprising statement

HISTORICAL REVIEW: Some topics are better understood if a brief historical review of the topic is presented to lead into the discussion of the moment. If writing an essay on technology, topics might include but should not be limited to:  “a history of technology through the years"  “a history of effective parenting techniques”  "drug addiction and the younger generation" Remember keep these reviews brief and related to the topic!!!

EXAMPLE #1 In the 50’s, a snapshot of the average American family consists of mother, father and two point five children sitting around the table enjoying a meal of pot roast, wearing smiles on their faces, discussing the trials and joys of the day. Spring forward to 2013, a snapshot of the average American family consists of mom, dad and two point five children sitting around a restaurant table awaiting a meal. Mom and Dad are on their tablets finishing up last minute s and the children are playing Angry Birds on their Iphone. In the short story, The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, the children became addicted to technology because their parents were too involved in their own lives to set boundaries and communicate. Instant entertainment in the form of electronic games has caused parents to forget essential parenting skills and resort to using technology to raise their children, resulting in an early childhood addiction to technology.

ANECDOTAL An anecdote is a little story. Everyone loves to listen to stories. Begin a paper by relating a small story that leads into the topic of your paper.  Your story should be a small episode  Not a full blown story with characters and plot and setting. One caution: be sure that your story does not take over the paper. Remember, it is an introduction, not the paper.

EXAMPLE #2 The clock on the bedside table read 7:30. Something was wrong. Aisha always got up at 7:10 in order to jump in the shower before her parents. She must have forgotten to set her alarm he dad mused, still have asleep. Hauling himself out of bed he ambled down the hall to Aisha’s room and knocked. No answer. Opening the door he allowed his eyes to adjust to the light. A cry caught in his throat when he focused on Aisha, slumped in a chair with a note next to her limp form. “I cannot live in a house where my parents are so insensitive that they would take away facebook and I cannot live without facebook.” Aisha’s father crumpled to the floor remembering the argument from the night before. Aisha’s suicide was caused by technology addiction brought on by lazy parenting. In the short story, The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, the children become addicted to technology because their parents were too involved in their own lives to set boundaries and communicate. Instant entertainment in the form of electronic games has caused parents to forget essential parenting skills and resort to using technology to raise their children which results in an early childhood addiction to technology.

SURPRISING STATEMENT A surprising statement is a favorite introductory technique of professional writers. There are many ways a statement can surprise a reader.  it is disgusting.  it is joyful.  it is shocking.  it is surprising because of who said it. Professional writers have honed this technique to a fine edge. It is not used as much as the first two patterns, but it is used. Give it a try!!!

EXAMPLE #3 Do you know what most parents need? A good solid reality check! A large dose of cold water over the head! Every parent dreams that their child will grow up to be just like them, and the fact of the matter is that they are! Children are growing up to text, tweet and twitter in tandem with their parents. Infants are entertained by the touch screen of a tablet while mommies have a ladies lunch downtown. This reliance on technology is detrimental to both parent and child. In the short story, The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, the children become addicted to technology because their parents were too involved in their own lives to set boundaries and communicate. Instant entertainment in the form of electronic games has caused parents to forget essential parenting skills and resort to using technology to raise their children which results in an early childhood addiction to technology.

DON’T FORGET A CLARIFYING SENTENCE! Make sure to mention what you are actually going to be writing about! If you will be quoting a book, may sure to mention the title, if not, make sure the briefly discuss the issue that you are discussing. This clarifying sentence(s) acts as the transition between the hook and the thesis.

THINGS NOT TO DO IN AN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Apologize for your lack of knowledge. Never suggest that you don't know what you're talking about or that you're not enough of an expert in this matter that your opinion would matter. Your reader will quickly turn to something else. Avoid phrases like the following:  In my [humble] opinion...  I'm not sure about this, but... Announce your intentions. Do not flatly announce what you are about to do in an essay.  In this paper I will...  The purpose of this essay is to...