1. Introductory Paragraphs A How-To Guide

2. Objective: How do you “grab” an audience?

3. Keep in mind that… Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, “Hello!” You should not yet get into the “meat” of your essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your purpose for speaking.

4. Remember, your introduction… Is the most important paragraph of your essay. Must be five sentences minimum. Needs to do three things: Briefly introduce the topic. Clearly state your position. Provide three reasons to support your claim.

5. Though there are different methods… I recommend that you choose one particular method and perfect it. Why?

6. Because… With practice, you will become an expert on this particular method. Moreover, if you already know how you will begin your essay, you will be more prepared, relaxed, and confident.

7. Types of Introductions: General Statement Introduction Question Introduction Quotation Introduction

8. Ex: General Statement Introduction Almost every time that you turn on the television, you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms. In the United States of America, the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.

9. Ex: Question Introduction Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Should we allow citizens to burn the United States flag in public?

10. Ex: Quotation Introduction A recent article in Time magazine states that “the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities.” The Monitor recently conducted a study and concluded that “students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have less problems and perform better academically.” A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that “most Americans are very much against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity.”

11. In the next three slides, you will view completed introductory paragraphs.

12. General Statement Introduction Today, smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere. Others are not nearly as harsh. It is crucial, however, that smoking is outlawed, as it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. Topic Introduced Lead-in to Thesis – (Summary of Both Sides) Thesis Statement

13. Question Introduction Should smoking be banned in public places? The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere. Others are not nearly as harsh. It is crucial, however, that smoking is outlawed, as it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. Topic Introduced Lead-in to Thesis – (Summary of Both Sides) Thesis Statement

14. Quotation Introduction In The Monitor, it was recently stated that “smoking is the greatest threat to our health” (49). The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere. Others are not nearly as harsh. It is crucial, however, that smoking is outlawed, as it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. Topic Introduced Lead-in to Thesis – (Summary of Both Sides) Thesis Statement

15. Final Reminders Be concise and to the point. Save the detail for your body paragraphs. Include at least five sentences. Do the following three things: Briefly introduce the topic. Clearly state your position. Provide three reasons to support your claim.