1. “Of all those arts in which the wise excel, Nature’s chief masterpiece is writing well.” - John Sheffield, Duke of Buckinghamshire British Statesman (1648-1721)

2. Intro. Paragraph with Thesis Statement* Body Par. #1 Body Par. #2 Body Par. #3 (optional) Concluding Paragraph

3. Start with a “hook.” Mention the title, author and genre (TAG) and add a couple focus sentences that lead to the thesis statement. The thesis statement is a debatable claim or point you wish to prove. Introductory Paragraph -- Like a funnel, start with a broad connection to the topic and then hone in on your point (thesis). Diagram

4.  1. Grab the reader’s attention.  2. Provide any necessary background information.  3. Establish appropriate tone and level of formality of the essay.  4. State your thesis clearly and concisely.

5.  The first paragraph in your essay. It begins creatively in order to catch your reader’s interest (HOOK), provides essential background about the literary work, and prepares the reader for your major thesis.  The introduction must include the title, author, and genre (TAG) of the work as well as an explanation of the theme to be discussed.  The major thesis goes in this paragraph, at the end.

6.  the beginning sentences of the introduction that catch the reader’s interest. Ways of beginning creatively include the following: Hook Options:  A shocking statement  Ask a startling question  3) A meaningful quotation (from the work or another source)  Describe an imaginary scenario  5) Begin with an anecdote  Set the scene with interesting background information  Adapt a familiar quote or phrase to your subject matter.

7.  TAG -- acronym for title, author, genre  T- title of the work  A- author of the work – who wrote it  G- genre - tell whether the literature selection is a  Novel  Play  short story  Poem  Essay

8.  a statement that provides the subject and overall opinion of your essay. Many thesis statements explicitly outline the major points of the body paragraphs.  Thesis Statement Formula  Subject + Opinion = Thesis Statement

9.  Brainstorm  Which political or historical figures will you discuss in your essay?  Will you have enough information i.e. quotes, examples, to support your topic.  Rough Draft  Thesis statement ▪ Run your ideas by Mrs. Hildenbrand  Introduction

10.  Rough draft of:  Introduction ▪ Good solid six to seven sentences ▪ Includes the following: ▪ Hook ▪ Background information ▪ TAG ▪ Thesis statement  Mrs. Hildenbrand will check tomorrow. All elements must be present or no points will be awarded.