1. WRITING AN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

2. Why do people write?  To express themselves; to understand themselves and to find meaning in their own lives  To inform, explain, or explore; to provide knowledge, facts, or data to other people; to make something clear and understandable; to investigate an idea or problem  To persuade; to convince other people to do something or believe something  To create literary works; to be creative with language; to say something in a unique way

3. Essay In 8 th grade an essay should include at least 5 paragraphs Paragraph- In 8 th grade, each paragraph should consist of 5 sentences with the exception of the first and last paragraph. The first paragraph (introductory) can have 3 -5 sentences but must include a thesis sentence and a hook. Thesis Sentence- A sentence stating the main idea of the essay. Hook- A technique in writing that gets the reader’s attention. A hook might be to ask a question, open with an anecdote, scenario, or example; open with an unusual or startling fact, idea, or opinion; addressing the reader directly, or directly stating the topic or thesis

4. Introductory Paragraph -is the first paragraph of the essay -its purpose is to lure your reader in, make it so interesting that they want to read more about your topic. -Includes a hook, connecting thoughts(transitional sentences), and a thesis statement (main idea)

5. Thesis Statement Is a complete sentence that presents a view point about a topic, which can be defended or shown through the essay A thesis statement should not be a simple fact or statement.

6. This not That Examples- (This)Putting a child into kindergarten before he or she is emotionally or physically ready can have several unfortunate effects on a child. (Not That) In the United States Kindergarten is not required by law.

7. More examples of well-written thesis statements A healthy breakfast is said to be an important meal of the day, because it gives the person all the essential nutrients that the body requires, and also help the body in facing the challenges of the day. ► As children love to indulge in fast foods and spend their time in front of the television or by playing video games, obesity has become a common health problem for them. ► Though people argue that examinations cause stress and tension in students, they are important in evaluating the student's knowledge.

8. Hook-Attention Getting Devices Anecdote- a brief incident that relates to the theme of an essay Startling Fact or opinion-a piece of information that will get the reader’s attention Rhetorical Question- a meaningful, unanswerable question that gets the reader thinking about your topic Quotation- someone else’s words that relate to the topic Description- a brief description of a scene, person, or object that appeals to the readers senses

9. Transitional Sentences Acts like a bridge to make a smooth connection between the hook and the thesis sentence Think of the introductory paragraph like a sandwich. The hook and the Thesis sentence(s) are the bread. The transitional sentences are the meat and cheese in between.

10. What not to do in the introduction Avoid telling the reader that you are beginning your essay. In this essay I will discuss…. I will talk about… I am going to prove… Do not apologize in your essay Although I am not an expert… In my opinion…

11. Example Example (Topic: Choosing a lifelong career) Hook- Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, could spend one million dollars per day, every day, seven days a week and would not run out of money until he was 311 years old! Transition Sentences-Most would agree that he has reached a point of financial security. In fact, it would be almost impossible to figure out how one could spend one million dollars per day. Thesis-For most Americans, finding an occupation that is satisfying, earning enough money to live comfortably, and figuring out a realistic blend between work and leisure are three essential factors in beginning one’s career.