1. Opening Paragraphs Goals of an opening paragraph:
Catch the reader’s attention
Tell the reader what the essay will be about (thesis statement)
Give the reader any background information that will be needed

2. Opening Paragraphs
Two methods
Dragnet
Surprising statement

3. Opening Paragraphs Dragnet Just the facts
Global warming is a major issue in the world. Studies show that the earth is slowly warming which could cause catastrophic consequences for all living things on our planet. Despite all of these warnings, our country does not do enough to combat the crisis of climate change and we need to start doing more.

4. Opening Paragraphs Surprising statement
Engage your reader by showing them how shocking something is
Can you imagine a world without polar bears? Crazy, isn’t it? The sad truth however is that global warming is causing polar bears to be killed at alarmingly high rates and scientists do not believe the species will survive more than 100 years. Despite these facts, our country does not do much to slow climate change and that needs to end.