1. Introductory Paragraphs
A How-To Guide

2. How do you “grab” an audience?
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/writing.

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 (both sides!).
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
Others: Anecdote or Statistic

8. Ex: General Statement Introduction
Almost every time the television is turned on, a number of extremely violent shows are being aired.
Many public schools have decided that their students should wear uniforms.
In the United States of America, the public burning of the nation’s flag has become a common sight.

9. Ex: Question Introduction
Is the excessive violence on prime time television harmful to viewers?
Would requiring public school students to wear uniforms improve their education?
Should citizens be allowed 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 fewer 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 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 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 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 (both sides of issue).
Clearly state your position.
Provide three reasons to support your claim.