1. Introduction Paragraph
How to Write an
Introduction Paragraph
“One today is worth two tomorrows.” Ben Franklin

2. When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that . . .
Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, “Hello!”
Also, you don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

3. When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that . . .
Intro. paragraphs go from…
BROAD
specific

4. Remember that the introductory paragraph . . .
Is the most important paragraph of the essay
Must be at least words long or three-five sentences MINIMUM
Needs to do several things
Follow AIRS format:
Attract readers attention
Identify the author and title of article (s)
Restate prompt in your own words
State the thesis

5. A Tip for the Intro Paragraph
Though there are many ways to begin a paragraph, be familiar with all, but pick a specific kind to perfect. Why?

6. By using the same method, you will...
Become an expert in this particular method.
Moreover, if you already know how you will begin your essay, you will be more prepared, relaxed, and confident.

7. Breakdown of AIRS Attract readers attention
Identify the author and title of article (s)
Restate prompt in your own words
State the thesis
There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

8. Attract Readers' Attention
Question
General statement introduction
Quotation introduction
Anecdote
Shocking Statement
There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

9. Question
Why is doing the right thing often not the easiest thing to do?.

10. Question
How far should you go to protect people from themselves?

11. Question
Why are people driven by competition?

12. Question Questions can be an simple hook with a bit of practice.
Rememeber! Questions should not be able to be answered with yes or no.
Ex. of a POOR question: Did you know that Canada is pink?

13. General Statement
Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent.

14. General Statement
Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

15. General Statement
In the United States of America the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

16. General Statement
These are three different example of how you can begin your paragraph. If you will notice in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not state your thesis yet.
If we were going to introduce a topic on the novel Code Orange, how could we begin with a general statement?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

17. 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.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

18. Quotation introduction
John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

19. Quotation introduction
“I have a Dream” is one of the most recognized sentences in the world.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

20. Quotation introduction
It important to note that a quote pulled from the texts being written about should have significant meaning.
Meaning it should be one of the following:
Surprising
Interesting
Relevant to thesis or topic

21. Quotation introduction
You can begin an essay by providing some information from a magazine or newspaper you might have read. This introduction is a bit more difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.
If you were going to begin a paper about Code Orange and hook the reader using a quotation, what quotation from the first chapter would you use, and how would you set it up?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

22. Ancedote (setting the scene)
This is a mini narrative where you describe something generally. It should be no longer than 3 sentences!
Example:
Imagine being in the middle of the woods, scared for your life. You hear the dogs searching and barking. You know if any of your passengers move, you will be found.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

23. Ancedote (setting the scene)
This is a mini narrative where you describe something generally. It should be no longer than 3 sentences!
Try It:
If you were going to begin a paper about Code Orange and hook the reader using an anecdote, what might it be?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

24. Shocking Statement
This is a statement that sounds so out of context the reader has to keep reading to figure out where you are going with it and what you mean.
Example:
“You will live seven and a half minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you read this essay.”
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

25. Shocking Statement This is a statement needs to have shock value!
Example: There are more lifeforms living on your skin than there are people on the planet.
This person wrote about the spread of bacteria.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

26. Shocking Statement You can also use a statistic.
Example: Worldwide, 70% of the more than 855 million illiterate adults are women.

27. End of HOOKS presentation!
STOP HERE!
End of HOOKS presentation!

28. Next step: Introduce Author and Article (I) in AIRS
Following the Attract the Readers' Attention sentence needs be a sentence that includes the author and title of the text. If there are two articles, you need to put both in.
Remember that article titles get put in quotes – not underlined!!
“A Woman Called Moses” by Karen Sims…
You practice, using Code Orange.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

29. Restate the prompt in your own words
Using words used in the prompt – restate the prompt.
Can combine it with the author and title sentence.
Example:
“A Woman Called Moses” by Karen Sims conveys several central ideas.
“Trash: Why Recycle” by Mark Jones argues the point of view that recycling is not necessary.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

30. State your Thesis
The thesis should be the last sentence in your introductory paragraphs.
It is – technically- is something that you can prove through evidence you just read
If it is a FACT – it is not a thesis. (It has to be proven)
It is the topic of your essay and what you are saying about the topic.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

31. Examples of Bad Theses Harriet Tubman led 200 slaves to freedom.
The sun is 7.5 million miles away from Earth
Why are these so bad?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

32. Examples of Good Theses
One central idea of the article is that Harriet Tubman is a symbol of freedom, and this is conveyed through...
Why is this so good?
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

33. In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

34. General statement introduction
- Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. Imagine opening a car door and the whole inside of the car is engulfed in a smoky haze. The article “The Side Effects of Smoking” by Susan Henry focuses on several central ideas. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere while others are not so harsh. However, the central point is that tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
Notice that the introduction has three parts. First, you introduce the topic. Then in one or two sentences you lead in to your position and reasons which is the third part, the thesis sentence. Also note that the thesis is stated in one sentence, both position and reasons.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

35. Quotation introduction
John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” In “Our Country is in Trouble” by Susan Johnson, the authors point of view is voiced by her word choice, examples and tone. Today's Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message. We expect our country to take care of us, but we are not taking care of our country.
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002

36. Final reminders !!!! Be concise and to the point!
Do not go into too much detail!
At least 50 words minimum!
You must do four things . . .
attract readers attention
introduce author and title of text
restate prompt in own words
state your thesis
Created by José J. González, Jr.
Spring 2002