1. How to Write an Introductory Paragraph
Including Topic Sentence and Thesis Statement

2. Must engage your reader and get his/her attention.
Your first sentence
Must engage your reader and get his/her attention.

3. Getting the Reader’s Attention
One way to grab the reader’s attention is a lead that brings the reader right in to the issue or problem.

4. Other Attention Grabbers
Anecdotes – little stories abut the writer and/or other people that help make a point
Quotes
Statistics
Humor
Surprising combinations or words or ideas

5. Topic Sentence
A topic sentence tells the reader the main idea of the paragraph.

6. Thesis Statement
A thesis statement tells the reader what the entire paper is going to be about. A thesis statement addresses the main topic directly and also includes interesting and specific details.

7. Building an Introduction
Once you have grabbed your reader’s attention; then, you must bait them with interesting details about your topic.

8. Building an Introduction
The body of your introductory paragraph needs to include sentences that support your thesis. Offer your reader proof and interesting details.

9. Conclude with your thesis statement.
Conclusion
Conclude with your thesis statement.