1. Writing an Effective Introduction
Hook
Background
Thesis/Claim

2. The Outline of an introduction: Broad to specific
Hook/Attention Getter/Opener
Background information about your topic
Thesis/Claim

3. Hook: Engage your reader!
Example hooks:
Use a quotation Robert Frost wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors”. Our school board thinks security cameras make safe schools.
Make a bold statement Security cameras have never stopped a thief or a vandal.
Use an imagine statement today!
The “imagine” statement Imagine coming home to a cuddly, warm, loving friend who would make all the stress of the day melt away.

4. Add background to fill in the topic!
Use the prompt to briefly explain your topic:
Do you think hamsters make good pets? In an essay for young parents, explain why they should or should not buy their child a hamster.
For an expository essay, set up the subject for the reader.
Most kids want a pet at some point
Parents usually want low maintainence
Hamsters are a favored choice

5. Thesis/Claim
Example Thesis/Claims:
To, Plus a Verb
To have the cute and cuddly qualities that kids want in a pet, but the low maintenance qualities that parents want, buy your child a hamster.
However Statements
Often pets can create an excellent experience for youth, however, a hamster will be more trouble than it is worth.
Two Nouns and Two Commas
Hamsters, cute and cuddly animals, make excellent pets for people who are busy.

6. Bring it all together in a draft:
Imagine coming home to a cuddly, warm, loving friend who would make all the stress of the day melt away. Most kids want a pet at some point in their childhood. They will whine at their parents about wanting something cute and cuddly. Parents, on the other hand, will be considering which animal will be the lowest maintenance. To have the cute and cuddly qualities that kids want in a pet, but the low maintenance qualities that parents want, buy your child a hamster.

7. Today’s introduction practice:
Write an introduction for your hamster outline that includes:
An imagine hook
Background (at least 2 sentences)
Claim/Thesis
Finish your outline. Put both in the box.