1. Writing an Introductory Paragraph
Modified from PowerPoint by Jose Gonzalez

2. Keep In Mind
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 details of the essay. Give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

3. Remember that the introductory paragraph…
Is the most important paragraph of the essay
Should be at least 3 sentences long
Needs to accomplish 3 things
Briefly introduce the topic
Clearly state your position
Provide 3 reasons

4. Even though there are several ways to begin an essay, you might consider selecting one particular method and perfect it.
This sill allow you to become an expert in that method. It will also allow you to be comfortable when you have to begin writing a paper.

5. 3 Ways to Begin and Introductory Paragraph
General Statement
Question
Quotation

6. Examples of General Statements
Almost every time you turn on the television, you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent.
Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms.
In the United States of America, the public burning of our flag has become a common site.
NOTICE—THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT STATE YOUR POSITION YET.

7. Examples of Questions
Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television?
Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms?
Should we allow citizens to burn the United States’ flag in public?

8. Examples of Quotations
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.

9. Examples of Introductory Paragraph Using a General Statement
Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that there should be no limitations placed on smoking. Others have differing opinions. Tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
Topic Introduced
Lead-in to Thesis
Thesis Statement

10. Example of Introductory Paragraph Using a Question
What do you think about banning smoking? The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that there should be no limitations placed on smoking. Others have differing opinions. Tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
Topic Introduced
Lead-in to Thesis
Thesis Statement

11. Example of Introductory Paragraph Using a Quotation
In The Monitor it was recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that there should be no limitations placed on smoking. Others have differing opinions. Tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
Topic Introduced
Lead-in to Thesis
Thesis Statement

12. Final Reminders Be concise and to the point!
Do not go into too much detail!
You must do three things…
Introduce topic
State position
Provide 3 reasons