2. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 1 How to write an Introductory paragraph “One today is worth two tomorrows.” Ben Franklin

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

4. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 3 Remember that the introductory paragraph... Is the most important paragraph of the essay Must be at least 50 words long or three sentences minimum Needs to do three things –Briefly introduce the topic –Cleary state your position – Provide three reasons

5. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 4 Even though there are several ways to begin an essay, I recommended that you choose one particular method and perfect it. Why?

6. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 5 Because if you keep 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. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 6 Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs... General statement introduction Question introduction Quotation introduction

8. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 7 In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs.

9. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 8 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 while others are not so harsh. However, I believe that tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.( 57)

10. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 9 Quotation introduction In The Monitor it was recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. Tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, it pollutes the environment, and it drains of valuable resources.

11. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 10 Final reminders !!!! Be concise and to the point! Do not go into too much detail! At least 50 words minimum! You must do three things... introduce topic state position provide reasons

12. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 11 Assignment: Write an introductory paragraph for the following topic. Many high school seniors have many financial obligations and need some form of income. Do you think that seniors should be allowed to go half a day to school and work half a day?

13. Created by José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 12 Success often involves money. Consequently, many people believe that successful college athletes should get paid because they are devoted to success; however, others believe they should not. Ultimately, college athletes should be paid because they practice long hours, the schools are profiting through the athletes efforts, and this would make college life much less stressful for the athletes.