1. We are almost there…..

2. 1. Attention Getter 2. Background Information 3. Thesis Statement

3.  The attention getter should grab your reader’s attention – DO NOT simply tell them what they’re going to be reading in your essay. Options: 1. Startling statement, fact, or statistic (Other Interesting Facts) 2. Anecdote-Scenario Based Situation/ Verbal Picture 3. Quotation

4.  Scenario Based Situation Attention Getter: As a man wanders through the rainforest during his tropical vacation, he notices a streak of color flash through the sky accompanied by an unexpected screech. He wonders if he should find shelter until he realizes what he has just witnessed is the flight of the mighty macaw.

5.  Quotation Attention Getter: “Federal legislation is urgently needed to stop this insanity of wild animals in captivity,” says actress Tippi Hedren. One creature that would benefit from such intervention is the mighty macaw.  Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/search_results.html#iRLTEGaFY7mkKHRu.99

6.  Startling Statement, Fact, or Statistic Attention Getter: Most people think a parrot is just a parrot; But in fact, there are over 370 different kinds of parrots and the mighty macaw is one of them!

7.  Introduce your animal and its significant physical features. Be selective in your choices as you will not likely use all of this research related to this category.

8. Example Background Information:  The king-sized Macaw, with its intensely hued feathers sings through its squawk in the rainforest to show the other species they are present. Part of the parrot family and the Aves class, Macaws keep busy by relying on their intelligence. Because of their beautiful appearance and their impressive skills, they are a highly sought after creature. As a result, despite the fact that there are seventeen known species of Macaws, they have earned a conservation status of endangered species.

9.  This is the last sentence of your introduction paragraph  State your claim-What are you trying to prove, explain or defend in this essay?  Avoid use of first-person pronouns!

10.  Example Thesis: Therefore, because of the complications involved to provide them the right food and habitats to ensure their survival, Macaws should stay in their natural habitats rather than become a zoo resident.

11.  According to a Chinese Proverb, “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.”A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

13.  Review Thesis Statement You MUST restate your thesis DIFFERENTLY than your introduction. Remember, it is all about word choice!  Closing Thought Provide information to the reader to summarizes the main ideas of your paper. DO NOT BRING UP NEW INFORMATION! Discuss which is more prominent; the similarities or the differences? Think back to the purpose of why you are writing this paper. Why is what you wrote important for the reader to know about. Try leaving your readers with something to ponder about… without asking a question!