1. Do Now/Quick Write #13: Carefully read the following beginnings for an essay on the world’s most practical joker: Hugh Troy. Which one would you select as an opening paragraph? Why? Carefully read the following beginnings for an essay on the world’s most practical joker: Hugh Troy. Which one would you select as an opening paragraph? Why?

2. Which opening would you select? Why? Nothing seemed unusual. In fact, it was a rather common occurrence in New York City. Five men dressed in overalls roped off a section of Fifth Avenue, and began ripping up the pavement. Hugh Troy was born in Ithaca, New York, where his father was a professor at Cornell University. After graduating, Troy became a successful illustrator of children’s books.

3. The King of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland said, “Begin at the beginning and you will go on till you come to the end: then stop.” Aim: How do you create a clear and compelling introduction?

4. 1.H ooks reader’s interest 2.I ntroduces your context/thesis 3.S uggests or reveals the structure of your composition Wait until writing has begun to revise the introduction!

5. How do you create a clear and compelling introduction? It is possible to stop drug addiction in the U.S. in a short period of time. It is possible to stop drug addiction in the U.S. in a short period of time. – Startling statement Erma Bombeck once said, “Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” Erma Bombeck once said, “Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” – Quotation/Humor Is it true that if we change any part of the world we risk unduly damaging life in other parts of it? Is it true that if we change any part of the world we risk unduly damaging life in other parts of it?

6. How do you NOT create a clear and compelling introduction? Apology Apology – I am a high school student and do not consider myself an expert on computers, but I think many companies make false claims about how easy it is to use a computer. Complaint Complaint – I’d rather write about a topic of my own choice that the one that is assigned, but here goes.

7. How do you NOT create a clear and compelling introduction? Webster’s Dictionary Webster’s Dictionary – Webster’s Dictionary defines the verb to snore as follows… Platitude Platitude – America is the land of opportunity and no one knows it better than Madonna. Reference to Title Reference to Title – As you can see from my title, this essay is about…

8. Aim: How do you create a clear and compelling introduction? “It’s been said you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way.” Choose an attention-getter from the list on page 33. Working with your partner, compose an alternative hook for this essay.