2. Before you start writing, you need to know  What your Topic is.  What your Claim about that topic is.  Three Reasons that support your claim. All of these make up your Thesis Statement.

3. Your intro paragraph needs to  Introduce your thesis statement—which essentially lets your readers know what the rest of your paper is going to be about. This statement should come at the end of the intro paragraph.  Go from broad to narrow, OR tell a SHORT narrative that will introduce the thesis.

4. The best store in the mall is... Topic: _______________ Claim: ______________________ 3 Reasons: _______________________ Once you have all this info, then briefly explain how you would write 2 of the 3 types of introductions (broad-to-narrow, narrative, contrary opinions).

5.  The body is at least 3 paragraphs long  Each paragraph has a Topic Sentence.  The topic sentences also have Transitions.

6. Topic Sentences  The first sentence in each of the paragraphs in the body should tell your readers what that paragraph is going to be about. IT IS THE THESIS (THE POINT) OF THAT PARAGRAPH

7. Examples of Good Topic Sentences  Another reason that smoking is bad is because it ruins a person’s teeth.  In addition to the interior, the Ford F-150 is also a great truck because it has wonderful suspension.  The poem also helps us understand homelessness by pointing out the feelings of one homeless man. Please note that ALL these sentences refer back to the paper’s thesis.

8. They help your readers know that you are moving on to a new portion of your argument. Another reason that smoking is bad is because it ruins a person’s teeth. Notice that the transition, “Another reason,” lets readers know that there has been a previous reason and that there’s about to be another.

9. A few more examples  In addition to the interior, the Ford F-150 is also a great truck because it has wonderful suspension.  The poem also helps us understand homelessness by pointing out the feelings of one homeless man.  On the other hand, there are many reasons owning a pit bull might be a bad idea.  Unlike his previous claims about drug usage, Smith does feel there are some positives to legalizing drugs.

11. You give it a shot! Compose three transitional/topic sentences for each of the three paragraphs in the paper mapped out below. Thesis: The best store in the mall is American Eagle Outfitters Points: -Their clothing is in style. -Their clothing is relatively inexpensive. -Dr. Heafner used to work there.

12. Instructions for Your Introductory Paragraph, Which Is Due Monday 1) You need a completed, edited version of your Paper 1 introduction 2) You need to write out each of the three transitional/topic sentences for the body of your paper. 3) Under each of the topic sentences, you need to briefly explain how you intend to argue each of the points.