1. Writing Text-based Introductions Grade 8 Copyright © 2015 by Write Score LLC

2. Students will be able to write strong introductions by: Understanding the purpose of introductory paragraphs. Identifying key elements of introductory paragraphs. Utilizing various methods of introduction. Learning Objectives and Goals

3. Introduce the topic Hook the reader Present thesis statement Provide a preview of what’s to come Writing Strong Introductions

4. Strong introductions begin with: Interesting Statement Quotation Description Anecdote Rhetorical Question(s) Methods of Introduction

5. Gang violence has always been a problem on the streets, but now the problem is moving into schools. Elementary through high schools across the nation are seeing cases of gang violence. One way that schools are trying to combat the problem is through mandatory uniforms. School officials believe that banning gang colors in schools will help put the focus back on education. But can simply changing the dress code improve school safety? Others feel that more work needs to be done in the areas of character education, violence prevention programs, and student support services. While mandatory uniforms eliminate one factor that may contribute to violence in schools, more needs to be done to promote a safe learning environment. Writing Task: Write to explain how schools can address the problem of gang violence. Sample Passage and Writing Task

6. Beginning with a bold or interesting statement can hook the reader immediately. Gang violence is seeping into public schools and putting children as young as five years old at risk. Interesting Statement

7. Writers may also choose to begin with a quotation. This should be a well-known line from history, pop culture, or anything else that is relatable to most people. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “I have a dream.” Quotation

8. Beginning with a description helps paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Kids gathered in circles of friends, lunchboxes swinging at the their sides, squeals of laughter in the distance, school has begun. Description

9. An anecdote is a brief story that illustrates a point and can reel the reader in. Jack never expected to be in the principal’s office for wearing red, but at his school red is a banned color. Anecdote

10. A rhetorical question is one that does not require an answer, but causes the reader to ponder a topic or issue. Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence? Rhetorical Question(s)

11. Once you have an attention-grabbing introductory sentence, you need to get to the purpose of your writing. Introductory paragraphs should include a thesis statement. The thesis statement expresses the topic and purpose of the paper. Ex: Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and policies. The introductory paragraph should also include a preview of what’s to come. Ex: Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on academics. Next Steps

12. Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence? These are questions facing many school officials as gang violence increases. Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and policies. Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on academics. Putting It All Together

13. Guided Practice

14. With a partner Read the excerpt on the handout aloud. Identify the method of introduction used in the article. Identify the thesis statement. Explain what you expect to learn. Evaluate if the introduction is effective. Learning Objectives and Goals

15. Independent Practice

16. Read the passage and writing task. Craft an introductory paragraph in response to the writing task. Use the checklist below to review your paragraph.  Attention-grabbing introductory sentence  Transition sentence, if necessary  Thesis statement  Preview sentence On Your Own