Created by Jos

1
How to write an Introductory paragraph
One today is worth two tomorrows.
Ben Franklin
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 dont want to get into the meat of the
  essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea
  of your essays purpose.

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

4
Even though there are several ways to begin an
essay, I recommended that you choose one
particular method and perfect it. Why?
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.

6
Let us consider different types of introductory
paragraphs . . .

• General statement introduction
• Question introduction
• Quotation introduction

7
Examples of general statement introduction

• Almost every time that you turn on the television
  you will find a number of shows which are
  extremely violent.
• Many public schools have decided that their
  students should use uniforms.
• In the United States of America the public
  burning of our flag has become a common sight.
• (These are three different example of how
  you can begin your paragraph. If you will notice
  in the first sentence you simply introduce the
  topic. You do not state your position yet.)

8
Examples of question introduction

• Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence
  on prime time television?
• Do you think that to improve our public school
  education the students should be required to wear
  uniforms?
• Should we allow citizens to burn the United
  States flag in public?
• (You can also begin your essay by asking a
  question. A question usually takes you to
  the heart of the problem quickly.)

9
Quotation introduction

• A recent article in Time magazine states that the
  viewing of extremely violent television shows is
  the number one cause of violence in our inner
  cities.
• The Monitor recently conducted a study and
  concluded that students in public schools where
  uniforms are mandatory have less problems and
  perform better academically.
• A recent article in The Austin Statesman states
  that most Americans are very much against flag
  burning in public and are in favor of passing a
  law banning this activity.
• (Finally, you can begin an essay by
  providing some information from a magazine or
  newspaper you might have read. This introduction
  is a bit more difficult to write, but just as
  effective as the other ones.)

10
In the next three slides you will view completed
introductory paragraphs.
11
General statement introduction

• Today smoking is an issue which is on
  everybodys 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
  everyones health, pollutes the environment,
  and drains us of valuable energy.( 57)

Topic introduced
Lead in to thesis
Thesis sentence
12
Interrogatory introduction

• What do you think about banning
  smoking? The whole country is divided on whether
  smoking should be banned. I firmly believe that
  smoking should be outlawed because it endangers
  everyones health it pollutes the environment,
  and it drains us of valuable energy. (41)

Topic introduced
Lead-in to thesis
Thesis sentence
13
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. I believe that tobacco should be outlawed
  because it endangers everyones health it
  pollutes the environment, and it drains of
  valuable resources. (49)

Topic introduced
Lead-in to thesis
Thesis sentence
14
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

15
Assignment

Please go to the main Blackboard page and go to
the Essay assignment icon for the weeks writing
assignment. Mr g
16
The next slides present a couple sample
introductory paragraphs.
17

• Do you think that college athletes should
  be paid more than just tuition? Many people
  believe that college athletes should get paid
  while others believe they should not. I
  adamantly believe that 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.