1. Writing an Introduction What do I have to do?

2. Job of Introduction Introduce your subjectIntroduce your subject Gain your reader’s attentionGain your reader’s attention Identify the specific focus and thesisIdentify the specific focus and thesis

3. Basic structure of Introduction Begin with a “Grabber”Begin with a “Grabber” Grabbers make general comments about subject Grabbers make general comments about subject that draw readers in. that draw readers in.

4. Basic structure of Introduction Then identify the general topic of your paperThen identify the general topic of your paper This is the “Focus”This is the “Focus”

5. Basic structure of Introduction Finally, state your thesisFinally, state your thesis The “Thesis” is what the essay is about.The “Thesis” is what the essay is about. It is the essay stated in one sentence.It is the essay stated in one sentence.

6. Basic structure of Introduction The “Focus” states the TOPIC of the essay.The “Focus” states the TOPIC of the essay. The “Thesis” states the writer’s OPINION on the topic.The “Thesis” states the writer’s OPINION on the topic.

7. Ways to begin Share interesting or important detailsShare interesting or important details Ask the reader a questionAsk the reader a question

8. Ways to begin Begin with an informative quotationBegin with an informative quotation Start with some thoughtful dialogueStart with some thoughtful dialogue

9. Ways to begin Simply identify the identity of the main ideas you want to discuss (Usually, this is least interesting.)Simply identify the identity of the main ideas you want to discuss (Usually, this is least interesting.)

10. Among the Hidden Over population concerns many scientists and political activists. If there is a problem, what should be done? In Margaret Haddix’s book Among the Hidden she shows the dangers of enforcing population control through government force.

11. Anti Aging Research Americans are always looking for a way to stay young. Scientists spend millions every year trying to discover a way to stop aging. In Margaret Haddix’s novel Turnabout, she shows that staying young may have a greater price than we are willing to pay. Scientists should consider not only the physical problems, but the moral, emotional and ethical problems of anti aging research.

12. Sample Thesis Sentence

13. (Character’s name) (problem described) required she use (her abilities) to overcome the problem and as a result was a (stronger/weaker) person because ________________