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 don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

3. Remember that the introductory paragraph . . .
Is the most important paragraph of the essay
Must be at least 30 words long or three sentences minimum
Needs to do these things
Briefly introduce the topic
Give background
Cleary state your position

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
Surprising Statistics/Facts
Statements of Problems or Thought-Provoking Ideas
Question introduction
Story introduction
Quotation introduction
There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

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.
Over seventy percent of high schools in the United States require students to wear uniforms.
In the United States of America the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.

8. Examples of question introduction
Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television?
Should Facebook be allowed in school?
Is Homework a realistic educational expectation?

9. Story Introduction
Last year I contracted conjunctivitis. Though forced to remain at home, I was still responsible for my school assignments. One assignment, a calculus problem, was particularly perplexing. After hours of staring at it, my mind was blank. Luckily, that’s when I thought of logging onto Facebook. Through Facebook, I was able to instant message my teacher, who guided me through. I made an A.

10. 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.

11. In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs.

12. General statement introduction
Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s 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 it pollutes the body and the environment.( 57)
Topic introduced
Lead in to thesis
Notice that the introduction has three parts. First, you introduce the topic. Then in one or two sentences you lead in to your position and reasons which is the third part, the thesis sentence. Also note that the thesis is stated in one sentence, both position and reasons.
Thesis sentence

13. 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 destroys the body and the environment. (41)
Topic introduced
Lead-in to thesis
Thesis sentence

14. 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 destroys the body and the environment. (49)
Topic introduced
Lead-in to thesis
Thesis sentence

15. Story Introduction
Last year my father died of lung cancer after twenty years of smoking and a three month diagnosis. He is not alone. In fact, over two million people a year die of lung cancer. Recently, because of its ill effects, cities have banned smoking in public. Some people want it banned entirely. I agree.
Lead-in to thesis
Topic introduced
Thesis sentence

16. Final reminders !!!! Be concise and to the point!
Do not go into too much detail!
At least 30 words minimum!
You must do three things . . .
introduce topic
give general background
state position

17. Directions for Writing
Cheaters
On the GHSGT, you have all information to complete a decent introduction. Watch this…
Writing Situation
When your grades began to fall, your parents said that you would have to quit your part-time job. Because you must make your own car payments, this decision means that you will not be able to keep your car. You are concerned that you will get upset if you try to talk to your parents. Instead, you decide to write them
Directions for Writing
Write your parents a letter in which you try to convince them that you should be given another chance to improve your grades without giving up your job and car. Make your argument clear, complete, and convincing

18. Dear Mom,
I wanted to talk to you, but because I am upset, I thought it best to write. I know that you must be questioning whether or not I should be given another chance to improve my grades without giving up my car and job. Over the past few months, my grades have steadily dropped; however, I would like to give you several reasons why I should be trusted to keep my job and car while improving my grades.

19. Writing Situation
The issue of censoring or banning books has received much national attention. Recently, however, the controversy became a local issue when parents in your community objected to a book that their teenager had obtained from the high school library. The parents’ campaign to have the book removed permanently from the library has aroused mixed reactions from students, teachers and other parents. Decide how you feel about the issue of banning books.
Directions for Writing
Write a letter to the editor of the school newspaper in which you either defend a parent’s right to have a book banned or oppose such a ban. Clearly state your position. Try to convince readers of the paper to agree with you by providing well-developed supporting arguments.

20. Dear Editor,
Last week several parents campaigned to have several books from our media center removed because they found the content objectionable. And while I agree that parents should have the right to decide what is appropriate for their child, I do not agree that they should be allowed to make that decision for everyone else’s children. Censorship, or banning books, should not be permitted.