Essay Introductions: ATTENTION GRABBERS

Startling Information must be true and verifiable doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. – could simply be a relevant fact that clearly illustrates the point you wish to make. follow with a sentence or two of elaboration. (if SAT prompt—not lit analysis) – transition to your THESIS

Example: Startling Information According to a 2008 study by the CDC, "over 9 million children, ages 6-19 years- old are overweight or obese." This is three times what it was in 1980.

Anecdote a story that illustrates a point short, to the point, and relevant to your topic

Example: Anecdote “Roosevelt was often bored by the tedious small talk that was required of him at social functions. He often felt as if those with whom he conversed were seldom paying attention to what was said. To prove his point, sometimes Roosevelt would begin a conversation by saying, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." Often these words were met with polite approval.”

Summary Information Global Statement: A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.

Example: Summary Information (or Global Statement) “To this day, the United States remains driven by the American Dream, and we often hear of immigrants who come to this country to search for opportunities that their native countries lack. In these tales, immigrants succeed through hard work, dedication, and a little luck. As idealistic as the story may seem, I have been fortunate enough to experience its reality in the life of one very important man. My father’s example has had great impact on my personal expectations and goals, and the manner in which I approach my own life.”

ALWAYS: Lead the reader from your attention grabber to your THESIS STATEMENT. For an essay about a piece of literature, write 2 sentences about the literature and/or the author. End your Essay Introduction with your THESIS STATEMENT. That’s a total of at least 4 sentences.

THESIS STATEMENTS Give focus and structure to your essays and MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER 2 arguable prongs (one for each body paragraph) Characters and events in the literature are not considered arguable prongs.

Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph: 1. Apologize Never suggest that you don't know what you're talking about or that you're not enough of an expert in this matter that your opinion would matter. Your reader will quickly turn to something else. Avoid phrases like the following: In my [humble] opinion... I'm not sure about this, but... Although I don’t know much...

Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph: 2. Announce your intentions Do not flatly announce what you are about to do in an essay. Get into the topic and let your reader perceive your purpose. Avoid phrases like the following: In this paper I will... The purpose of this essay is to…

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