How to write an Introductory Paragraph

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

Remember that the introductory paragraph . . . Gives the reader a first impression Must be at least four sentences Needs to do three things Catch the reader’s attention a.k.a. a “Grabber” Briefly introduce the topic a.k.a “Background” Clearly state your position a.k.a. your “Thesis”

Let us consider different types of “grabbers”. . . General statement Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

Let us consider different types of “grabbers”. . . Question Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

Let us consider different types of “grabbers”. . . Setting the Scene (Imagery) A violent scene flickers on the screen illuminating the living room’s state of disarray. Broken toys shudder for fear of being tossed again in violent anger. Shouts of furious children fill the room as they wrestle and pummel each other on the floor all because they saw a similar scene on television. There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

Let us consider different types of “grabbers”. . . Quotation 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” (Time 23). There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

Let us consider different types of “grabbers”. . . Here is a list of different ways to begin an introductory paragraph: General statement introduction Question introduction Anecdote Setting the Scene/ Imagery Statistic Dramatic incident Telling a story A description Unusual facts and figures A definition (though this doesn’t necessarily require quoting a dictionary – paraphrase or create your own definition) Quotation Brief historical background There are other ways to begin an introductory paragraph, but these three ways will do for now.

The Background… Spend about two-three sentences explaining the issue. The effects of television violence have been debated for years. While many argue that violent shows lead to violent children, others believe violence is largely a result of other environmental factors.

The Thesis Your thesis must be the last sentence of your introduction. Your thesis should only be one sentence. This is where you: State your position I believe that the amount of violence on television should be limited because its desensitizing affect is causing greater levels of crime in our cities, our schools, and our homes.

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” (Time 23). The effects of television violence have been debated for years. While many argue that violent shows lead to violent children, others believe violence is largely a result of other environmental factors. The amount of violence on television should be limited because its desensitizing affect is causing greater levels of crime in our cities, our schools, and our homes. Grabber Background 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

Final reminders… Be concise and to the point. Do not go into too much detail. You must do three things . . . - Catch the reader’s attention - Introduce topic - State your position

How to write a Body Paragraph

Body Paragraphs Your body paragraphs should contain your supporting details about your main points found in your thesis. They should be in the same order as your thesis. Each body paragraph should be at least 8 sentences. Your body paragraph needs to include ample support (evidence), details, examples, and advanced transitional words. You must explain all of your evidence.

Incorporating Evidence Give supporting evidence from the text (by paraphrasing or directly quoting from the text).If you are directly quoting from a text, you must use quotation marks. Introduce/Cite quote by using a Sentence starter/Attribution Phrase In the first paragraph, the author says... The text states... The text describes For example... The author explains... Early in the text, the author For instance

Sentence Starters/Analysis Tags Explain the Evidence: Explain how the quote(s) or paraphrase(s) you pointed out support your idea. Sentence Starters/Analysis Tags This shows... This is because... This means... This reveals... This illustrates... This highlights the difference between...

Follow the RACE format For every C you must have an E

RACE in an Essay??? YES!!! R= Background of your essay A= Thesis and Topic Sentences C= Cited Evidence!! Use attribution phrases/sentence starters to help cite your evidence E=EXPLAIN your evidence!!! If you want full points for evidence/elaboration you must explain all of your evidence! Use an analysis tag to help you explain your evidence.

Elaboration In your body paragraphs you need to elaborate (explain using specific details). Ways to elaborate: Anecdote: a personal short story that connects to the prompt. For example: I remember one time when I acted out in anger and learned a lesson similar to Lizabeth. Description through the use of metaphors and similes Facts, explanations, statistics, research, etc.

Transitions Transitional words are needed at the beginning of every body paragraph and throughout the paragraphs. Transitional Words: I do not want to see First, Second, or Third… Perhaps use: First of all, In addition to (refer to the previous), Furthermore, Overall, (for the conclusion paragraph)

How to write a Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusion Start with a transition word (overall,) Sums up your main point. Do not restate your thesis word for word. Simply reword it in a different way. Bring your point home and don’t confuse the reader. Do not add new information Conclusion is the most important paragraph in your essay. It must be clear.

Practice: Write an introductory paragraph in response to the following prompt: What does it mean to become an adult? Then, label the parts of your intro. paragraph: Grabber, Background, Thesis