Writing a paper: Introductory paragraphs English 9

Introductory Paragraph The purposes of an introduction are to: Get your readers’ attention Inform the reader of your topic Declare your thesis statement (state your argument)

Introductory Paragraph Must include: Attention Getter Title of literary piece Ex. The Odyssey Author’s name Thesis Statement of order (usually attached to the thesis)

Introductory Paragraph First sentence = The Attention Getter. A sentence that serves two purposes: Grab the attention of your audience Give your audience a clue about what your paper is on Make me (your audience) want to read your paper first!

Introductory Paragraph Example attention getters: An interesting fact A quote An anecdote (a short story) A statistic A shocking statement

Introductory Paragraph Thesis Statements have two functions: To preview the topic being discussed To make a claim about that topic. A thesis must make a claim that is arguable; therefore, it cannot be a fact. If someone cannot disagree, then it is not a thesis.

Example If this is your assignment: Choose a character from a work of literature who can be defined as an epic hero and explain how he/she fits this definition. Give at least three examples for support.

This is your thesis! In the movie Shrek, Shrek is an epic hero. Example: Thesis To create your thesis, rework the question: In the movie Shrek, Shrek is an epic hero. This is your thesis!

Introductory Paragraph Statement of Order: indirectly informs readers what they will find in each of your body paragraphs. It is usually attached at the end of the thesis statement. In our example assignment, we are asked to give three examples of support for our thesis. These three examples are our statement of order!

Example: Statement of order What does Shrek do that all epic heroes do? 1. He goes on a quest 2. He fights monsters 3. He never loses his humanity

Example: Statement of Order Epic heroes come in all shapes, sizes and colors. In the movie Shrek, the lead character fits the definition of an epic hero. Shrek goes on a quest and fights dangerous monsters. Throughout the entire story, he never loses his humanity.