The Introductory Paragraph “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ~Plato

Functions of an Introductory Paragraph Informs the reader what the issue is that the writer will be discussing. The introduction tells what the essay is about. Presents background information that may be necessary to help explain what the issue is. Based on the truth and supported by factual evidence. Provides the reader with a road map of the essay so that they know what to expect.

Not Included in an Introductory Paragraph No explanation of arguments! The introduction is not a place to provide detailed explanations of your supporting details because these explanations will occur in your body paragraphs. Do not tell your audience what you are going to do. “I am going to tell you this…”

Basic Structure of an Introductory Paragraph 1. The hook. 2. General information that will relate to your main idea and establish your (3) writing points. 3. The thesis statement.

The Hook: There are many different ways to start your informational essay. Let’s take a look at the more commonly used methods.

The Rhetorical Question A question that makes the reader think deeply about your main idea. It is not intended to be answered by the reader, but to get them thinking about a particular topic. When using a question, the writer often includes more than one question to hook the reader. Example: Why would you ever write a rhetorical question? Do you expect me to just sew my mouth shut? What’s the point of asking a question if you don’t want an answer?

The Anecdote A “little story” about something that has happened to the reader that is related to the topic. (Don’t let the story take over the essay and keep it very brief – only two or three sentences) Example: When I was a little girl I used to run around the neighborhood barefoot and without a care in the world. My friends and I would play ball, build forts and catch fireflies in glass jars. It was a great time to be a kid.

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” The Quote Brings support and someone else’s authority to your writing. Be sure to use a quote from a trustworthy source. Make certain that your quote can be connected to your main idea. Remember to put your quote in quotation marks (“ “) and include the name of the person who said it. Example: “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ~Plato

Factual Information Introduce something factual such as a statistic to draw the readers attention to the importance of your main idea. It is important to make certain that your information is accurate and true. Example: Albert Einstein failed his first entrance exam to college in 1895. There’s no reason to give up and stop trying if something goes wrong.

Your turn for a little practice. Choose a hook from your notes to use as your opening sentences for the following prompt. Prompt – Think about a time when you were frightened. Now write to explain why a little fear is a good thing. ONLY WRITE THE HOOK

STOP

The power of the points you plan to make

The Thesis Statement

According to many writing experts, the introductory paragraph is considered to be the most difficult component of an essay to compose. Introductory paragraphs include vital information to guide the reader. Additionally, the introduction works as an outline of the writer’s argument, and includes an engaging hook to entice the audience to continue reading the composition. Therefore, writers should craft strong, detailed introduction paragraphs because this paragraph is the seed from which their writing will grow.