It is important to write your introduction first. YES/NO? WHY?

Give three or more characteristics of an interesting introduction?

Class suggestions: Hook Interesting information Don’t state the obvious “this paper is going to be about” Give background information Thesis as the last sentence (summary main points of body paragraphs)

Please read the introduction and give it a score out of 4.

How do I start my paper?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper.

Start by thinking about the question What is a hero? How do these pieces of literature define heroism? Try writing your introduction last Open with an attention grabber

a surprising fact an interesting and related quotation a puzzling scenario a vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote (story a thought-provoking question

Give background information to connect your initial idea to your thesis. These sentences need to be informative, to the point and lead your reader to the thesis statement. Remember, your thesis is the LAST sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Read conclusion UNDERLINE THESIS. Is it the first sentence? Does it state the main ideas of the body paragraphs? Count the number of sentences. Are there at LEAST 5? BOX ALL coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) Label subject and verbs and add commas Make sure all proper nouns are capitalized (Multiple Intelligences, Distinguished Honor Roll) CIRCLE all transitional words or phrases (3 per body paragraph)

Thesis statement (FIRST SENTENCE) Transition (limit TW to TWO, ONE) Restating points from your body paragraphs Reflection on what you proved in your paragraphs 5-7 sentences

Remember, your thesis is the FIRST sentence in the introductory paragraph Give background information to solidify what you have written. These sentences need to be informative, to the point and lead your reader to the thesis statement.

Over the past 13 years, Florida has spent $57 million to carry out 18 executions. Capital punishment results in death by execution. It is legal in many states as a punishment for serious crimes, but does that make it right? Capital punishment should be stopped because it is morally wrong, expensive, and a slow process.

Running faster than a speeding bullet, flying, scaling walls and crushing objects with one hand: are these the abilities of a hero? These heroes are found in comic books, magazines, novels and movies. They are not characters of our everyday lives. An everyday hero doesn’t need super-human strength or x-ray vision, a hero needs compassion and courage. Christopher Reeve played a super hero for many years; however, he wasn’t a true hero until he was faced with a life altering challenge. Lincoln heroically fought the most deadly American battle to free slaves. Both Christopher Reeve in “Still Me” and Abraham Lincoln in Whitman’s poem “O Captain, My Captain” exemplify heroism through their courage and compassion.