Research Paper – Writing the Introductory Paragraph English 3 – Mr. McGowan

Purpose of an Introduction  Lets reader know your topic  Tells what angle you are going to address the topic  Sets up the themes for the rest of the paper

Structure of an Introduction  TOPIC SENTENCE  BRIDGE –GENERAL STATEMENTS –IDENTIFICATION OF TOPIC  THESIS

TOPIC SENTENCE  What your assignment is  First sentence(s)  Question or statement – if statement, copy. If question, rewrite  Overall topic: The History and Heritage of the Boston Area in American Culture  Essential Question: How has Boston’s rich history contributed to American culture?

 On a separate sheet of paper, turn the overall topic and essential question into 1-2 topic sentences for your introductory paragraph.

Possible Topic Sentences  The city of Boston, one of the oldest in the United States, has a rich history and heritage that has had a tremendous effect on American culture.  Boston’s rich history and heritage has greatly contributed to American culture over its nearly 400 year history.

General Statements  1-2 sentences  State some areas in which people from Boston have had an impact on American culture.  Do NOT state the main area in which YOUR topic has had an impact

Areas of Influence  Athletics  American Revolution  Politics and American government  Music  Literature  Movies and pop culture  Science and medicine  Art and architecture  Education  Technology

Identification of Topic  Do NOT say “I chose.”  Do NOT say “I” or “this project” or “this paper” or “in the following paragraphs”  Now identify the area(s) in which YOUR topic has had an impact  Then introduce your topic by saying something very general and basic about it

THESIS STATEMENT  Last sentence  Answer the question that was posed on your topics sheet –  AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE WHILE STILL ANSWERING IT Consult samples on the next page

SAMPLE TOPIC: THE DEPARTED AND ORGANIZED CRIME Boston’s rich history and heritage has greatly contributed to American culture. People from Boston have been involved in many areas of life, ranging from the Revolutionary War to music to athletics. People from Boston have been involved in many areas of life, ranging from the Revolutionary War to music to athletics.

Another way in which Bostonians have impacted America is in the field of movies. Set in Boston, The Departed is a film which centers on the long tradition of organized crime in Boston and won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture. Set in Boston, The Departed is a film which centers on the long tradition of organized crime in Boston and won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture. The film shows the corrupt influence of the Irish and Italian underworld, especially in figures such as James “Whitey” Bulger.

SAMPLE TOPIC: PRESIDENCY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY  Boston’s rich history and heritage has greatly contributed to American culture in its nearly 400 year history.  People from Boston have been involved in many areas of life, ranging from music to movies to education.

Another way in which Bostonians have impacted America is in the field of government. Starting with John Adams, the United States’ second president, Massachusetts has produced many famous politicians and political leaders. Perhaps the most famous was John F. Kennedy, the 35 th president, whose presidency gave hope to millions but whose assassination shattered the nation.