Constructing Introductory Paragraphs

General Outline Use four, well-written sentences that address the following: 1.Hook your reader with a thought-provoking statement. 2.Introduce the theme or big-picture idea that is guiding your essay. 3.Introduce the focus text(s) for your essay and how it/they relate to your theme or big picture. 4.State your thesis or position on the topic. *Be sure to incorporate appropriate transitions!

Step 1: Hook Open with a thought-provoking statement. Consider the following angles: Pop culture reference Related interesting fact Reference to film or music Historical reference DO NOT… Open with a rhetorical question Address your reader directly State your opinion or a personal experience

Step 2: Big Picture Idea Once you’ve established your opening line, introduce the theme or big-picture idea that is guiding your essay. Be sure to incorporate a transition that blends your opening sentence into the overarching idea.

Step 3: Focus Text Now that you have captured your reader’s attention and mentioned your theme, introduce the focus text(s) that you will be exploring. Include a transition word or phrase that connects it to the previous sentence. Within this sentence, specify the following: Title – correctly punctuated and capitalized Genre – use a specific term other than book or story Author This sentence should also briefly identify how this text relates to the theme or big picture idea.

Step 4: Thesis Statement Conclude your introductory paragraph by stating your position on the topic. This statement should be clear and concise ; after reading your introductory paragraph, there should be no doubt in your reader’s mind what your argument is.