1 How to write an Introductory paragraph

2 When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that... Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, Hello! Also, you dont want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience an idea of what your essay is going to be about.

3 Remember that the introductory paragraph... Is the most important paragraph of the essay Should do three things: –1. Grab the readers attention –2. Introduce the topic –3. Mention the three main points

4 Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs... General statement introduction Question introduction Quotation introduction

5 Examples of general statement introduction Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms. Shooting a free throw is an important skill for a basketball player to master.

6 Examples of question introduction Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Did you know that many NBA superstars struggle to make one of the most simple shots in the game?

7 Quotation introduction A recent article in Time magazine states that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities. The Monitor recently conducted a study and concluded that students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have less problems and perform better academically. NBA great Shaquille ONeal once said, I'm trying my hardest, but I can't have everything. I can't have the looks, the rapping ability, the scoring ability, and the free throws.

Sample Intro Did you know that many NBA superstars struggle to make one of the most simple shots in the game? Despite this startling fact, free throws are a skill that anyone can master by concentrating on three important areas: the feet, the position of the ball, and the release. Throw in lots of practice and anyone can improve their free throws. 8

Test Vocabulary Expository writing notes Introductory paragraph notes There, their, and theyre 9