AP Language and Composition “It’s a theory Thursday!” March 12, 2009 Mr. Houghteling

Agenda Discuss Thesis ~ Graphic Organizer Discuss Thesis ~ Graphic Organizer (T-Chart, Cluster Web, Venn Diagram) Notes on Essay Introduction and Leads Notes on Essay Introduction and Leads

Anticipation Guide and I CAN statements I CAN form an opinion on a given topic. I CAN form an opinion on a given topic. I CAN use graphic organizers to write a clear thesis statement. I CAN use graphic organizers to write a clear thesis statement. I CAN understand LEADS. I CAN understand LEADS. I CAN decide which LEAD is most effective for my topic. I CAN decide which LEAD is most effective for my topic. I CAN write an introduction with an effective lead. I CAN write an introduction with an effective lead.

Introductions and Leads When we write, 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 don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

1. Begin with a quotation. How can I start the introduction?

1. Begin with a quotation Find a quote that seems to get at the problem you're dealing with. State it at the beginning of your introduction and discuss how it relates to what you're trying to prove. Make sure you explain the quote’s relevance.

Quote Example: President John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Today's Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message. We expect our country to take care of us, but we are not taking care of our country.

2. Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper. The anecdote - This works particularly well for a historical essay, and even better if you have some ability at creative writing. Pick a specific incident that represents the underlying conflict of your piece, and briefly narrate it like a story. Explain afterwards how the instance reflects a problem you're attempting to solve.

3-4. Begin with an interesting fact or startling statement Using horses and cattle in the sport of rodeo is animal abuse. What makes it more aggravating is that it is legal. According to the law, there is nothing wrong with chasing an animal down, tightening a rope around its neck, knocking it to the ground, and tying its legs together so it cannot move.

Startling or Surprising statement Have a minute? Good. Because that may be all it takes to save the life of a child—your child. Accidents kill nearly 8000 children under age 15 each year. And for every fatality, 42 more children are admitted to hospitals for treatment. Yet such deaths and injuries can be avoided through these easy steps parents can take right now. You don't have a minute to lose.

Statement Examples 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.

5. Begin with an opinion The driving age should be lowered to fourteen. Most teenagers are more responsible than adults give us credit for being. Just because we are teenagers does not mean we are irresponsible and dangerous.

Many high school seniors have many financial obligations and need some form of income. Do you think that seniors should be allowed to go half a day to school and work half a day? What kind of opening is below?

6. Begin with a question Throw out a broad question of universal interest, and demonstrate how a possible answer can be related to your thesis. Examples: 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?

Do you think that college athletes should be paid more than just tuition? Many people believe that college athletes should get paid while others believe they should not. College athletes should be paid because they practice long hours, the schools are profiting through the athletes’ efforts, and financial independence would make college life much less stressful for the athletes.

6. Begin with a question Keep in mind that for an ACT essay prompt, beginning with a question is the least effective way to start your essay. Some of the other leads reflect more mature (read: more points) writing.

HOMEWORK Revise your introduction so that it that includes a strong lead, a thesis statement, and a preview statement. Lead: Quotation, Anecdote, Interesting Fact, Startling Statement, or Opinion. Using a question is your last resort! Use a graphic organizer as you create your introduction.