 A strong introduction to an essay should be...  Engaging (being with a ‘hook’)  Informative  Contain at least 5 to 7 sentences  End with a clear and compelling Thesis Statement

 1) Begin with a question.  Examples:  What is the true purpose of literature?  Is all literature protest?  Would literature truly reflect life if all literary characters were perfect?

 2) With a startling statement.  Examples:  Imagine a world where no protest ever took place.  Every person on this planet is flawed in some way.

 3) With a famous quotation.  Example? (The two quotations you wrote down in class the other day are perfect examples of this.)  For the Summer Reading Test, and the Introduction paragraphs you are going to write in class today, this is how I want you to begin.

 R (Restate)  E (Explain)  A (Agree)  L (Literary work, elements and thesis)

 J. F. Clarke once said “The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his or her conscience.” What Clarke means is that bravery does not arise from doing what one is told, but rather from doing what one feels is right in their heart regardless of consequences or societal pressures. The truth of this quote is affirmed in many works of literature, such as Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451. Through Bradbury’s use of characterization, conflict, and the theme of censorship, one can come to the conclusion that a character that obeys their conscience is the bravest of all.

 Take out your Essay Outline that I gave you last class.  Once I have okayed your thesis statement, finish your outline, and on a piece of lined loose-leaf paper, write me an introduction based on our discussion.

 When you are finished, hand me your outline and introduction, then  Find the Class Blog, become a follower, and begin your HOMEWORK on defining Literary Terms.  Their will be a quiz on these terms on FRIDAY.