Writing Introduction Paragraph

Functions of the Introduction: It introduces the subject of the paper. It captures attention and prepares for what is to follow. It establishes the tone—the writer’s attitude. It presents the main idea—the thesis. It implies the purpose for writing.

Capturing the Reader’s Attention Offer vivid or startling background information. Ask a hard-to-answer (rhetorical) question. Describe in detail something that relates to the main idea. Take a stand on an issue that is important.

Start with a broad statement Don’t jump right in talking about your thesis. Start with a general statement about your main idea. EXAMPLE: Teenagers today are faced with many choices.

Elaborate Explain your lead sentence, narrowing the focus. EXAMPLE: They all want to “fit in” while establishing their own individual identities. This is most apparent in school life.

Focus Narrow focus to the ONE ASPECT your paper will be about. EXAMPLE: How a student dresses gives him or her an opportunity to express that individuality.

Relate topic to your thesis State how this main idea relates to the thesis. EXAMPLE: School districts, however, require codes of dress that the student might find restrictive.

Now, state your THESIS Now that you have generally set-up the topic of your report, plainly state your thesis: EXAMPLE: School uniforms affect students’ performance, discipline issues, and social acceptance.

Teenagers today are faced with a puzzle. They all want to “fit in” while establishing their own individual identities. This is most apparent in school life. How a student dresses gives him or her an opportunity to express individuality. School districts, however require codes of dress that the student might find restrictive. School uniforms affect students’ performance, discipline issues, and social acceptance.