1. How to write an introduction paragraph
Ms. Cutler

2. 3 parts to a Paragraph
Hook: one sentence that opens the essay
Background Statement: general information that gives the reader an idea about what your paper will be about.
Thesis Statement: tells the reader exactly what your essay is about.

3. Introduction Paragraph should feel like this…
Hook: Big Idea
Background statement: More specific
Thesis: Most specific

4. Hook 3 types to choose from: Begin with quote
Begin with a short 1-2 sentence story
Begin with a startling or interesting fact

5. IF you start with a quote
Your background statement will be
“This quote is important because….”
Example: Elizabeth Parker once said: ““Whoever declared that love at first sight doesn’t exist has never witnessed the purity of a puppy or looked deep into a puppy’s eyes. If they did, their lives would change considerably.” This quote is important because it expresses the heart of the reason why people should adopt. There are dogs and cats that need good homes and will love their owners unconditionally, but they have to find a home first.

6. If you start with a fact Your background statement will be
“This fact is important because….”
Example: Each year 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. This fact is important because it shows how many pets are in need of homes, and could be saved through adoption.

7. If you begin with a short story
If you begin with a short story
Your background statement is “This story is important because…”
Sally Sparrow adopted a dog named Fred. He arrived at the shelter as a stray, completely emaciated. He was old, suffering from frostbite on his ear, poor vision and hearing loss. He sat in the shelter for months with no adoption interest. Sally’s family saw his picture online, and decided to go meet him. He was nervous, but they fell completely in love and took him home the very next day. Since then, she says he has become her best friend. This story is important because it shows the connection and love that comes from adopting (or saving) a dog.

8. Part 2 of your Background statement:
The second part of the Background Statement is where you will give your audience a brief overview of the general problem you are addressing. This is getting a little more specific than the hook, and providing us with any information we may need to completely understand your topic/perspective.
Ex: Having a family pet is a popular idea in many American families. There are generally two roads to getting a pet: adoption or shopping for a pet. While buying a ”designer” dog is becoming increasingly popular (labradoodles, cockapoos, puggles, or goldendoodles to name a few), there are many dogs who are in shelters all over the country who need good homes.

9. Thesis Statement
This is a single sentence at the end of your introduction paragraph
This is where you are telling me your opinion (or what you are going to prove)
This also directs your reader to your main pieces of evidence (topics)

10. Formula:
By examining reason/topic 1, reason/topic 2, and reason/topic 3, it is clear that opinion.
Ex: By examining cost comparison, statistics on pet life, and breed implications, it is clear that adopting a pet from the local shelter is better than buying a designer dog from a breeder.
Honors: needs 4 body paragraphs, so 4 topics/reasons.

11. DO NOT: Announce things: State the obivious: Use cliches:
In this paper I will….
State the obivious:
Excersize is good for you....
Use cliches:
Love conquores all.
Use first or second person:
NO you, me, I, us, etc.

12. Now you Try
Choose one of the types of hooks we have discussed, and begin to write you introduction paragraph. When you are finished, rewrite your introduction paragraph altogether in a “final draft” on the bottom of your notes or on a separate sheet of paper. Then put your pen/pencil down to let me know you are finished.