1. Writing a paper: Introductory paragraphs
English 9A

2. Introductory Paragraph
The purposes of an introduction are to:
Get your readers’ attention
Inform the reader of your topic and establish the critical context.
Declare your thesis statement (your claim).

3. Introductory Paragraph
Must include:
Attention Getter or Hook
Critical Context (put podcast in context and provide case summary).
Title of literary piece (podcasts are underlined or placed in italics)
Ex. Serial or Serial
Acknowledgement of the Counter Argument
Thesis/Claim
Statement of order (usually attached to the thesis)

4. Introductory Paragraph
First sentence = The Attention Getter.
A sentence that serves two purposes:
Grab the attention of your audience
Give your audience a clue to what your paper is about.
Make me (your audience) want to read your paper first!

5. Introductory Paragraph
Example attention getters:
A quote (not from the podcast)
An anecdote (example of problem)
A statistic
A shocking statement

6. Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statements have two functions:
To preview the topic being discussed
To make a claim about that topic.
A thesis must make a claim that is arguable; therefore, it cannot be a fact. If someone cannot disagree, then it is not a thesis.

7. Prompt
Is Adnan Syed guilty or not guilty of murder, and has he been rightfully or wrongfully convicted of the crime? Use the evidence from the Serial transcripts (recorded on Evidence Logs) to persuade a jury. Include strong evidence that represents Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

8. This is your thesis! Example: Thesis
To create your thesis, rework the question:
Example: Adnan Syed is likely guilty of the crime, but there is not enough evidence to convict him.
This is your thesis!

9. Introductory Paragraph
Statement of Order: indirectly informs readers what they will find in each of your body paragraphs. It is usually attached at the end of the thesis statement.
In this assignment, you are asked to select three topics to explore that support your thesis. These topics should be introduced in your statement of order.

10. Example: Statement of Order
Through careful examination of the state’s case, Jay’s testimony, and Adnan’s story, it seems that although Adnan Syed is likely guilty of the crime, there was not enough evidence to convict him.

11. Sample Introduction
A wise person once said, “People show their true colors unintentionally, pay attention.” Millions have paid careful attention to the story of Adnan Syed, a man who, at the age of eighteen, was convicted of the murder of Hae Min Lee. Adnan Syed shows his true colors to the audience through the lens of Sara Koenig in her award winning podcast, Serial. Although many believe in Syed’s innocence, there is evidence to suggest that he might actually be guilty. Through careful examination of the state’s case, Jay’s testimony, and Adnan’s story, it seems that although Adnan Syed is likely guilty of the crime, there was not enough evidence to convict him.