1. Introductions/Thesis Statements
Writing 101
Introductions/Thesis Statements

2. Definition . . .
An introductory paragraph leads the reader to sense what’s ahead.
It sets the stage.
It attempts to stir up a reader’s interest.

3. Strategies to Use . . . Providing relevant background information
Relating briefly an interesting story or anecdote
Giving one or more pertinent statistics
Asking one or more thought provoking questions
Using an appropriate quotation
Defining a key term
Presenting one or more brief examples
Drawing an analogy

4. Strategies to Avoid . . .
Don’t write statements about your purpose, such as “I am going to discuss the causes of falling oil prices.”
Don’t apologize, as in “I’m not sure this right, but this is my opinion.”
Don’t use overworked expressions, such a “Haste makes waste, as I recently discovered” or “Love is grand.”

5. Funnel Introductions . . .
Start with a general statement about your topic.
Your next sentence should be more specific than the first one.
Your next sentence should be even more specific.
Your next sentence should be the most specific.

6. The most specific sentence of your introduction . . .
. . . will be your Thesis Statement.
A thesis statement is an important part in an introduction.
It will be the last sentence of your introduction.

7. Thesis Statement
The thesis should answer a single question that will give the main idea of your essay.
Come up with a specific question.
Question: "What was the best trip I have ever taken?"
The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.
Answer / THESIS: “My trip to California was the best trip I have ever taken because of the memories, education, and the fun.”

8. Let’s Practice . . .
Start with a general statement about your topic – “Most American families take at least one vacation a year.”
Next, write a more specific sentence – “My family is lucky enough to take a vacation every summer.”
Next, write an even more specific sentence – “Last summer we decided to take a trip to California.”

9. Let’s Practice Cont. . .
Finally, write the most specific sentence – “My trip to California was the best trip I have ever taken because of the memories, the education, and the fun.”
This last sentence was my thesis statement.

10. Most American families take at least one vacation a year
Most American families take at least one vacation a year. My family is lucky enough to take a vacation every summer. Last summer we decided to take a trip to California. My trip to California was the best trip I have ever taken because of the memories, the education, and the fun.

11. Body Paragraphs Mini-Outline I. Memories II. Education III. Fun
Topic Sentences
I. My family and I did so many awesome things on our vacation, the memories will last with me forever.
II. Not only was our trip to California a blast, it was also an educational experience.
III. We did so many fun things, I do not even know what to start with.
Paragraphs
First Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence I.)
Second Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence II.)
Third Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence III.)
Thesis Statement
Conclusion

12. Now you try it!
Start with a general statement about your topic – “__________________________.”
Next, write a more specific sentence – “________________________________.”
Next, write an even more specific sentence – “________________________________.”
Finally, write the most specific sentence – “________________________________.”

13. Body Paragraphs Mini-Outline I. ________________________
II. ________________________
III. ________________________
Topic Sentences
I.___________________________________________________
II.__________________________________________________
III.__________________________________________________
Paragraphs
First Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence I.)
Second Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence II.)
Third Body Paragraph: (Begin with Topic Sentence III.)
Thesis Statement
Conclusion