1. Writing Text-based Introductions
Grade 8
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2. Learning Objectives and Goals
Students will be able to write strong introductions by:
Understanding the purpose of introductory paragraphs.
Identifying key elements of introductory paragraphs.
Utilizing various methods of introduction.
Explain to students that the purpose of today’s lesson is to learn to write strong introductions by understanding the purpose of introductory paragraphs, identifying key elements of introductory paragraphs, and utilizing various methods of introduction.

3. Writing Strong Introductions
Introduce the topic Hook the reader Present thesis statement Provide a preview of what’s to come
Explain to students that the purpose of an introductory paragraph is to introduce the topic, hook the reader, present the thesis, and provide a preview of what’s to come. Explain that there are many ways to accomplish this. Explain that various methods will be discussed in this lesson.

4. Methods of Introduction
Strong introductions begin with:
Interesting Statement
Quotation
Description
Anecdote
Rhetorical Question(s)
Explain to students that the first sentence needs to grab the reader’s attention. Explain that this can be accomplished by starting with an interesting statement about the topic, a quotation, description, anecdote, or rhetorical question.

5. Sample Passage and Writing Task
Gang violence has always been a problem on the streets, but now the problem is moving into schools. Elementary through high schools across the nation are seeing cases of gang violence. One way that schools are trying to combat the problem is through mandatory uniforms. School officials believe that banning gang colors in schools will help put the focus back on education. But can simply changing the dress code improve school safety? Others feel that more work needs to be done in the areas of character education, violence prevention programs, and student support services. While mandatory uniforms eliminate one factor that may contribute to violence in schools, more needs to be done to promote a safe learning environment.
Writing Task:
Write to explain how schools can address the problem of gang violence.
Instruct students to read the passage and writing task silently. Explain that this is just a short sample and that you will model how to use different methods of introduction based on this writing task.

6. Interesting Statement
Beginning with a bold or interesting statement can hook the reader immediately.
Gang violence is seeping into public schools and putting children as young as five years old at risk.
Explain to students that the first sentence needs to grab the reader’s attention. Beginning with an interesting or bold statement will make the reader want to read on. Think aloud and model for students how to write an introductory sentence using an interesting statement.

7. Quotation
Writers may also choose to begin with a quotation. This should be a well-known line
from history, pop culture, or anything else that
is relatable to most people.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “I have a dream.”
Explain to students that another method of introduction is to begin with a quote. Point out that it may be necessary to include another sentence after the attention-grabbing quote to explain the significance. Explain that this is a transition, or bridge sentence.

8. Description
Beginning with a description helps paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
Kids gathered in circles of friends, lunchboxes swinging at the their sides, squeals of laughter in the distance, school has begun.
Explain that beginning with a description can also grab the reader’s attention. Think aloud and model for students words and phrases that describe a school setting. Then share the example sentence with students.

9. Anecdote
An anecdote is a brief story that illustrates a point and can reel the reader in.
Jack never expected to be in the principal’s office for wearing red, but at his school red is a banned color.
Explain to students that an anecdote is a brief story. Explain that it can be real or imagined, as long as it makes the point. Explain that the anecdote must be limited to just a few sentences; otherwise, the reader may become confused about the purpose of the writing. Explain that first-person point of view also should be avoided in order to maintain an academic tone.

10. Rhetorical Question(s)
A rhetorical question is one that does not require an answer, but causes the reader to ponder a topic or issue.
Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence?
Explain that students can also begin with a rhetorical question. Caution students against “talking” to the reader. Explain that rhetorical questions should only be used if they are thought-provoking. Explain that it is often more effective to use multiple rhetorical questions rather than just one.

11. Introductory paragraphs should include a
Next Steps
Once you have an attention-grabbing introductory sentence, you need to get to the purpose of your writing.
Introductory paragraphs should include a
thesis statement.
The thesis statement expresses the topic and purpose of the paper.
Ex: Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and policies.
The introductory paragraph should also include a preview of what’s to come.
Ex: Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on academics.
Explain to students that once they have an attention-grabbing introductory sentence, they need to get to the purpose of their writing. Explain introductory paragraphs should include a thesis statement. Explain that the thesis statement expresses the topic and purpose of the paper. Explain that the introductory paragraph should also include a preview of what’s to come.

12. Putting It All Together
Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence? These are questions facing many school officials as gang violence increases. Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and policies. Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on academics.
Share the model introductory paragraph with students. Explain that the example includes attention-grabbing rhetorical questions, a transition sentence that leads to the thesis statement, and a preview of what’s to come.

13. Guided Practice

14. Learning Objectives and Goals
With a partner
Read the excerpt on the handout aloud. Identify the method of introduction used in the article. Identify the thesis statement. Explain what you expect to learn. Evaluate if the introduction is effective.
Distribute handouts to students.

15. Independent Practice

16. On Your Own Read the passage and writing task.
Craft an introductory paragraph in response to the writing task.
Use the checklist below to review your paragraph.
Attention-grabbing introductory sentence
Transition sentence, if necessary
Thesis statement
Preview sentence
Explain to students that now they will work independently to construct introductory paragraphs of their own.