1. Introductory Paragraph
Comparison Essay
Introductory Paragraph

2. Start Your Essay
The beginning of your essay should capture the reader’s interest, introduce your two subjects, and state your thesis

3. Getting the Reader’s Attention
Ask a question
Who is the greatest American athlete of all time?
Start with a quotation
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Use a surprising statistic
During one Big Ten meet, Jesse Owens tied one world record and set three more- all with an injured back!
Connect with the reader
Imagine being a high school athlete who could beat world records

4. Practice Think of an interesting introductory sentence for your essay
How can you introduce your theme in an interesting way?
How can you introduce Othello and Huck Finn in an interesting way?
Can you grab your reader with historical information?

5. Share Read your attention-getter to your elbow partner
Did it grab their attention? Why or why not?
What revisions should you make?

6. Introduce Two Subjects
Pretend your audience has not read Othello or Huck Finn
Provide background information about each text/author- make sure the information connects to your thesis statement
One approach might be to introduce your entire essay by focusing on points about racism

7. Practice Write 5-6 sentences introducing your two subjects
Remember your essay needs to be focused on race in Othello and Huck Finn

8. Share
Read your attention-getter and your first 5-6 sentences to your elbow partner
Is it interesting?
Does it provide enough background information about the two subjects?
What would you add and/or take away?

9. Thesis
Your thesis statement should be towards the end of your introductory paragraph
It will provide the focus points of your paper
When you write your introductory paragraph, underline your thesis statement
Remember the rules!

10. Revision
Now your thesis statement is in place, read your introductory paragraph aloud to your elbow partner
Does it flow well?
Does the thesis statement have at least three main points?
Does the background information about the two subjects lead you to the thesis?