1. Writers Workshop Writing Introductions Mrs. Powers Osceola High School 2008

2. Introductions Should Have: Catchy the readers interest Catchy the readers interest Set the tone of the composition (essay) Set the tone of the composition (essay) Present the thesis statement Present the thesis statement

3. Techniques for Writing Introductions Begin with a question Begin with a question Use only as a last resort Use only as a last resort Begin with an anecdote or example Begin with an anecdote or example State a startling fact or an unusual opinion State a startling fact or an unusual opinion

4. Techniques for Writing Introductions Begin with background information Begin with background information Set the scene (setting) Set the scene (setting) Begin with a simple thesis statement Begin with a simple thesis statement

5. Thesis Statement The thesis statement is a sentence or two in the introduction that announces your topic and what you want to say about it. The thesis statement is a sentence or two in the introduction that announces your topic and what you want to say about it. DO NOT SAY I AM GOING TO WRITE ABOUT….. DO NOT SAY I AM GOING TO WRITE ABOUT…..

6. Hints for Writing a Thesis Develop your thesis statement from information you have gathered. Develop your thesis statement from information you have gathered. Use for literary analysis or research Use for literary analysis or research

7. Hints for Writing a Thesis Include both a topic and your main idea about it. Include both a topic and your main idea about it. DO NOT WRITE MY THREE REASONS ARE… DO NOT WRITE MY THREE REASONS ARE… In literary analysis, include the title and author In literary analysis, include the title and author

8. Hints for Writing a Thesis Be clear and specific Be clear and specific Keep your thesis statement in front of you as you plan and write. Keep your thesis statement in front of you as you plan and write.