1. Effective Introductions Spiderman 2 – why is this introduction effective?

2. Effective “leads” for the introduction for an essay Objective: To Capture the Reader's Attention Methods: 1. Quotation: words from someone famous or from a famous piece of writing; introduces the theme of the essay 2. Question: Ask a question in the introduction...and answer it in the body of the essay 3. Problem: Pose a problem in the introduction...and solve it in the body of the essay. 4. Statistics:. Make sure they're actual statistics and not something you made up on the way to the library.

3. Effective Introductions (continued) 5. Analogy: Take something the reader is unfamiliar with and relate it to something they are familiar with. 6. Shocker: a controversial statement. 7. Anecdote: A short humorous story that is usually personal and relevant to the topic 8. Expert opinion: An expert gives you instant credibility with the reader. Make sure the expert is an actual expert and not your Uncle Fred from the Yukon 9. Background: Remind the reader of the current situation or issue and why it is important 10. Imagery: create a vision or scene for the reader

4. Group Task 1 In your assigned group: Read the introductory paragraphs of the essays listed below (sometimes it is up to 4 paragraphs in length) and determine the method used by the writer. Essays: 1. How Wise is it… (page 406) 2. Forget Prince Charming (page 322) 3. Cellphones (page 403) 4. History? Education? Zap! Pow! Cut! (page 537) 5. Don’t You Think it’s Time to Start Thinking? 6. Science and Beauty (page 311)

5. Group Task 2 Group Task 2: Select ONE of the topics listed on the board and write Three different types of leads. You may need to make up some of the “facts” for certain methods) Be prepared to read your leads to the class. Post your best example on chart paper.

6. Persuasive Essay Topics Education Culture based schools (i.e. Afri-centric) and/or gender-based schools are good idea for public education. Post secondary institutions should use standardized tests as part of the acceptance “formula”. The public education system needs to change Technology The increase in the use of social media (texting, twitter, facebook etc.) is causing more harm than good. Cellphones should be allowed to be used in classrooms. Societal Issues Big businesses have an obligation to have a social conscience We live in a society that promotes violence Racism is still a major social problem in Canada Athletes and/or celebrities have an obligation to be role models

7. Gallery Activity Move around the class to read the other group’s leads Think about how well it suits the topic chosen Identify 1-2 strengths of each

8. Effective Conclusions Purpose: To reinforce the main argument that has been presented Characteristics: Summary of key points A link to the “lead” of the essay Leave the reader thinking, or perhaps, include a call to action Avoid introducing new information