The Introductory Paragraph

1. The Introductory Paragraph

2. What is the purpose of the introductory paragraph? • Gets the reader’s attention • Set tone for the rest of the essay • Make a contract with the reader - what will be covered in this piece?

3. Parts of an Introductory Paragraph A. The Hook B. The Bridge C. Thesis Statement

4. The Hook • Is the very first sentence of your introductory paragraph. • They come in three main formats: • Overarching Question: arise curiosity, but do not require an answer. • “Is global warming the fault of humanity?” • Quotation: from a famous person or expert on your topic. • “Global warming is too serious for the world any longer to ignore its danger or split into opposing factions on it.” • Tony Blair • Shocking Statistic: statistics that have an impact. • “Ninety percent of the money teenagers earn is wasted on items they do not need.”

5. Example of a Hook: Topic: What is a theme? What are three themes that are apparent in the novella Anthem? Hook: C.S. Lewis once said, “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become” (1).

6. The Bridge • The next 3-4 sentences need to be your “Bridge” • Adds support and explain your attention getter as well as lead into your thesis statement.

7. Example of the Bridge… Topic: What is a theme? What are three themes that are apparent in the novella Anthem? C.S. Lewis once said, “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become” (1). Themes are a central part to a work of literature. They provide a lifeline to humans in connecting to our past, present, or futures. Themes require us to become part of the work.

8. Thesis Statement • Take your writing prompt and make it one declarative sentence. • Gives the main idea of your paper in one sentence.

9. Example of Thesis Statements… Topic: What is a theme? What are three themes that are apparent in the novella Anthem? C.S. Lewis once said, “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become” (1). Themes are a central part to a work of literature. They provide a lifeline to humans in connecting to our past, present, or futures. Themes require us to become part of the work. The themes expressed in Ayn Rand’s Anthem are central to the understanding of the text.