How do you “hook” your reader in your opening paragraph?

1. How do you “hook” your reader in your opening paragraph?

2. In this lesson, you will learn how to write an introductory paragraph by hooking your reader and stating your thesis.

3. An opinion essay should include: You will state your opinion as a thesis statement, in your opening paragraph. • Words that show strong feelings. • An opinion statement • Reasons that support the opinion.

4. Writing Process 1 2 3 Generate Ideas Write Drafts Revise & Edit

5. Stating your thesis without “hooking” your reader into your topic. Why should I care about this? Kids should eat healthy foods.

6. 1 • Ask, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?” 2 • Choose your best hook and write it down. Connect your hook to your thesis statement. 3 4 • Write down your thesis statement.

7. 1 • Ask, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?” Thesis Statement: Our society would greatly benefit from more people choosing to use public transportation. • People who choose to use public transportations preserve our environment and build their communities. • Public transportation is one solution to the growing dilemmas facing our planet. • Last summer my family stayed with my aunt in New York City and we used the subway system for our entire stay.

8. 2 • Choose your best hook and write it down. • People who choose to use public transportations preserve our environment and build their communities. • Public transportation is one solution to the growing dilemmas facing our planet. • Last summer my family stayed with my aunt in New York City and we used the subway system for our entire stay.

9. Last summer, my family stayed with my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution!

10. 3 • Connect your hook to your thesis. Last summer, my family stayed with my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution! Since most cities offer some kind of public transportation, anyone can have these positive experiences!

11. 4 • Write down your thesis statement. Connecting phrase or sentence. Hook Thesis

12. Last summer, my family stayed with my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution! 4 Hook Connecting phrase/sentence. Since most cities offer some kind of public transportation, anyone can have these positive experiences! Our society would greatly benefit from more people choosing to use public transportation. Thesis Statement

13. 1 • Ask, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?” 2 • Choose your best hook and write it down. Connect your hook to your thesis statement. 3 4 • Write down your thesis statement.

14. In this lesson, you have learned how to write an introductory paragraph by hooking your reader and stating your thesis.

15. Create an opening paragraph for the following thesis statement. Include a hook, connecting phrase, and the thesis statement. Thesis Statement: Kids should choose to eat healthy foods.

16. Brainstorm a new thesis statement and create an outline for the opening paragraph below. Connecting phrase: Thesis Statement: Hook:

17. Now, take your outline and draft your own opening paragraph!

18. Using your thesis statement and reasons, craft a hook sentence and introductory paragraph.