How to write an introductory paragraph

1. How to write an introductory paragraph

2. When you write an introduction, keep in mind: • Writing an introduction is like greeting someone • The paragraph should be short • You don’t want to get to the “meat” of the essay • Give your audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose

3. Remember! • The introduction is the most important paragraph of the essay • Must be at least 50 words long or three sentences minimum • Needs to do three things: • Briefly introduce topic • Clearly state your position • Provide three elements to compare/contrast

4. Different types of introductory paragraphs • General statement introduction • Question introduction • Quotation introduction

5. Examples of general statement introduction • A recent article in Times magazine states that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities. • A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that most Americans are very much against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity

6. Example of question introduction • Janis Ian in her song, “Seventeen” states, “ I learned the truth at seventeen.” The song deals with the realities of coming of age. In “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros, “Oranges” by Gary Soto, and SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson, the archetype is shown through the author’s use of ____________,___________,and _________________.

7. Sample for YOUR paper “Coming of Age” or “Initiation into adulthood” in literature can occur in different situations using varied elements to express the protagonists voice. The author’s use of ___________, ___________, and ______________ are especially effective in the short story “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros, the poem “Oranges” by Gary Soto, and the excerpt from the novel SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson.

8. Question Introduction Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence in prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Should we allow citizens to burn the United States flag in public?

9. Sample for YOUR paper • Do you feel situations we face growing up that initiate us into adulthood leave a lasting impression? In young adult literature such as, “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros, “Oranges” by Gary Soto, and SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson, the author’s effectively use _____________, ___________, and __________ to portray the archetype of Initiation.

10. Writing about literatureThings to remember!!! • Did you write in the present tense? • Do you write in 3rd person only? • Is your analysis objective not subjective? ( a critical response, not a personal response) • Use formal language- not slang, idioms, colloquialisms • Is your paper organized? • Is your paper presentable?

11. You must state authors and titles in your introduction Example: In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, Poe develops the tone of horror through his repetition of words and phrases, horrifying images, and words that describe his increasing insanity over the appearance of the raven.

12. Don’t add information that has nothing to do with thesis: Ex. I feel the same way about walking into the cafeteria. Ex. Taking oranges on a date is dumb. Ex. I remember being embarrassed by a teacher in 3rd grade.

13. Use the literary present tense Incorrect- Rachel was embarrassed when the teacher insists the sweater is Rachel’s. Correct- Rachel is embarrassed when the teacher insists the sweater is Rachel’s.

14. Finally: Don’t forget structure: Introduction Body- choose one of three methods Conclusion