The Introductory Paragraph

1. The Introductory Paragraph “ How do I write it?”

2. The Way an Essay Looks • There are five parts to a standard essay: • Introduction • Body Paragraph 1 • Body Paragraph 2 • Body Paragraph 3 • Conclusion

3. The Introductory Paragraph • Before you write, ask yourself these 2 questions… • What is your stance on the debatable topic? • Are you for or against? • Who will read your writing? • What do you know about your audience? Geographics, race, culture, beliefs, etc…

4. The Introductory Paragraph has 2 main parts… • The Grabber • The Thesis But it also has a small part… The filler sentences!

5. The Grabber! • There are many ways to write a topic sentence, but let’s focus on three! • Asking a question… and providing the answer! • Using an anecdote (short story)

6. What is a thesis statement? • A thesis statement(claim) is a statement that tells the main idea of your paper to the reader • Your thesis(claim) tells the reader what point you are going to make about your topic. • Usually, the thesis statement is found at the end of the first paragraph in an essay

7. Why must thesis statements have 3 points?! • The thesis must have 3 main points because those 3 points become the 3body paragraphs of your essay

8. A good way to write a thesis is… Two parts of a thesis: • Claim • Thesis Phrase Students should not be forced to go to a segregated school….because 1__________, 2_________, and 3____________.

9. What are filler sentences? • Filler sentences are sentences that connect your “grabber” to your thesis statement. • Usually, there are 2-3 filler sentences. • They move the reader from the instant “grabber” to the main point in the thesis

10. Why are they important? • Filler sentences are about the topic you’re writing about • Restating the question… • Quote • Facts/Statistics/History • Counter-argument • They provide a transition from the excitement of the grabber to the seriousness of the thesis statement.

11. So an introductory paragraph looks like this: ________ Grabber! __________ Filler Sentences _______ Thesis Statement

12. The COMPLETE Intro • Grabber/attention getter • Counter-point • Quote • Facts • Thesis (Claim + three reasons)

13. Ask the reader a question. • Use a catchy phrase or quote. • Create an anecdote • Make an exclamatory sentence. • Use a lead in sentence thatentices the reader to read on. The Hook (The Grabber) To catch the reader, use a hook in the introductory paragraph.

14. Sample hooks • Did you know that Buddhism is one of the most peaceful philosophies in the world? • How many times you walked around the empire and saw this picture: graffiti and trash everywhere, young people talk back to adults, younger siblings refuse to listen to the older siblings. • It breaks my heart to see that some people only care about material things in their lives. The more they have the more things they actually want. • Do you want to see your empire organized, and loyal? Then you should think of adopting …….! • Recently, I was thinking about balance in my life …. • Did you know that each and everyone of us will suffer during our lifetime ? • Meditation, yoga, and peace. What should be better than that?

15. It has come to my attention that you are looking for a great philosophy to adopt for China. Some people think that Taoism is a great philosophy because it provides balance. Others prefer Buddhism because they think it will help them to reach happiness. I believe you should look no further and adopt Confucianism. Confucianism began in 4th century and is based on the ideas and teaching of a famous teacher and philosopher Kung- Fu- Tzu. It is the oldest philosophy of China. It stresses the correct action of individuals towards the common goal of the society. There are more than 6 million followers of Confucianism in the world today. Confucianism should be adopted as a state religion because it teaches young people to respect elder generation, values education, and provides social order in the society

16. You try! Find the Grabber, the Filler, and the Thesis Statement! • It has come to my attention that you are looking for a great philosophy to adopt for China. Some people think that Taoism is a great philosophy because it provides balance. Others prefer Buddhism because they think it will help them to reach happiness. I believe you should look no further and adopt Confucianism. Confucianism began in 4th century and is based on the ideas and teaching of a famous teacher and philosopher Kung- Fu- Tzu. It is the oldest philosophy of China. It stresses the correct action of individuals towards the common goal of the society. There are more than 6 million followers of Confucianism in the world today. Confucianism should be adopted as a state religion because it teaches young people to respect elder generation, values education, and provides social order in the society

17. Did it look like this?! • It has come to my attention that you are looking for a great philosophy to adopt for China. Some people think that Taoism is a great philosophy because it provides balance. Others prefer Buddhism because they think it will help them to reach happiness. I believe you should look no further and adopt Confucianism. Confucianism began in 4th century and is based on the ideas and teaching of a famous teacher and philosopher Kung- Fu- Tzu. It is the oldest philosophy of China. It stresses the correct action of individuals towards the common goal of the society. There are more than 6 million followers of Confucianism in the world today. Confucianism should be adopted as a state religion because it teaches young people to respect elder generation, values education, and provides social order in the society

18. Think about it and Write! • Grabber/Attention getter • Counter-point • Quote • Facts • Thesis (Claim + three reasons