Today’s Goals!

1. Today’s Goals! Identify the parts of an introductory paragraph and understand how to develop an original intro paragraph Analyze previous student writing to identify possible mistakes in development. Utilize sentence combining to develop a mock intro to previous FCAT essays and compare their elements.

2. Intro to the Introductory Paragraph Learn an easy way to plan and structure the first paragraph of your class essay.

3. Basic Structure: 4-6 MEATY Sentences - General statement or eye- popp or Eye-popping example - Sentences get gradually more specific with at least one transition as you further explain the general topic you will discuss. - “Therefore…” end your intro with your thesis statement that outlines EXACTLY what your essay will explain/argue/prove.

4. Your First Sentence The General Statement – “Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for proof of life on other planets” The Eye-popping Example – “The parents sobbed uncontrollably as they watched their only son carted off the plane in a coffin to the deathly blasting sounds of a military salute.”

5. The Lead-up to Your Thesis - After your first sentence/element, begin drilling down more specifically towards a main point using at least one solid transition (however, on the other hand, for instance). - Remember, your intro should go from general to specific

6. Example Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for proof of life on other planets. However, even after decades of effort and billions of dollars, scientists are no closer to finding extraterrestrials. Sure, we’ve seen lots of movies that show that the search for little green men from Mars is either beneficial or at least exciting, but so far it’s proven to be a waste of time and money. Heck, our country is in enough financial trouble as it is, and scientists could be spending their time curing Cancer.

7. The Thesis! A thesis statement is the controlling idea of your essay. It’s what you want to say about the subject. It’s your opinion and the main points you want to prove. It’s one solid sentence that sets the road map for your writing.

8. Example Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for proof of life on other planets. However, even after decades of effort and billions of dollars, scientists are no closer to finding extraterrestrials. Sure, we’ve seen lots of movies that show that the search for little green men from Mars is either beneficial or at least exciting, but so far it’s proven to be a waste of time and money. Heck, our country is in enough financial trouble as it is, and scientists could be spending their time curing Cancer. Therefore, I feel it is time to stop wasting money on searching for aliens and life in space because it is a waste of our country’s money in this time of economic distress and a waste of our scientists’ efforts who should be working on curing fatal diseases.

9. Now You Try! – using sentence combining techniques from pages 37-39 in your grammar workbook, make the following sentences flow in “MEATY” sentences to develop an effective introductory paragraph to our last essay topic:What do you think is causing a rise in violence in America’s schools? Identify each section of your intro: General statement or eye-popping example Lead up to your thesis Thesis Statement

10. Today’s Assignment! The following sentences make up a simple but effective introductory paragraph. However, they are much too simple and boring. On your own paper, combine the sentences below and follow the basic parts of the introductory paragraph. Be sure to add transitions to make the paragraph flow.

11. The world is a place of violence. Violence in the world includes terrorism. War is common in the world too. Gangs are forever fighting on the world’s streets. Schools should not have violence. Schools are places that kids should feel safe always. Parents should know that their kids are safe. Violence in school is rising across the country. Violence in school is rising because of graphic and hateful video games. 10. School violence is rising because of both inattentive parents and social media.