Introductory Paragraph for an
Essay
Intro Paragraph
Hook
Topic Sentence: THESIS
STATEMENT
Main Points briefly listed:
ROAD MAP
Hook Sentence(s)
Purpose: to grab the attention of the
reader– keep them reading!
Possible hooks:
Thought provoking question
SAMPLE: PEER PRESSURE
What’s the matter? Are you chicken?
I wondered about Joe. The beanie was pretty
normal for him, but when did the cigarette
become part of his outfit?
Another Hook: Scenario-scene
Paint an image or picture for the reader– describe a
scenario/scene
DO NOT USE THE WORD
“IMAGINE”– you may use the
word “picture”
SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT PEER PRESSURE:
Kyle was at the Highlands one Saturday with his
buddies when a high school kid approached him and
asked if he wanted some pot.
More Hook Sentences
Interesting fact or anecdote (story)
Quotation or Dialogue
Short dramatic statement– or one word.
SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Animal
Farm: Tyranny.
SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Outsiders: Gallant.
Outrageous claim/fact/statistic
Thesis Statement
Purpose: introduce your argument or
position or issue
Restate question or issue
Indicate your position WITHOUT
WRITING “in this essay I will” --NEVER
DO THAT
Road Map (list main points)
Purpose: lets reader know where the
essay is headed and in what order main
points will be addressed
Sample:
THESIS: One of the main themes of “RTT” is
bravery sometimes comes in unexpectedly
small packages. ROAD MAP: Kipling
demonstrates this through Darzee’s wife,
who feigns injury, and through Rikki’s final
fight with Nagaina.