The Introduction Paragraph
Introduction Requirements
1) Begin with a lead- The first sentence
should engage the reader.
How to Write Effective Leads
What is a lead sentence?
• A good ‘lead’ in a piece of writing ‘hooks’
the reader to continue their reading.
• A weak lead makes the reader want to
read something else.
Ways to Write an Effective Lead……
• Provide a hint of mystery that makes the reader
want more information
• Ask a question
• Start with dialogue
• Use a sentence from the middle of your writing
• Begin with an amazing fact
• Use a sentence that sets the mood
Bold and Challenging Statement
• A bold and challenging statement is similar to an
announcement, but is meant to cause some people to
disagree with what you say.
•
Example: Using horses and cattle in the sport of rodeo
is animal abuse. What makes it more aggravating is that
it is legal. According to the law, there is nothing wrong
with chasing an animal down, tightening a rope around
its neck, knocking it to the ground, and tying its legs
together so it cannot move.
Definition
• Open with a definition of the term you are
discussing. It can be your own or come from a
dictionary or textbook.
• Example: According to Webster's Dictionary, a
government is the authority that serves the
people and acts on their behalf.
• Open with a quotation that is well known or from
a famous person.
• Be sure to put quotations around the quotation
and give credit to the person who said it.
• Of course, the quotation must be directly related
to your topic.
• Example: President John F. Kennedy once
said, "Ask not what your country can do for you,
ask what you can do for your country." Today's
Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message.
We expect our country to take care of us, but we
are not taking care of our country.
Tips to write an effective lead……
Ask a question
• Are we responsible for our own destiny?
• Is there such thing as love at first sight?
• Have you ever been on a true adventure?
Tips to write an effective lead……
Start with dialogue
• “Yes,” Moonface said.
• “Well that was my ship. I’m from out there.”
Tips to write an effective lead……
Use a sentence from the middle of your
writing
Helena suddenly found herself the object of
affection of two men.
Tips to write an effective lead……
Begin with an amazing fact
• Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is
full of lying, arguing, confusion and turmoil.
Tips to write an effective lead……
Use a sentence that sets the mood
• The forest is dark and mysterious. The four lovers don’t
know where they are going or who else is in the forest.
What method have the following
writer’s used?
The ocean area covered by the Arctic
sea ice last summer was as low as it’s
ever been, according to a newly released
survey. The rate of melting gets faster
every year suggesting that a warming
cycle predicted by climate change models
is already at work.
What method have the following
writer’s used?
“Get up, Stephen,” my mother yelled. It
was another Monday morning. The same
hum drum routine had started all over
again.
What method have the following
writer’s used?
Five thousand children are killed each
year in bicycle accidents and I was nearly
one of them.
What method have the following
writer’s used?
“Sarah’s heart was in her mouth when
she saw the deep hole approaching
quickly.”
What method have the following
writer’s used?
Have you ever had a life threatening
experience?
Introduction Requirements
2)Introduce the topic and focus of your
paper.
Ex. The author weaves symbolism
throughout the novel, specifically the
symbols of the slingshot and scar.
Introduction Requirements
3) Provide a well-rounded introduction to the
novel. Never assume the reader has read
the novel, but also avoid too much plot
summary.
Ex. The Kite Runner provides insights into
the struggles of the main character, Amir,
who witnesses a dramatic event as a child
and is unable to move forward.
Introduction Requirements
4) Your thesis should appear towards the
end of the paragraph. The thesis states
your argument as specifically as possible.
Include all key elements, novel title, author,
chosen theme, the key character.
Sample
It is said, “There is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friend”.
These words were spoken by a man who truly practiced what he preached, Jesus. Jesus
demonstrated this by dying on the cross to forgive the world of its sins and to show his love. In
society, many fail to understand and correctly interpret the message of love and sacrifice Jesus
sent to the world. There are many times in life when people have to make sacrifices for the
benefit and love of others. Most times these sacrifices are hard to make, but it is the difficulty
that is overcome that shows their love for a person. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner
revolves around the theme of love and sacrifice. The novel begins in the peaceful times of
Kabul, Afghanistan with the young Amir and his playmate and servant Hassan. It recounts the
struggles between his wealthy father, Baba, and the deteriorating friendship between Amir and
Hassan, and Baba and Ali. As the novel progresses, it shows the dissolution of the monarchy
of Afghanistan and the ethnic tensions between the Hazara and Pastun tribes as Baba and
Amir leave their life and friendships to move to a lower class in America. In the novel The Kite
Runner, Khaled Hosseini demonstrates the reoccurring themes of love and sacrifice
through the characters Baba, Ali, and Hassan. Baba sacrifices his home and reputation so
that his son, Amir, can become the man he is. Ali sacrifices his friendship and home for his son,
Hassan’s, safety, and Hassan sacrifices his pride and friendship for Amir’s happiness and
peace of mind.