How to write an
Introduction Paragraph
Make your essay worth reading, every time
At the beginning of your
paragraph
you need an effective hook.
Can anyone tell me some
different things you could
use as a hook?
Some effective ways to grab the
attention of the reader are to
begin with a(n)...
Interesting question
Strong Statement or Declaration
Fact or Statistic
Description
Quotation
Interesting question
An interesting question is when you ask a question that
is related to your essay or paper.
For Example, if you are writing an essay about changing
the school mascot, your hook could be....
Have you ever reached a point in your life
where you felt like you were doing too much of
the same thing and just needed a change?
Strong Statement or declaration
A strong statement or declaration makes an assertive claim
about your topic. It connects to the thesis statement and
overall importance of your paper.
For Example, if you are writing an essay about online
classes, your hook could look like...
Participating in online schooling is not only
upsetting for students, but detrimental to their
overall learning environment.
Fact or statistic
Facts and statistics hook a reader because they give real
information about your topic. This allows your to impress your
reader with knowledge at the very beginning of your essay.
For Example, if you are writing an essay about gun
ownership in the United States, your hook could look
like...
Almost two-thirds of American adults at some
point in their life lived in a home with at least
one gun.
Description
To engage readers from the beginning, you can give a vivid
description of a scene that draws readers in. This hook will make
readers want to know what comes next.
For Example, if you are writing an essay about football
safety rules, your hook could be....
He woke up on the ground, incoherent and unsure
of what had just happened to him with no feeling in
any part of his body below his waist.
Quotation
Your quote could be from a famous person, but it does not
have to be. The quote can be from anyone as long as it
relates to your topic.
For Example, if you are writing an essay about
education, your hook could look like...
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most
powerful weapon you can use to change the
world.”
Important note
Hook: Generally
related to topic
When
writing a
hook, think
Background Info:
Getting more specific
about this
about what paper
will be about
image:
Thesis: What exactly
you will be writing
about
After you create your
hook, you need to add
background
information about
your topic.
Background
Information
Background information about your topic provides context and
history that can be crucial to explaining and arguing your point. This
should not begin your argument, but lay the groundwork for it.
For example, if you are writing an essay about German Shepard's being
the best dogs, your background information could look something like...
Dogs, for centuries, have been judged and chosen based upon their
presumed loyalty to their owner. One dog in particular, though, has upheld
such a loyal and serving reputation that it has been chosen and used within
our police force. This animal is none other than the German Shepard.
Background
Information
Remember the triangle visual when you
are writing your background information.
You are not directly coming out and
saying exactly what you are talking
about yet, but you are making your way
there by giving information about the
topic.
After you have added
your background
information, it is time
to create your thesis
statement.
Thesis
Statement
Your thesis statement should be the very
last sentence in your last paragraph.
Remember, your thesis statement should be set up like this:
CLAIM + BECAUSE +
REASON 1 + REASON 2