Attention Getters Practice
Attention getters are used to create strong introductions to essays that make your readers want to keep reading. They
also set you up nicely for a strong conclusion paragraph. We will practice two separate types this week.
1 – The Story
Begin your introduction paragraph with a story. For example, if I’m going to write an essay about my favorite sport
(hockey, of course), I might start like this:
“Game on!” one fan yells. “Game on!” another fan hollers in response. The referee drops the puck at center ice
and the game begins. We watch as the center makes a speedy backward pass to the waiting defenseman, who in turn
slides it across the ice to his defensive partner. The pair skates to the blue line, flanking the forwards who are in deeper,
closer to the opposing team’s goalie. The solid ‘thunk’ of the frozen puck against the blades of hockey sticks rings
through the arena – right wing, defenseman, defenseman, left wing, and back again. Suddenly, the puck stops at the
blue line and the defenseman winds up for a bullet of a slap shot. This is where the excitement of hockey lives, in the
strategy, the set up and the plays of the game.
(Look at my last sentence – this is the thesis statement that tells you what three topics I’m going to cover in my essay.
Note that I didn’t use the phrase, “I’m going to talk about…”.)
For the conclusion, concentrate on finishing the story. Your first sentence should restate your thesis statement from
the introduction.
Clearly the strategy, the set up, and the plays of the game make a captive audience of the fans in attendance.
The defenseman is keenly aware of this as he raises his stick high. The purpose of the slap shot is more than to get the
puck through the traffic of players in front of the net; it’s to score. He swings down forcefully, anchoring himself on his
front foot. His follow-through sets the puck on a path to the top left corner of the net. Fans and players alike watch and
wait, breathless with anticipation. The water bottle on the net jumps, the goal light ignites and the arena erupts. “Goal!”
Try your own story attention getter using this prompt: Think about your favorite summertime activity. Write an
expository essay to your English teacher explaining three reasons why you enjoy this activity.
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph
2 – Questions
Begin your introduction paragraph by asking your reader some questions related to your topic. For example, if I’m
going to write an essay about my favorite sport (hockey, of course), I might start like this:
What’s it like to sit rink-side at a hockey game? How does it feel when a player gets checked right in front of
you? Can you feel the ice shavings when a player stops abruptly nearby? These are good questions that any sometime
hockey fan would be able to answer. However, if people want to know more about the ins and outs of the game, they
have to ask the right fans the right questions. Answers to inquiries about how the plays work, when penalty shots take
place and when certain penalties are given will offer a more complete understanding of the game in general.
(Look at my last sentence – this is the thesis statement that tells you what three topics I’m going to cover in my essay.
Note that I didn’t use the phrase, “I’m going to talk about…”.)
For the conclusion, concentrate on addressing the questions again. Your first sentence should restate your thesis
statement from the introduction.
Many people who are new to hockey are curious about when varying kinds of penalties are dispensed, when a
player gets to take a penalty shot, or how the different plays work. Answers to these questions can deepen one’s
understanding of the game, but lead to more in-depth questions, as well. A more experienced fan may still be curious
about penalties that are dispense by the league after games are over, the strategy behind player order in shootouts, or
even the thought behind defensive pairings. Every fan must start at the beginning, however, and enjoy the everchanging journey that is watching, enjoying and understanding the game of hockey.
Try your own questions attention getter using this prompt: Think about your favorite movie genre. Write an expository
essay to your English teacher explaining three reasons why you enjoy this genre.
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph
3 – A Quote
Begin your introduction paragraph with a quote. For example, if I’m going to write an essay about my favorite sport
(hockey, of course), I might start like this:
“I went to a fight the other night, and a hockey game broke out.” This humorous quip by Rodney Dangerfield
gives a startlingly good look at how physical and violent the sport of hockey can be. Tiny forwards get crushed by much
heftier defenseman on a regular basis. Giant enforcers meet center ice to duke it out more often than may be deemed
necessary. Bothersome centers skate intentionally into the goalies, who take it as a personal offense and retaliate.
Despite the mayhem that some people imagine based on Mr. Dangerfield’s quote, the game is actually quite controlled.
Most of the violence does not go unpunished, as it evidenced by numerous minor, major and occasionally match
penalties called in any given game.
(Look at my last sentence – this is the thesis statement that tells you what three topics I’m going to cover in my essay.
Note that I didn’t use the phrase, “I’m going to talk about…”.)
For the conclusion, concentrate on revisiting the quote or the person who said it. Your first sentence should restate
your thesis statement from the introduction.
Minor penalties, major penalties and match penalties are realities in hockey. In fact, they’re proof that the game
is fast-paced, exciting, and deserving of the millions of fans it’s collected over the decades. While some may view Rodney
Dangerfield’s quote as a criticism of the game and its excessive physicality, I would argue that it is in fact an inviting
observation, beckoning to those that are not yet fans. “Come on out to a game,” he might as well say. “You won’t be
sorry you did.”
Try your own quote attention getter using this quote and prompt: “Reading is one form of escape. Running for your life is
another.” Lemony Snicket Think about all of the reasons someone might enjoy reading. Write an essay to your English
teacher explaining three reasons someone might enjoy reading.
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph
Attention Getters Practice
Attention getters are used to create strong introductions to essays that make your readers want to keep reading. They
also set you up nicely for a strong conclusion paragraph. We will practice two separate types this week.
1 – The Fact
Begin your introduction paragraph with a shocking or interesting fact or statement. For example, if I’m going to write
an essay about my favorite sport (hockey, of course), I might start like this:
Historical evidence suggests that games similar to hockey have been played for over 4,000 years in many
countries one wouldn’t typically associate with the chilly sport. Egyptians played a game that involved hitting dates
around with curved sticks. China and Ancient Greece had versions of this game that were airborne or used curved horns
instead of sticks. Modern-day hockey was developed in Canada in the 1850’s by British soldiers who were stationed
there. Clearly, hockey is a sport that captivates many various kinds of people. Most people can find something to enjoy
about hockey, whether it’s the speed of the game, the physicality, or the inevitable suspense that is involved in a solid
match-up.
(Look at my last sentence – this is the thesis statement that tells you what three topics I’m going to cover in my essay.
Note that I didn’t use the phrase, “I’m going to talk about…”.)
For the conclusion, concentrate on revisiting the fact(s) you introduced in the intro. Your first sentence should restate
your thesis statement from the introduction.
The fast-paced nature of hockey, the hard-hitting action, and the nail-biting excitement are all traits of the sport
that draw countless fans to arenas the world over. Similar sports throughout the world and throughout time have been a
consistent source of entertainment for spectators, proving that hockey is here to stay. We have only to thank our bored
Egyptian friends for killing time by passing dates around 4,000 years ago.
Try your own fact attention getter using one of the facts provided: See class set of fun facts. Practice developing an
essay that covers ONE topic with THREE supporting sub-topics. Use my example for help.
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph