Definition
0 The opening paragraph in a
conventional essay or composition.
0 The primary purpose of an
introductory paragraph is to attract
the reader's attention and identify the
topic and purpose of the essay. A
thesis statement
at
the
Some Common Introductory Patterns
0 Begin with a general subject that can be narrowed
down into the specific topic of your essay.
0 Begin with specifics (a brief anecdote, a specific
example or fact) that will broaden into the more general
topic of your essay.
that will be discussed.
0 Make a startling statement.
0 Start with an idea or statement that is a widely held
point of view, and
Introductory Paragraphs in
Essay Exams
0 "Do not give any supporting information in
your introductory paragraph. That will come later.
Keep this paragraph simple. On an essay test,
especially, it is better to write one powerful sentence
than to write several that are weak and wordy. In any
event, do not write more than just a few sentences. You
really do not want to spend too much time on this
paragraph; move as quickly as you can into the main part
of your answer.“
(William H. Peltz, Dear Teacher: Expert Advice for Effective
Study Skills. Corwin Press, 2007)
Example of Opening ¶’s
0 "Working part-time as a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly
has given me a great opportunity to observe human
behavior. Sometimes I think of the shoppers as white
rats in a lab experiment, and the aisles as a maze
designed by a psychologist. Most of the rats-customers, I mean--follow a routine pattern, strolling
up and down the aisles, checking through my chute,
and then escaping through the exit hatch. But not
everyone is so dependable. My research has revealed
three distinct types of abnormal customer: the
amnesiac, the super shopper, and the dawdler."
Example of Opening ¶’s
0 "The music was composed as a drinking song for an 18th-
century London social club. The words were written in
1814 by Francis Scott Key to commemorate a battle. And
on March 3, 1931, "The Star-Spangled Banner" officially
became the national anthem of the United States. Ever
since then, people have been complaining that the tune is
unsingable and the lyrics are offensive. In response to
these complaints, a bill was recently filed in Congress to
replace "The Star-Spangled Banner" with "America the
Beautiful" as our national anthem. For a number of
reasons, this bill deserves wide support.“
(Shelby Wilson, "Time for an Anthem the Country Can Sing")
Introductory Paragraphs: Observations
and Recommendations
“Since the introduction gives an overview of your
paper, an introduction is naturally easier to write
once you have developed your line of thought.
Writing, or at least revising, your introduction as a
last step gives you an opportunity to incorporate
upfront the insight that you gained as you worked
through the body and conclusion of your paper.“
(Dona J. Young, Writing From the Core: A Guide for Writing. Writer's Toolkit Publishing,
2009)
Think of your first sentence as a hook that
draws your reader in. It is your big chance to
be so clever that your reader can’t stop.
0 As you researched your topic, you probably
discovered many interesting
anecdotes, quotes, or trivial facts. This is
exactly the sort of thing you should use for an
engaging introduction.
0
0
Surprising fact: The pentagon has twice as many
bathrooms as are necessary. The famous
government building was constructed in the 1940s,
when segregation laws required that separate
bathrooms be installed for people of African
descent. This building isn’t the only American icon
that harkens back to this embarrassing and hurtful
time in our history. Across the United States there
are many examples of leftover laws and customs
that reflect the racism that once permeated
American society.
Humor
0 When my older brother substituted fresh eggs for our hard-
boiled Easter eggs, he didn’t realize our father would take the
first crack at hiding them. My brother’s holiday ended early
that particular day in 1991, but the rest of the family
enjoyed the warm April weather, outside on the lawn, until
late into the evening. Perhaps it was the warmth of the day
and the joy of eating Easter roast while Tommy
contemplated his actions that make my memories of Easter
so sweet. Whatever the true reason, the fact is that my
favorite holiday of the year is Easter Sunday.
0 Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that “There cannot
be true democracy unless women's voices are
heard.” In 2006, when Nancy Pelosi became the
nation’s first female Speaker of the House, one
woman’s voice rang out clear. With this
development, democracy grew to its truest level
ever in terms of women’s equality. The historical
event also paved the way for Senator Clinton as she
warmed her own vocal chords in preparation for a
presidential race.
Introduction ¶ in Outline
Title (subject of Outline)
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter (Hook)
B. Background/concession
C. Thesis (blue print opt)
II. 1st point of blue print
A. Transition sentence/topic sentence
Finding the Hook
0 In each example, the first sentence draws the reader in to
find out how the interesting fact leads to a point. You can
use many methods to capture your reader’s interest.
0 Curiosity: A duck’s quack doesn’t
echo. Some people might find a deep
and mysterious meaning in this fact …
Finding the Hook
A homograph is a word with two or
more pronunciations. Produce is one example …
Yesterday morning I watched as my
older sister left for school with a bright white glob
of toothpaste gleaming on her chin. I felt no regret
at all until she stepped onto the bus …
End With a Good Beginning
0
Once you complete a first draft of
your paper, go back to re-construct
your introductory paragraph. Be
sure to check your thesis statement
to make sure it still holds true—
then double check your first
sentence to give it some zing.