How to write an Essay• Each paragraph needs the fol lowing:

– a minimum of 5 sentences.– a topic sentence (first sentence)– specific details (sentence 2,3, 4)– A CONCLUDING SENTENCE (SENTENCE 5) You will get an opportunity to practice each of

these elements.

Introductory Paragraph

Grab the reader’s attention by writing

something interesting, unusual, surprising or

unexpected

Introduction- why did I put this picture here?

Why did I put that picture there?

• to surprise you!• to show you something, not tell you• to introduce my essay topic to you

• Now I’m going to tell you about-NOT!!!!!• Never say “I’m going to tell you” don’t say tell

when writing, rather “show” the reader with descriptive words what you want to express.

Introduction should have the following elements

– Introduce your topic– Be creative and interesting, don’t state the

obvious about your subject (if you are writing about a famous person don’t say that they’re famous!)

– Grab the reader’s attention- you want to hold their interest (try not to be boring for example, I hate school or I like to party or I live in Sonoma!)

Introduction Example #1

• My husband has broke the law a few times. He made some poor choices when he was a teenager. However, by the time he was 18 years old he straightened himself out. He has sandy blond hair with some reddish hints in it. His blue eyes glitter with mischief as his smile lights up the room. He is a solid guy with a great wife and son and he is as sweet as can be.

or

Introduction Example #2

My husband Bill could’ve been a professional golf player. When people play golf with him they are pretty surprised at how good he is because he only plays a few times a year now. He is tall, solid and has sandy blond hair. He wears a mustache and sometimes he sports a goatee. He loves to play golf and watch golf on television. He is a very good golf player.

Another Method for writing an introduction

• Tell a story-it should be interesting (I almost died…..or my hearing loss wasn’t discovered until I was 3 years old….I’m adopted…)

• Use a quote (“my dad always says to take it one day at a time when the going gets rough”)

• Start off with an opinion (I don’t believe in abortion or I agree with President Obama for …..or all teenagers should be allowed to date..)