Introduction Writing

Here are some basic tips for creating an awesome essay that

will transform into an amazing speech! :)

Introductions

You must orient your reader to what you will be discussing in your essay.

You must tell them what you will be telling them.

A roadmap to follow.

Intro Paragraphs Broad to narrow

This is exactly what it says: begin your paper very broad and narrow it down to your thesis sentence.

Example: Most people have someone in their life that they admire and look up to, and someone that they wish to emulate. Sometimes they have a parent, friend, or relative that offers them help. However, they might not be as lucky as I am to have a role model who also shares my same birth date. My twin sister is someone who is caring, ambitious, and devoted. Even though we may be the same height, I truly look up to my twin sister.

Interesting Introductions

You have to start with something to hook your audience!!

Introduction Paragraph Contains:HOOK/LEAD/Attention getterPREVIEWTHESIS

Types of Hooks!

1. Raise a question or ask a rhetorical question

Example: Need money fast? Hold a garage sale.

Hooks

2. An intriguing statement or startling statistic

Example: There are more people in prisons in the United States than in graduate schools, and the number is growing.

Hooks

3. Use a quotation.

Example: "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked," says Bernard Meltzer.

Hooks4. Tell a relevant story, joke, or anecdote.

5. Write a strong description.

Example: Silky smooth blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a light complexion, and a towering 5’6’’. I bet you would never guess that I am talking about my twin sister. Even though we are not alike when it comes to the looks department, when it comes to personalities, there are endless similarities.

Hooks6. A personal experience that has relevance to

your topic

7. Use examples

Example: Chocolate, coffee, and diet pills -- these are only a few of the products that artificially stimulate us, sometimes without our awareness.

Hooks

8. Statement of a popular misconception

Example: When I first tell people that my grandparents raised me, they often express sympathy. But in reality, I have found that there are several advantages to my unique experience.

Hooks9. An analogy or comparison

Example: Have you ever tried to put together a 1000 piece puzzle? Try as you might, it is really difficult to find all the right pieces. When I met my best friend, Shelly, I felt like I had finally found a puzzle piece that fit. We are like two peas in a pod and I am so glad to have her in my life.

Hooks: You Try: Who is a role model to you

& why?

1. Question2. Int. Statement3. Quotation4. Relevant story5. Relevant joke

6. Personal experience

7. Misconception8. Analogy or

comparison

Transition Sentence

Can be found between hook and thesis.

Can also be found throughout essay where shifting ideas.

Roadmap!!!!

Thesis

The main idea of an essay in a single sentence, what you are proving in your essay!

It is the most important sentence!

Thesis…

The central focus of this essay will be about the effects of living in poverty.

The most influential role model in my life is my mom.

Athletes will work on their endurance, their strength and their ability to adapt...

You try…

Who is a role model to you & why

PreviewYour preview should be in the order that

topics will appear in your paper. By reading this, people should be able to tell how many body paragraphs there will be.

1-2 sentences

There are three important things about that Hanukkah that I wanted to relive…

Your try a hook and a preview…

Who is a role model to you & why?

Practice!Write an introduction for a paper on why

Wayzata East is a great school.

HOOK:

PREVIEW:

THESIS: Wayzata East is a great school because…

Introduction

Do you know the feeling of winning the lottery? The rush of knowing that your life is going to get better and better? Well, that’s what it feels like going to Wayzata East Middle School. Wayzata East Middle School is wonderful because of _____, _____, and _____. As you can see, Wayzata East is the place to be.

Review