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The Essay: The Appetizer: Writing A Great

This document provides guidance on writing effective introductory paragraphs. It explains that an introductory paragraph should 1) grab the reader's attention, 2) introduce the subject, and 3) identify the specific thesis or focus of the writing. It also notes that the shape of the introductory paragraph is like an inverted triangle, starting broad and narrowing to the thesis statement. Finally, it offers examples of strong thesis statements for persuasive and expository essays that state a clear topic and position.

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Imran Maqsood
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149 views

The Essay: The Appetizer: Writing A Great

This document provides guidance on writing effective introductory paragraphs. It explains that an introductory paragraph should 1) grab the reader's attention, 2) introduce the subject, and 3) identify the specific thesis or focus of the writing. It also notes that the shape of the introductory paragraph is like an inverted triangle, starting broad and narrowing to the thesis statement. Finally, it offers examples of strong thesis statements for persuasive and expository essays that state a clear topic and position.

Uploaded by

Imran Maqsood
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE APPETIZER:

WRITING A GREAT
INTRODUCTION
The Essay
Elements of the Introductory Paragraph
An introductory paragraph should do
three things:

1. grab your readers attention,
2. introduce your subject, and
3. identify the specific focus, or thesis,
of your writing.
Shape of the Introductory Paragraph
Remember, that the shape of the
introductory paragraph is the inverted
triangle.
The introduction paragraph should start
with general comments about the topic
that will draw readers into the essay. From
here, the introduction should narrow the
focus and state specifics of what the writer
will cover.
v

I. Introduction

1. General/Broad Statement
2. Topic Sentence

3. Main Idea Sentences (3)

4. Thesis Statement

3. The Thesis Statement
Thesis statement A specific statement
that gives the main idea or focus of an
essay. It tells the reader what your
paper will discuss, sets limits on what
your paper will discuss, and provides a
roadmap of whats to come in the body
of the essay.

Does This Sound Familiar?
A thesis statement is much like a topic
sentence. But instead of introducing
and controlling a paragraph, the thesis
statement introduces and controls the
whole essay.
Topic + Assertion + Blueprint
(specific opinion)
topic + assertion + blueprint
Thesis Statement Formula:
____________ (topic) is
___________ (an astounding
military leader, brilliant musician,
outstanding political leader) because
______,______, and ________.
(list your 3 points)

OR
Based on/Because of, ___________,
_________, and _____________ ,
_________ (topic) became a
______________.
The thesis statement should be the last
sentence in the introductory paragraph.



(Something/does
something/because/reasons)

In a Persuasive Essay
Topic: Should school uniforms be required
in public schools?
Too broad: It is outrageous for students to
be forced to wear school uniforms.
Too narrow: Students who are forced to
wear school uniforms have their creativity
stifled.
Off topic: When kids grow up, they will
have bad memories of school.
Just right!
Good thesis statement:
School uniforms should not be
mandatory in public schools because
this would stifle students creativity,
take away students rights, and cause
students to lose interest in school.
In an Expository Essay
Topic: Explain the importance of a healthy
diet

Too broad: A healthy diet is important.
Too narrow: Everybody should include
eight servings of fruits and vegetables in his
or her diet every day.
Off topic: Bananas are one of the most
nutritious foods on earth.
Just right!
Good thesis statement:
A healthy diet is important because it
increases energy, prevents illness, and
helps one maintain a healthy weight.

(Something/does
something/because/reasons)
The life of the typical middle school
student is characterized by time spent
studying, attending class, and
socializing with peers.
(Because/reasons/something/does
something)

Security doors, alarm systems, and
flood lights help Americans feel safer in
their neighborhoods.



Location, amenities, and expenses are
important considerations when someone
rents an apartment.

From childhood, through his prolific years
of writing operas and symphonies, to his
tragic death at the age of thirty-five,
Mozarts musical genius was revealed.
1. Grab Your Readers Attention
There are many different ways to begin
an introductory paragraph. You
might
Possible Leads
1. include some action,
2. share some interesting or important
details,
3. start with some thoughtful dialogue, or
story,
4. ask the readers a question,
5. begin with an informative quotation, or
6. physical description of the person

2. Now That Youve Got Their Attention
Following the attention grabber
sentence(s), a good introductory
paragraph will usually have two or
three sentences that provide
background information on the topic
and begin to narrow the readers focus
toward the thesis statement.
Example
On January 27 1756, a boy was born in
the town of Salzburg, Austria. This child
was not just a prodigy; he became one of the
greatest musical geniuses of all times. His
name was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
From childhood, through his prolific years of
writing operas and symphonies, to his tragic
death at the age of thirty-five, Mozarts
musical genius was revealed.
HMWK: Write your Introductory Paragraph
Using what youve learned about
writing an introductory paragraph,
write the introduction for your essay.

Due: Friday, 2/18/11

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