How to write an Introductory paragraph

How to write an Introductory paragraph “A drop of ink may make a million think.” - Anonymous

When you write an introductory paragraph, keep in mind that: • Writing an introductory paragraph is like greeting someone. The paragraph should be short and to the point like saying, “Hello!” • Also, you don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.

Remember that the Introductory Paragraph: • Is the most important paragraph of the essay • Must be at least 50 words long or three sentences minimum • Needs to do three things • Briefly introduce the topic • Cleary state your position • Provide three reasons

Even though there are several ways to begin an essay, I recommend that you choose one particular method and perfect it. Why?

Because if you keep using the same method, you will... • Become an expert in this particular method. • Moreover, if you already know how you will begin your essay, you will be more prepared, relaxed, and confident.

Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs... • General statement introduction • Question introduction • Anecdote • Statistic

Examples of general statement introduction • Every day the newspapers, television, and radio news programs are flooded with stories about the tragic results of drug addiction. • One of the Surgeon General’s latest public-health crusades is a fight against the growing tide of fat and flab among American children. • Mountain bikes have taken over the bicycle industry. (These are three different example of how you can begin your paragraph. If you will notice in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.)

Examples of question introduction • Are standardized tests a fair measure of academic potential? • Should handgun ownership be outlawed in the United States? • Can mountain bikers peacefully coexist with hikers on wilderness trails? (You can also begin your essay by asking a question. A question usually takes you to the heart of the problem quickly.)

Statistic Introduction • A recent article in Time magazine states that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities. • The Inquirer recently conducted a study and concluded that students in public schools where uniforms are mandatory have fewer problems and perform better academically. • A recent Gallup poll reported that 75%of Americans consider themselves to be environmentalists. (Finally, you can begin an essay by providing some information from a magazine or newspaper you might have read. This introduction is a bit more difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.)

Anecdote • Yesterday, seven year old Billy Barnes came home at 3:30 and let himself into his house with his key. After fixing himself a snack of five Oreo cookies and a glass of soda, Billy watched television (MTV) for two hours. When Billy telephoned his mother at work, she was in a meeting and couldn’t talk to him. Billy represents a growing number of latchkey children who feel neglected, don’t do their homework, and get in trouble when they get older.

In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs.

General statement introduction Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some people believe that smoking should be banned everywhere while others are not so harsh. Tobacco should be outlawed because smoking endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains people of valuable energy. Topic introduced Lead in to thesis Thesis sentence

Interrogatory introduction Topic introduced Should smoking be banned in all public places? This question is the subject of many discussions and arguments in towns across our country. Smoking should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, it pollutes the environment, and it drains people of valuable energy. Lead-in to thesis Thesis sentence

Statistic introduction An article in the New York Times recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. Tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, it pollutes the environment, and it drains valuable resources. Topic introduced Lead-in to thesis Thesis sentence

Final reminders !!!! • Be concise and to the point! • Do not go into too much detail! • At least 50 words minimum! • You must do three things . . . introduce topic state position provide reasons

Should college athletes should be paid more than just tuition? Many people believe that college athletes should get paid while others believe they should not. College athletes should be paid because they practice long hours, the schools are profiting through the athletes efforts, and this would make college life much less stressful for the athletes.

How to write an Introductory paragraph