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THE APPETIZER:WRITING A GREAT

INTRODUCTION

The Essay


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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.


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Shape of the Introductory Paragraph

Remember, that the shape of theintroductory paragraph is the invertedtriangle.

The introduction paragraph should startwith general comments about the topicthat will draw readers into the essay. From

here, the introduction should narrow thefocus and state specifics of what the writerwill cover.


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v

I. Introduction

1. General/Broad Statement2. Topic Sentence

3. Main Idea Sentences (3)

4. Thesis Statement


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3. The Thesis Statement

Thesis statement A specific statementthat gives the main idea or focus of anessay. It tells the reader what yourpaper will discuss, sets limits on whatyour paper will discuss, and provides a

roadmap of whats to come in the bodyof the essay.


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Does This Sound Familiar?

A thesis statement is much like a topicsentence. But instead of introducingand controlling a paragraph, the thesisstatement introduces and controls thewhole essay.

Topic + Assertion + Blueprint(specific opinion)


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topic + assertion + blueprint

Thesis Statement Formula:

____________ (topic) is

___________ (an astoundingmilitary leader, brilliant musician,outstanding political leader) because

______,______, and ________.(list your 3 points)


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OR

Based on/Because of, ___________,_________, and _____________ ,

_________ (topic) became a______________.


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The thesis statement should be the lastsentence in the introductory paragraph.

(Something/does

something/because/reasons)


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In a Persuasive Essay

Topic: Should school uniforms be requiredin public schools?

Too broad: It is outrageous for students to

be forced to wear school uniforms. Too narrow: Students who are forced towear school uniforms have their creativity

stifled. Off topic: When kids grow up, they will

have bad memories of school.


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Just right!

Good thesis statement:

School uniforms should not be

mandatory in public schools becausethis would stifle students creativity,take away students rights, and cause

students to lose interest in school.


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In an Expository Essay

Topic: Explain the importance of a healthydiet

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.


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Just right!

Good thesis statement:

A healthy diet is important because it

increases energy, prevents illness, andhelps one maintain a healthy weight.

(Something/doessomething/because/reasons)


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The life of the typical middle schoolstudent is characterized by time spentstudying, attending class, andsocializing with peers.


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(Because/reasons/something/doessomething)

Security doors, alarm systems, andflood lights help Americans feel safer in

their neighborhoods.


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Location, amenities, and expenses areimportant considerations when someonerents an apartment.

From childhood, through his prolific yearsof writing operas and symphonies, to histragic death at the age of thirty-five,Mozarts musical genius was revealed.


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1. Grab Your Readers Attention

There are many different ways to beginan introductory paragraph. Youmight


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2. Now That Youve Got Their Attention

Following the attention grabbersentence(s), a good introductoryparagraph will usually have two orthree sentences that providebackground information on the topic

and begin to narrow the readers focustoward the thesis statement.


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Example

On January 27 1756, a boy was born inthe town of Salzburg, Austria. This childwas not just a prodigy; he became one of the

greatest musical geniuses of all times. Hisname was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.From childhood, through his prolific years of

writing operas and symphonies, to his tragicdeath at the age of thirty-five, Mozartsmusical genius was revealed.


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HMWK: Write your Introductory Paragraph

Using what youve learned aboutwriting an introductory paragraph,write the introduction for your essay.

Due: Friday, 2/18/11

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