How to write an Introductory paragraph

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Remember that the introductory paragraph :

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Is the most important paragraph of the essay

Needs to do three things: Briefly introduce the topic Clearly state your position (thesis) Provide two or three reasons (thesis)

Introduction DON’Ts Don’t use a vague generality or truth like:“Throughout human history…” or “In today’s

world…” or “nowadays…”

Don’t make an announcement:“In this essay I will…” or “The purpose of this

paper is…”

Don’t start with an apology:“I’m not sure if I’m right, but I think…” or “I

don’t know much about this, but…”

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Strategies for Introductions Use a rhetorical question. Relate an incident. Use a vivid quotation. Offer a surprising fact or statistic. Provide background. Make a historical comparison or contrast. Outline a problem. Define a word central to your subject Explain your general truth

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Examples of question introduction

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Would requiring students to wear school uniforms improve public school education?

Should citizens be allowed to burn the United States flag in public?

Keep in mind that rhetorical questions do not have “yes” or “no” answers. They are questions to which there is no one answer. (For example: “Have you ever had a dream?” is NOT a rhetorical question.)

Also, do NOT answer your question. (Do you know what it’s like do be bullied? I do.” = bad!)

Quotation introduction

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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. (Johnson, 43)

“Many of the problems of the heart are not very well understood,” Says David Atienza, head of the Embedded Systems Lab. (Smartphones for Heart Health)

The old adage “you are what you eat” comes to mind when discussing the fast food’s role in childhood obesity.

Surprising facts/ statistics According to the National Center for Education

Statistics, “only 69 percent of high school graduates enroll in college immediately after graduation”, while a recent Gallup Poll shows that 92 percent of parents believed their children would attend college right out of high school. (Cohen)

According to a research study conducted in 2009, nearly 90 percent of all dollar bills have been contaminated by cocaine. (Safdar)

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Providing background The first mobile telephone call was placed in

St. Louis, Missouri on June 17, 1946 from a telephone set installed in an automobile (Histories, 81)

Since the long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans have courageously fought for freedom and equality.

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Outlining a problem The National center on Addiction and

Substance Abuse states that almost 80 percent of high school students have tried alcohol, even though the legal drinking age is 21. (Peecher, 13)

Apple has just released the new iOs 6 operating system, which should mean the end to all app problems, however the new maps app causes people to get lost on a daily basis.

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Defining words According to the Collins English Dictionary,

fair is described as being “free from discrimination and dishonesty”, or being impartial. (“Fair”)

Beauty is the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind. (“Beauty”)

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General truth introduction

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It is impossible to turn on the television and not find a number of violent programs.

Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms.

In the United States of America distracted driving has become a common practice.

General statement introduction

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Today, a potential ban on smoking in public places is a hot-button issue. Some believe that smoking should be banned everywhere while others are not so harsh. It is important, however, that tobacco be outlawed because smoking pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers money due to health problems.

Interrogatory introduction

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What if smoking were banned outside of the home? The country is divided on whether or not smoking should be banned in public places. Smoking should be outlawed because it pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers money due to health problems.

Quotation introduction

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A recent study reported in Men’s Health found that smoking is the greatest threat to human health. In spite of all the evidence, people still argue over whether smoking should be allowed in public places. Tobacco should be outlawed because it pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers money due to health problems.

Final reminders

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Be concise and to the point Do not go into too much detail You must do three things: introduce topic

state position provide reasons