Introductory Paragraph PowerPoint

1. Introductory paragraph &
Thesis Statement

2. Contains 3 main parts:
■ Attention-Getter / Hook
■ Lead-in
■ Thesis statement
The introductory paragraph in a essay had one job, which is introduces your topic and
thesis statement.
Introductory Paragraph

3. Think of the introduction paragraph as an upside
down triangle
General
Specific
Attention Getter
Lead-in
Thesis Statement

4. ■ The very first sentence(s) that gets the reader’s attention and
makes them want to read more
■ VERY general introduction of the topic
Attention Getter / Hook
Some option:
■ Shocking statistic
■ Startling story
■ Quotation
■ Setting the scene
■ Description
■ NO QUESTIONS

5. The Lead-in
■ The sentences between the attention-getter and thesis
statement
■ Helps narrow the topic from general to specific
■ Acts as a transition between attention-getter and thesis
statement

6. The Thesis Statement
● The most important sentence in the paper
● Last sentence of introduction paragraph
● Tells exactly what the essay will be about
● Sometimes, it will present the order of the supporting
material that will be in the essay

7. These types of hooks start by surprising the reader with something that
may not have known. Provide an interesting fact about something you are
going to discuss in your essay’s body and your audience will want to keep
reading to learn more.
James Truslow Adams coined the term “The American Dream” soon after
the Great Depression in order to help explain why so many immigrants
wanted to come live in America.
Include an Interesting Fact or Definition
Hook Strategies

8. The most interesting essays will teach the readers something new. If you
start your introduction by showing that a commonly accepted truth is
actually false, your readers will be instantly hooked.
Many people believe achieving the American Dream means having all the
money you could ever want or need. However, the real American Dream,
especially today, is simply to be out of debt and to have a nice house that
you can call home.
Reveal a Common Misconception
Hook Strategies

9. By listing proven facts at the very beginning of your paper, you will create
interest that can be carried throughout the rest of the essay.
Examples:
The average iceberg weighs over 100,000 metric tons!
Or
80% of young people polled today do not believe that the American
Dream still exists in this country.
Statistics
Hook Strategies

10. Thank you