Before you start writing, you need to know What your Topic is. What your Claim about that topic is. Three Reasons that support your

claim.

All of these make up your Thesis Statement.

Your intro paragraph needs to Introduce your thesis statement—which

essentially lets your readers know what the rest of your paper is going to be about. This statement should come at the end of the intro paragraph.

Go from broad to narrow, OR tell a SHORT narrative that will introduce the thesis.

The best store in the mall is . . . Topic: _______________Claim: ______________________3 Reasons: _______________________

Once you have all this info, then briefly explain how you would write 2 of the 3 types of introductions (broad-to-narrow, narrative, contrary opinions).

The body is at least 3 paragraphs long Each paragraph has a Topic Sentence. The topic sentences also have Transitions.

Topic Sentences

The first sentence in each of the paragraphs in the body should tell your readers what that paragraph is going to be about.

IT IS THE THESIS (THE POINT) OF THAT PARAGRAPH

Examples of Good Topic Sentences

Another reason that smoking is bad is because it ruins a person’s teeth.

In addition to the interior, the Ford F-150 is also a great truck because it has wonderful suspension.

The poem also helps us understand homelessness by pointing out the feelings of one homeless man.

Please note that ALL these sentences refer back to the paper’s thesis.

They help your readers know that you are moving on to a new portion of your argument.

Another reason that smoking is bad is because it ruins a person’s teeth.

Notice that the transition, “Another reason,” lets readers know that there has been a previous reason and that there’s about to be another.

A few more examples In addition to the interior, the Ford F-150 is

also a great truck because it has wonderful suspension.

The poem also helps us understand homelessness by pointing out the feelings of one homeless man.

On the other hand, there are many reasons owning a pit bull might be a bad idea.

Unlike his previous claims about drug usage, Smith does feel there are some positives to legalizing drugs.

You give it a shot!Compose three transitional/topic sentences for each of the three

paragraphs in the paper mapped out below.

Thesis: The best store in the mall is American Eagle Outfitters

Points: - Their clothing is in style.- Their clothing is relatively inexpensive.- Dr. Heafner used to work there.

Instructions for Your Introductory Paragraph, Which Is Due Monday1) You need a completed, edited version

of your Paper 1 introduction2) You need to write out each of the three

transitional/topic sentences for the body of your paper.

3) Under each of the topic sentences, you need to briefly explain how you intend to argue each of the points.