The Introduction Paragraph. Introduction Requirements 1) Begin with a lead- The first sentence should engage the reader

The Introduction Paragraph

Introduction Requirements

1) Begin with a lead- The first sentence should engage the reader.

How to Write Effective Leads

What is a lead sentence?

• A good ‘lead’ in a piece of writing ‘hooks’ the reader to continue their reading.

• A weak lead makes the reader want to read something else.

Ways to Write an Effective Lead……

• Provide a hint of mystery that makes the reader want more information

• Ask a question• Start with dialogue• Use a sentence from the middle of your writing• Begin with an amazing fact• Use a sentence that sets the mood

Bold and Challenging Statement• A bold and challenging statement is similar to an announcement, but is meant to cause some people to disagree with what you say.

• Example: Using horses and cattle in the sport of rodeo is animal abuse. What makes it more aggravating is that it is legal. According to the law, there is nothing wrong with chasing an animal down, tightening a rope around its neck, knocking it to the ground, and tying its legs together so it cannot move.

Definition• Open with a definition of the term you are discussing. It can be your own or come from a dictionary or textbook.

• Example: According to Webster's Dictionary, a government is the authority that serves the people and acts on their behalf.

• Open with a quotation that is well known or from a famous person.

• Be sure to put quotations around the quotation and give credit to the person who said it.

• Of course, the quotation must be directly related to your topic.

• Example: President John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Today's Americans have forgotten Kennedy's message. We expect our country to take care of us, but we are not taking care of our country.

Tips to write an effective lead……

Ask a question• Are we responsible for our own destiny?• Is there such thing as love at first sight?• Have you ever been on a true adventure?


Start with dialogue• “Yes,” Moonface said.• “Well that was my ship. I’m from out there.”


Use a sentence from the middle of your writing

Helena suddenly found herself the object of affection of two men.


Begin with an amazing fact• Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is

full of lying, arguing, confusion and turmoil.


Use a sentence that sets the mood

• The forest is dark and mysterious. The four lovers don’t know where they are going or who else is in the forest.

What method have the following writer’s used?

The ocean area covered by the Arctic sea ice last summer was as low as it’s ever been, according to a newly released survey. The rate of melting gets faster every year suggesting that a warming cycle predicted by climate change models is already at work.


“Get up, Stephen,” my mother yelled. It was another Monday morning. The same hum drum routine had started all over again.


Five thousand children are killed each year in bicycle accidents and I was nearly one of them.


“Sarah’s heart was in her mouth when she saw the deep hole approaching quickly.”


Have you ever had a life threatening experience?


2)Introduce the topic and focus of your paper.

Ex. The author weaves symbolism throughout the novel, specifically the symbols of the slingshot and scar.


3) Provide a well-rounded introduction to the novel. Never assume the reader has read the novel, but also avoid too much plot summary.

Ex. The Kite Runner provides insights into the struggles of the main character, Amir, who witnesses a dramatic event as a child and is unable to move forward.


4) Your thesis should appear towards the end of the paragraph. The thesis states your argument as specifically as possible. Include all key elements, novel title, author, chosen theme, the key character.

SampleIt is said, “There is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friend”. These

words were spoken by a man who truly practiced what he preached, Jesus. Jesus demonstrated this by dying on the cross to forgive the world of its sins and to show his love. In society, many fail to understand and correctly interpret the message of love and sacrifice Jesus sent to the world. There are many times in life when people have to make sacrifices for the benefit and love of others. Most times these sacrifices are hard to make, but it is the difficulty that is overcome that shows their love for a person. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner revolves around the theme of love and sacrifice. The novel begins in the peaceful times of Kabul, Afghanistan with the young Amir and his playmate and servant Hassan. It recounts the struggles between his wealthy father, Baba, and the deteriorating friendship between Amir and Hassan, and Baba and Ali. As the novel progresses, it shows the dissolution of the monarchy of Afghanistan and the ethnic tensions between the Hazara and Pastun tribes as Baba and Amir leave their life and friendships to move to a lower class in America. In the novel The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini demonstrates the reoccurring themes of love and sacrifice through the characters Baba, Ali, and Hassan. Baba sacrifices his home and reputation so that his son, Amir, can become the man he is. Ali sacrifices his friendship and home for his son, Hassan’s, safety, and Hassan sacrifices his pride and friendship for Amir’s happiness and peace of mind.

Documents

The Introduction Paragraph. Introduction Requirements 1) Begin with a lead- The first sentence should engage the reader