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The introduction paragraphIs the heart of the essay.
It is the 1st impression
readers get of your essay
What Should my Intro Paragraph Include?
HookBack-
ground Info
Thesis
WRITING HOOKSA hook should grab your reader’s attention and encourage them to want to keep reading.
A Literary QuoteTry starting your introduction
paragraph with a literary quote.
An example of a literary quote
If you are writing an essay about persevering, consider writing a literary quote hook like the one on the following slide.
“Tomorrow is another day.”This quote by author Margaret Mitchell in her 1939 novel Gone with the Wind, emphasizes
that no matter what trials we are facing today, the new light of tomorrow can provide us with
hope for the future
hookLiterary quote
“A literary quote can be a powerful statement drawing readers in with
descriptive language.
A Well-Known QuoteTry starting your introduction
paragraph with a quote known by a well-known figure.
An example of a well-known quote
Maybe you are writing an essay about leadership, consider writing a well-known quote hook like the one on the following slide.
“Our deepest fearIs not that we are inadequate. Our deepest
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, which most
frightens us.” Here, Nelson Mandela, revolutionary politician and philanthropist,
explains our fears are much more about achieving success than about failing.
hookWell-known quote
“A quote by a well-known person can
inspire your reader to think deeply and desire to keep reading to understand the connection between your quote and your
essay.
A Rhetorical QuestionTry starting your introduction
paragraph with a rhetorical question.
An example of a rhetorical question
If you are writing an essay about bullying, consider writing a rhetorical question hook like the one on the following slide.
How would you feel if your child came home, crying and
distraught, telling you about another student at school who had called him horrible names?
hookLiterary quote
“A rhetorical question encourages the
reader to become invested in your essay.
An AnecdoteTry starting your introduction paragraph with an anecdote.
An example of an anecdote
Perhaps your essay is about courage, consider writing an anecdotal quote hook like the one on the following slide.
A veteran of the Vietnam War admitted that every time he prepared for
battle, he experienced great fear. Even so, he is a man of incredible courage. Courage is not defined by the lack of fear, but by the ability
to take action in the face of fear.
hookAnecdote
“Using an anecdote will present the reader with a real person, allowing them to be
more invested in the essay.
A StatisticTry starting your introduction
paragraph with a statistic.
An example of a rhetorical question
If you are writing an essay about modern family life, consider writing a rhetorical question hook like the one on the following slide.
Fifty percent of marriagesend in divorce. This percentage reflects the
ever-changing family dynamic.
hookStatistic
“A statistic creates authority, lending your reader to trust you and your opinion
presented in your essay.
BACKGROUND INFOThe background information in the introduction is a bridge that will connect your hook to the thesis statement.
Determine which type of essay you are writing:
InformativeEssay
Persuasive Essay
Literary Analysis Essay
Then write your background information based on your essay type.
Informative EssayFor this background info, write
sentences with details that will help your reader understand the topic.
If writing on the Black Plague
it would help the reader to know details about the time period, how many people died, what areas were affected, etc. Informative Background Info
Persuasive EssayFor this background info, give the
reader information about both sides of the argument.
If writing on Peeta vs. Gale
you would present both camps, telling the reader why some people believe Gale is better for Katniss and why others prefer Peeta.Persuasive Background Info
Literary Analysis For this background info, give the
reader technical or contextual information about the novel or topic.
If writing on Daisy’s character
from The Great Gatsby you could define characterization and discuss Daisy and Gatsby’s personal relationship.Persuasive Background Info
Now you have all you need
to write a powerful introduction paragraph.
For additional supportCall Oxford Tutoring
(949) 681-0388Or check us out online:
Credits
Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free:▧ Presentation template by SlidesCarnival▧ Photographs by Unsplash▧ Backgrounds by Pixeden
