Introduction Paragraph for

Persuasive PapersGaining your reader’s interest and keeping it

Key Elements

Hook

Thesis Statement

I’m HOOKED!What is a hook? Effective ways to HOOK your reader:

Anecdote (Personal Short Story)Startling StatisticInteresting Quote

Anecdote Use imageryUse figurative languageCommunicate a POSITIVE or NEGATIVE tone based on your position (black or white)

Example HOOKWhen a person turn on the news nowadays, it seems as though crime and violence are always the top stories. Some communities are plagued by these elements. Would you want to move to such a community? The obvious answer to that question is no. I have heard, however, that the school board is considering changing to a four-day school week, a decision which will inevitably result in our community becoming like those on the news.

Thesis Statement

Includes your position on the topic

State it clearly! BLACK or WHITE!!!

Includes a general overview of your reasons

Format:

I (advocate or denounce) the topic because 1, 2, and 3.

1, 2, and 3 are your REASONS

Example Thesis Statements

I unquestionably denounce making the switch to a four-day school week because teachers will lose instructional time ,parents will have to absorb the cost of the fifth day , and mischievous teens will have opportunities to engage in crime and violence .

(Position) (Topic)

(1)

(2)

(3)