Introductory Paragraph

How to Write an Introduction for an Essay

California State Standards for 9-10th grade English

Writing Standards Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid

reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. a. Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and

create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

d. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

a. Introduce a topic or thesis statement; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CA

b. Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.

c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.

d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and

conventions of the discipline in which they are writing. f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or

explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic). 4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are

appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)

5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grades 9–10.)

Lesson Objectives

In this session, we will cover the following objectives: Define the purpose, placement, form and function of an introductory

paragraph Identify the three sections of an introductory paragraph Explain how the introduction provides a roadmap for the body of an

essay Explain how the thesis statement is organized in the introduction to

show how the argument will logically and sequentially proceed View and analyze an example of an introductory paragraph

Functions of the Introductory Paragraph

1. Obtain the attention of the reader in a way that expresses the importance of the topic. (This is your “go” topic sentence).

2. Narrow your focus to the subject that you will address. (These are your “slow down” transition sentences).

3. Present your thesis; this is your claim, your central controlling idea. (This is your “stop” sentence that will state your point of view, and show how the argument will proceed.)

Obtain reader’s attention/introduces topic

Narrow the subject/transition

Thesis

statement/central

and controlling

idea

Funnel Method:

Strategies for your opening sentence

Obtain reader’s attention/introduces topic

To obtain the reader’s attention the writer may use several strategies in the opening sentence:

Use a surprising statistic Ask a direct question Provide a strong quote Establish a historic setting or concept

Your introduction establishes whether your voice is credible, or untrustworthy and doubtful. Make the introduction your best paragraph; establish a trust-worthy voice that the reader will invest time in and be convinced by!

Strategies for your transition

Narrow the subject/transition

Begin to narrow the subject to connect the opening sentence(s) to your thesis statement.

Include necessary background information to fill the reader in and angle your perspective.

Connect your opening to your thesis statement

The middle of your intro (the yellow – slow down section) is a transition that prepares readers for your thesis statement.

Strategies for your thesis statement

Thesis statement/cent

ral idea

The thesis statement makes the reader aware of your central and controlling idea, argument and major point. Your thesis statement should:

Use the dependent + independent clause style (use a sentence starter) Address the assignment in a direct way. Use key words from the

prompt to ensure that you are on topic Showcase your point of view: pro or con, for or against, in favor or

disfavor Provide a road map for the essay (three points are optional, but a

logical sequence must always be applied)

The end of your introduction should exhibit the main point of your writing, tell the reader what to expect, and provide a road map for how your argument is going to proceed.

Style issues to avoid!

Do not: Do not be vague or unclear. Hesitancy or inconsistency may

develop doubt in the reader. Do not use first-person point-of-view or personal pronouns (I,

you, we, etc.). Do not use an announcement style: “This paper will discuss”; “I

hope you enjoyed reading this paper!”; “I am going to write my topic sentence now.”

Do not present arguments that belong in the body of your paper.

Prompt

The three characters in the lighthouse respond differently to the invasion. Describe each man’s reaction to the rats and its effect on the outcome of the story. Which character (if any) did you identify with?

Example of Introduction:

Good stories invite readers to apply their perception-taking skills through the creation of interesting characters who undergo unique trials in unknown lands. These characters endure through conflicts that capture the imagination of the dedicated readers. In the classic tale, “Three Skeleton Key,” the author, George G. Toudouze, suspensefully unfolds the making of three men who are isolated in a small, dark and desolate island. They are held captive by thousands of ravenous, aggressive rats that invade the island after their abandoned ship crashed ashore. The three men: the narrator, Le Gleo and Itchoua endure nine days of terror together, trapped in the peak of a light house, holding back the voracious rodents. Although each man externally experiences the same conflict – to ward off the rats – internally, the men suffer differently. While the narrator lives on to tell the tale, Le Gleo’s mind torture’s him into solitary confinement, and Itchoua’s experience and knowledge was not enough to spare his infected body.

Highlight the introduction, printed on your graphic organizer, in green, yellow and red to identify the three different sections.

Good stories invite readers to apply their perception-taking skills through the creation of interesting characters who undergo unique trials in unknown lands. These characters endure through conflicts that capture the imagination of the dedicated readers. In the classic tale, “Three Skeleton Key,” the author, George G. Toudouze suspensefully unfolds the making of three men who are isolated in a small, dark and desolate island. They are held captive by thousands of ravenous, aggressive rats that invade the island after their abandoned ship crashed ashore. The three men: the unnamed narrator, Le Gleo and Itchoua endure nine days of terror together, trapped in the peak of a light house, holding back the voracious rodents. Although each man externally experiences the same conflict – to ward off the rats – internally, the men suffer differently. While the narrator lives on to tell the tale, Le Gleo’s mind torture’s him into solitary confinement, and Itchoua’s experience and knowledge was not enough to spare his infected body.

Highlighted introduction:

Sentence Frame Review

The introductory paragraph provides the ___________ for the _______ of the essay.

The purpose of the ____________ ____________ in the ___________________ shows how the ____________ will logically and sequentially proceed.

The three sections of the introductory paragraph are: _________ _________, _______________ and _________ _________.

Review answers

The introductory paragraph provides the roadmap for the body of the essay.

The purpose of the thesis statement in the introduction shows how the argument will logically and sequentially proceed.

The three sections of the introductory paragraph are: attention obtainer, transition and thesis statement.