How to write an

Introductory paragraph
One today is worth two tomorrows.
Ben Franklin

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,

Jr.
Spring 2002

When you write an introductory

paragraph, keep in mind that . .
.
Writing an introductory paragraph is like
greeting someone. The paragraph should be
short and to the point like saying, Hello!

Also, you dont want to get into the meat of

the essay. Simply give the audience a
concise idea of your essays purpose.
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

Remember that the introductory

paragraph . . .
Is the most important paragraph of the
essay
Must be at least 50 words long or three
sentences minimum
Needs to do three things

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,

Jr.
Spring 2002

Briefly introduce the topic

Cleary state your position
Provide three reasons

Even though there are several

ways to begin an essay, I
recommended that you choose
one particular method and perfect
it.
Why?
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

Because
if you keep using the same
method, you will . . .
Become an expert in this particular method.
Moreover, if you already know how you
will begin your essay, you will be more
prepared, relaxed, and confident.
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

Let us consider different

types of introductory
paragraphs . . .
General statement introduction
Question introduction
Quotation introduction
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

Examples of general statement

introduction
Almost every time that you turn on the television
you will find a number of shows which are
extremely violent.

Many public schools have decided that their

students should use uniforms.

In the United States of America the public burning

of our flag has become a common sight.

(These are three different example of how you can begin your
paragraph. If you will notice in the first sentence you simply
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.)
Spring 2002

Examples of question
introduction
Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence
on prime time television?

Do you think that to improve our public school

education the students should be required to wear

uniforms?

Should we allow citizens to burn the United States

flag in public?

(You can also begin your essay by asking a question.

Created by Jos
J. Gonzlez, takes you to the heart of the problem quickly.)
usually
Jr.
Spring 2002

A question
8

Quotation introduction

A recent article in Time magazine states that the

viewing of extremely violent television shows is

the number one cause of violence in our inner
cities.
The Monitor recently conducted a study and
concluded that students in public schools where
uniforms are mandatory have less problems and
perform better academically.
A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that
most Americans are very much against flag
burning in public and are in favor of passing a law
banning this activity.
(Finally, you can begin an essay by providing some information from a
magazine or newspaper you might have read. This introduction is a bit
more difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.)

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,

Jr.
Spring 2002

In the next three slides you will

view completed introductory
paragraphs.

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,

Jr.
Spring 2002

10

General statement introduction

Today smoking is an issue
which is on everybodys mind.
The whole country is divided
on this issue. Some people
believe that smoking should be
banned everywhere while
others are not so harsh.
However, I believe that
tobacco should be outlawed
because smoking endangers
everyones health, pollutes
the environment, and drains
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
us of valuable energy.( 57)
Jr.
Spring 2002

Topic introduced

Lead in to thesis

Thesis sentence
11

Interrogatory introduction
What do you think about Topic introduced
banning smoking? The whole
country is divided on whether Lead-in to thesis
smoking should be banned. I
firmly believe that smoking
should be outlawed because it
Thesis sentence
endangers everyones health; it
pollutes the environment, and
it drains us of valuable energy.
(41)
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

12

Quotation introduction
In The Monitor it was recently Topic introduced
stated that smoking is the greatest
threat to our health. The whole Lead-in to thesis
country is divided on this issue. I
believe that tobacco should be
outlawed because it endangers Thesis sentence
everyones health; it pollutes the
environment, and it drains of
valuable resources. (49)
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
Spring 2002

13

Structure of the Introduction

Paragraph:
1st sentence: hook or opening sentence
2nd 3rd sentence: transitions from hook
while including T.A.G. (complete title,
authors complete name, and genre of the
work(s) being analyzed)
3rd 5th sentence: further logical transitions
Thesis Statement: final sentence(s) of the
introductions

What are the Roles of a Thesis?

1. It can assert an argument, explain a topic,
and/or analyze an issue.
2. It is specific in presenting the writer's
position.
3. It limits both scope and topic of the paper.
4. It captures the reader's interest and
focuses that interest on the topic.

Ways of Constructing Thesis Statements: The List

(Essay Map)
Contains essays topic,

point, and three supporting

reasons
Example: To reduce the
number of highway
fatalities [topic and point],
our country needs
[purpose=persuasive] to
enforce the national law
that designates twenty-one
as the legal minimum age to
drink, set up check points
on major holidays, and take
away licenses from
convicted drunk drivers
[three reasons].

Thesis Donts
Announce your thesis: In this essay, I

am going to tell you about Mt. SAC

college and why you should go there.
(Side note: Some instructors may
encourage this type of statement, and
always do what your instructor suggests)
Confuse your reader: Just make sure that
the topic and point are clear.
Cannot be a fact: Doesnt allow you to
prove anything because its already
factual.
Dont be vague: Words like good,
bad, right, and wrong, dont convey
specific meaning.
Cannot be a question: Dont you think
animal testing is inhumane?
Does not give the point of the paper.
Leaves it open for readers to fill in the
blank.