How to write an introductory paragraph
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This document provides guidance on writing an effective introductory paragraph. It recommends keeping the introductory paragraph short, like a greeting. The paragraph should introduce the topic without delving into details. An introductory paragraph must be at least 50 words, introduce the topic, grab the reader's attention with a hook, and include a clear thesis statement outlining the main points. The document provides examples of general statement, question, and quotation introductions and emphasizes being concise and fulfilling the three requirements of an introductory paragraph.
How to write an introductory paragraph
- 1. How to write an Introductory paragraph Mandy Davis Somerset Community College
- 2. 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 don’t want to get into the meat of the essay. Simply give the audience a concise idea of your essay’s purpose.
- 3. Remember that the introductory paragraph… Is the most important paragraph of the essay Must be at least 50 words long or five sentences minimum Needs to do three things 1.Briefly introduce the topic 2.Get the reader’s attention- have a “hook” 3.Have a solid thesis statement which provides three points you will discuss
- 4. Let us consider different types of introductory paragraphs . . . General statement introduction Question introduction Quotation introduction
- 5. Examples of general statement introduction Almost every time that someone turns on the television he or she 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. Here you will notice in the first sentence you simply introduce the topic. You do not take a position on the topic yet.
- 6. General statement introduction Today smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s 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 everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
- 7. 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. A question usually takes you to the heart of the problem quickly.
- 8. Interrogatory introduction What do you think about banning smoking? The whole country is divided on whether smoking should be banned. Smoking should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health; it pollutes the environment, and it drains us of valuable energy.
- 9. 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, if you are allowed to use outside sources. This introduction is a bit more difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.
- 10. Quotation introduction In The Bridge it was recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. I believe that tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health; it pollutes the environment, and it drains of valuable resources.
- 11. REMEMBER Be concise and to the point! Do not go into too much detail! At least 50 words minimum! You must do three things . . . introduce topic state position provide reasons