Writing an introduction

FOR A 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

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Writing an introduction for a 5 Paragraph Essay

• Remember 1-3-1
• Paragraph 1- Introduction which includes a "hook statement", and sentence which tells what the essay will tell them about, and the thesis statement.
• Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4- support your topic with detail paragraphs.
• Paragraph 5- the conclusion statement that restates your thesis statement.

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The Introduction

• "Hook" your reader and make them want to read more.
• Include a detailed sentence that explains what your essay is about.
• End with a strong, clear, thesis statement.

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Hooks

If you begin your Essay with something that grabs attention, �your reader will want to read on.��So, how do you write an attention grabber that "hooks" your readers so they want to keep reading?

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1. Surprise the reader�2. Ask a question�3. Use a quotation�4. Use descriptive words

Four Ways to Grab Attention�

Surprise the Reader

• Start with an unknown, interesting fact "Dogs are the pet of choice in the American household."
• Start with something expected, but give it an unexpected twist "Cats are loving, quiet creatures, but dogs make way better pets!"
• Say something that seems to contradict what people know  "Each day, over 1000 U.S. citizens require emergency treatment for serious dog bite injury"

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Ask a Question

Ask something that makes the reader think.��Example: Isn't it surprising, how many different modes of communication are available to us today?�

Ask something that needs an answer, so the reader wants to find out what it is.��Example: Why do citizens need to follow laws?

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Use a Quotation

A quotation interests the reader because of what it says, or because of who said it. Or both!��Use either a wise or funny quotation�Use a quotation that relates to your topic�Be sure to mention the source of the quotation 

Example: "Albert Einstein once said..."

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Use Descriptive Words

Make the reader see the scene or feel like a part of it.��Words that relate to the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell)�

Words that show how something is happening or what its qualities are (adverbs and adjectives)�

Figurative words that create vivid imagery (simile or metaphor, hyperbole or personification)�

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Let’s Practice!

• Can you think of a ‘hook’ statement for these topics:

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Are Dogs Better than Cats?

Do Video Games cause Violence?

Physical Education in the School System

Smoking in Public Places should be Banned

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What a Thesis Statement Does

1) It describes your topic, what your essay will be about.

2) It introduces a specific claim you are making about  your topic.

3) It describes three ways in which you will support and develop your claim.

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So the equation for a thesis statement is: 

Subject + Claim + Three Points of Support

Thesis Statement

This very important sentence includes three things:

• Subject
• Claim
• 3 points of support

Dogs are the ideal house pet because they are wonderful companions, are easy to care for, and can be trained.

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The Essay Topic:

Dogs!

There are many things you could say about dogs, so you have to clarify your topic by narrowing it down to one specific claim.

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The claim made �about your topic:

• Dogs are the ideal house pet.

So now you've narrowed the topic down to "dogs being the ideal house pet". To support this claim you now need to explain it further with 3 reasons.

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3 Reasons of Support:

Dogs are the ideal house pet

because:

1. They make great companions

2. They are easy to care for

3. They can be trained.

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Supporting your Claim?

Your thesis statement comes in your introductory paragraph; then you need to devote at least one paragraph for each supporting point.

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Paragraph 2 will be about dogs making great companions.

Paragraph 3 will be about dogs being easy to care for.

Paragraph 4 will be about how dogs can be trained.

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Let’s Practice!

• Using the same topics as before, let’s write thesis statements:

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Are Dogs Better than Cats?

Do Video Games cause Violence?

Physical Education in the School System

Smoking in Public Places should be Banned

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How could we connect the hook to our thesis?

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Find the Hook and the Thesis

• [Hook] After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Towers and the Pentagon, the debate surrounding racial profiling in airports intensified. Many people believed that profiling was the best way to identify possible terrorists, but many others worried about violations of civil liberties. While some airports began to target passengers based solely on their Middle Eastern origins, others instituted random searches instead. [Begin setting-up the thesis] Neither of these techniques seems likely to eliminate terrorism. Now many experts in the government and in airport security are recommending the use of a national ID card or Safe Traveler Card. [Thesis] If every US citizen had such a card, airlines could screen for terrorists more effectively than they do now and avoid procedures that single out individuals solely on the basis of race.
• Retrieved from College Writers pg. 727�

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