Writing the Introductory Paragraph

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

There are many ways to gain the reader's attention in your writing.

In this lesson, you will develop an engaging introductory paragraph by following a few quick steps.

Throughout this Writing Essays series, you will develop a five-paragraph essay (see Related Lessons in the right-hand sidebar). Be sure to save each draft for future lessons!

You might find that the introduction paragraph is one of the hardest paragraphs to write. Maybe it's because you know it's your one chance to grab the reader's attention, set the tone, and state your thesis and main points to support your thesis all in one paragraph.

• No pressure, right?

Watch Learn to Write an Introduction Paragraph! from Brittany Walker to get a quick overview on how to write a good introduction:

What are the elements of a good introductory paragraph?

• hook
• background information
• thesis statement

Let's take this one step at a time.

Hook

You might be thinking, "How do I get the reader's attention?"

Let's explore five fun ways to do just that:

Background Information

Give your reader some background information on the topic.

• Why is it important?
• What are the main points you're going to make about it?
• What are some things the reader needs to know before reading the rest of the essay?

For example, continuing the tooth care topic:

Do you know what the hardest substance in the body is? It's tooth enamel--the coating on your teeth. It's even stronger than your bones. You'd think that something so hard wouldn't need a lot of care, but you'd be wrong!

A tooth is the only part of the body that can't heal itself. Once a tooth starts decaying, the process cannot be reversed. And tooth decay is the second more common ailment (after the common cold) that people experience. Most people will have at least one cavity by the age of 17.

Thesis Statement

Most importantly, the paragraph should include a thesis statement.

As you watch How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements, from Ariel Bissett, write down what is important in the thesis statement:

• What is important to remember about a thesis statement?

It should be an opinion.

• What are you going to argue about or prove?

It can change. If you find out that your evidence doesn't prove the thesis, you can change your thesis to fit your argument.

Here's a possible thesis for our dental essay:

People should consume less sugar, invest in an electric toothbrush, and floss twice a day, in order to take better care of their teeth, and have better overall health.

Now you are ready to start writing your own introductory paragraph!