December 5, 2013

What is an Introduction?

OTell your shoulder partner what your definition is. Be ready to share in a minute!

An Introduction is . . .O A paragraph that creates interest in

what you have to say (and gives your readers a sneak peek!)

What should it include?

OCome up with a list with your partner. Then, put your categories in the order you think they belong.

It’s a recipe with 3 important ingredients!

O 1. A strong topic sentenceO 2. Mention of the main points your

essay will coverO 3. A concluding sentence

1. Write a topic sentence

O Here are some ways to do this:O Start with a hook (use a quotation or

a question)O Start with a plan (tell your reader

what to expect)O Start with a teaser (build curiosity and

anticipation)

One way to grab your reader's attention is with an interesting quotation, question, or piece of

information in the topic sentence:

"I do not like to write -- I like to have written," reflected American author

Gloria Steinem.

or"Have you ever eaten a sundae so big that it almost toppled over before you could

finish?"

or"Not all animals that have fins and swim

in the ocean are actually fish." 

Another way to begin your essay is with a  topic sentence that simply lists each

subject you will be covering:

"My three favorite foods are spaghetti, pizza, and jelly beans."

This opening sentence helps you easily divide the rest of your essay into its three

different paragraphs and tells readers what they can expect.

 The Teaser 

You can also build your reader's anticipation with a topic sentence that is an action statement:

"We practiced all week to get ready for the big game."

Now the reader really wants to know how hard you practiced, and whether all that

work paid off!

OWhat do you think might be a poor way to begin your essay?

The No-No  

Here is a type of topic sentence that is not a very strong way to begin your essay:

"Hi my name is . . . and I’m going to tell you about . . ."

The readers know you're going to tell them something, so you don't need to say it. Just introduce the subject and begin.

2. Mention your main points

But don't give everything away!

Assuming you started with a topic sentence relating to sports in general, this would be a

good follow-up sentence mentioning the main points of your essay: 

 However, the three sports that I like best are soccer, tennis, and

riding.

3. Your concluding sentence/thesis

O Should say what your main point is.O Leave your reader wanting to know

more.

Remember to follow the "recipe" to write a strong introductory paragraph:

 

Otopic sentence + main points + concluding sentence

Now let’s write an introduction

O Let’s say that administration is tired of keeping up with all of the students who are not following dress code. As a result, they decide that they are going to require uniforms!

O The only way you can stop them is if you persuade them through your juicy writing. Therefore, you need to capture their attention in the introduction!

Here’s mine

O High school is a time when students to express themselves freely.

O Schools need to create an environment that encourages students’ individuality, motivate them to challenge themselves, and inspire self confidence. Clothing is a source of expression.

O If school uniforms are enforced at The SAE, students’ creativity and self expression will diminish.

Writing a Good Concluding Paragraph

OWhat does the conclusion do?OWrite down at least 3 things

The conclusion . . .

O1. It summarizes the piece of writing

O2. It shows that you proved the point you set out to make

O3. It gives the reader a sense of completion

O4. It leaves the reader remembering your main point

HOLD UP!O Doesn’t that sound like the

introduction?

O Then, what’s the difference between the introductory paragraph and the concluding paragraph?

The difference is in the approach to the topic!

Check it out!O Think of these two paragraphs as

funnels, one leading toward the body of your essay, while the other leads the reader away from the body.

O The introduction begins with a general approach to the topic and then moves toward the more specific aspect(s) of it

O The conclusion begins with the more specific aspect(s) and moves toward the general topic of your essay

What main point did you want to make in your piece of writing?

ODid you make that point?OSummarize it in your conclusion

OSometimes you can use your introductory paragraph as a guide.

See how the first is more general and the second is more specific?

O Perhaps you began your essay by saying:“There are three classes at school that I absolutely can’t wait to go to everyday.”

O Then you might make the first sentence of your conclusion:“Gym, math, and art are the three classes I look forward to the most.”

How do we structure a final paragraph?

OTalk to the person in front of you and tell them what you think needs to be included in a conclusion. Then, take a moment to write down the categories you came up with in the order you think they belong.

Class Chat!

How to Structure the Final Paragraph

O1. Topic Sentence: repeat the ideas in your thesis statement, but with deeper understanding

O2.Supporting Sentences: summarize the main points in the body of your essay

O3. Closing sentence: connect back to the introduction to the ideas in the essay, showing their importance.

SO WHAT?!

OAfter writing your topic sentence, ask yourself “So what? Why is that important?”

OYour next sentence should explain why. Then ask yourself again: “So what? Why is that important?”

Starting the Concluding Paragraph

O “Education is very important in society.”

O So what? Why is it important?O “It gives all citizens an equal start.”O So what? Why is that important?

O So what? Why is that important?

O Can you write an answer?

What should NOT be included in a conclusion?O1. Overused phrases: “in

conclusion,” “in summary,” “in closing”

O2. A new ideaOSupporting evidence or

details