Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

1

How to write an

Introductory paragraph

“One today is worth two tomorrows.”

Ben Franklin

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

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.

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

3

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

– Briefly introduce the topic

– Cleary state your position

– Provide three reasons

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

4

Even though there are several

ways to begin an essay, I

recommended that you choose

one particular method and perfect

it.

Why?

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

5

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 José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

6

Let us consider different

types of introductory

paragraphs . . . • General statement introduction

• Question introduction

• Quotation introduction

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

7

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 introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

8

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.)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

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. This introduction is a bit more difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

10

In the next three slides you will

view completed introductory

paragraphs.

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

11

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.( 57)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

12

Interrogatory introduction What do you think about

banning smoking? The whole country is divided on whether smoking should be banned. I firmly believe that smoking should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health; it pollutes the environment, and it drains us of valuable energy. (41)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

13

Quotation introduction In The Monitor 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. (49)

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

14

Final reminders !!!!

• 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

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

15

Assignment: Write an introductory

paragraph for the following topic.

• Many high school seniors have many

financial obligations and need some form of

income. Do you think that seniors should

be allowed to go half a day to school and

work half a day?

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

16

The next slides present a

couple sample

introductory paragraphs.

Created by José J. González,

Jr.

Spring 2002

17

• Do you think that college athletes should be

paid more than just tuition? Many people believe

that college athletes should get paid while others

believe they should not. I adamantly believe that

college athletes should be paid because they

practice long hours; the schools are profiting

through the athletes efforts, and this would make

college life much less stressful for the athletes.