Essay Introductions:ATTENTION GRABBERS

I. Startling Information• must be true and

verifiable• doesn't need to be

totally new to your readers.– could simply be a

relevant fact that clearly illustrates the point you wish to make.

• follow with a sentence or two of elaboration

• transition to your THESIS

Example: Startling Information

According to a 2008 study by the CDC, "over 9 million

children, ages 6-19 years-old are overweight or obese." This is three times what it was in 1980.

II. Anecdote• a small story that illustrates the point

of your essay• think of it as an episode, not a full

blown story with characters, plot, setting, etc.

Example: Anecdote“Two best friends on are on a fishing trip, enjoying the simple

pleasures of spending time

together in nature. Little did they know

that their lives would be stolen by a cruel

Prussian officer.

III. Summary Information

• Global Statement: A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms

• Broad idea about how the literature or topic relates to the world as a whole

• Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.

Example: Summary Information (or Global Statement)

• Adversity is a common factor in the lives of all humans. It has the ability to build a person up, or destroy life in

an instant.

ALWAYS:Lead the reader from your attention grabber to your

THESIS STATEMENT.For an essay about a piece of

literature, write 2 sentences about the literature and/or the author.

End your Essay Introduction with your THESIS

STATEMENT.That’s a total of at least 4

sentences.

THESIS STATEMENTS

Give focus and structure to your essays and

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

2 arguable prongs (one for each body paragraph)

Characters and events in the literature are not considered arguable prongs.

Which is the best thesis statement?

• Adversity can enhance a person’s life.

• Adversity can enhance a person’s life by teaching important life lessons.

• Adversity can enhance a life because of its ability to teach important life lessons and the person experiencing the adversity will become stronger as a result.

Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph:

1. Avoid phrases like the following:

In my opinion . . .I think. . .

I'm not sure about this, but . . .Although I don’t know much . . .

Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph:

2. Announce your intentionsDo not flatly announce what you are about to do

in an essay.

Get into the topic and let your

reader perceive your purpose.

Avoid phrases like the following: In this paper I will. . .

The purpose of this essay is to…