Introductory Paragraph for an Essay

Intro Paragraph

HookTopic Sentence: THESIS

STATEMENTMain Points briefly listed:

ROAD MAP

Hook Sentence(s)Purpose: to grab the attention of the

reader– keep them reading!Possible hooks:

Thought provoking question

SAMPLE: PEER PRESSURE

What’s the matter? Are you chicken?

I wondered about Joe. The beanie was pretty normal for him, but when did the cigarette become part of his outfit?

Another Hook: Scenario-scene

Paint an image or picture for the reader– describe a scenario/scene

DO NOT USE THE WORD “IMAGINE”– you may use the word “picture”

SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT PEER PRESSURE:

Kyle was at the Highlands one Saturday with his buddies when a high school kid approached him and asked if he wanted some pot.

More Hook Sentences

Interesting fact or anecdote (story)Quotation or DialogueShort dramatic statement– or one word.

SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Animal Farm: Tyranny.

SAMPLE HOOK ABOUT Outsiders: Gallant.

Outrageous claim/fact/statistic

Thesis Statement

Purpose: introduce your argument or position or issue

Restate question or issueIndicate your position WITHOUT

WRITING “in this essay I will” --NEVER DO THAT

Road Map (list main points)Purpose: lets reader know where the

essay is headed and in what order main points will be addressed

Sample:THESIS: One of the main themes of “RTT” is

bravery sometimes comes in unexpectedly small packages. ROAD MAP: Kipling demonstrates this through Darzee’s wife, who feigns injury, and through Rikki’s final fight with Nagaina.