Mini Lesson #2: Introductory Paragraph

In a literary essay, the writer tries to prove that an idea, or a thesis, is true. This all begins in a land called. . . THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

The first sentence in your introduction, called the hook, is a broad, general sentence about the topic or theme of your paper, intended to hook your audience in.

Ways to write a hook
1. Start with a question
2. Start with a shocking fact or idea (but please avoid the cliche: "Did you know...")
3. Start with an image--be descriptive
4. Describe an idea that is relevant to your topic (i.e. the idea of education, the idea of equality, the idea of corruption, the idea of freedom, etc.)

      Then provide some background information about the story. For example, Who is the main character? What is the main problem or conflict in the story? Any other characters that are important? Should we know anything about the setting? In a non-fiction work of literature, you especially want to pay close attention to Audience and Purpose of the author.

Next, state your thesis (your main argument).Your thesis sentence must include the title and author of the book.  (i.e. In Douglass's Narrative, he argues/shows/reveals/describes/exposes/demonstrates_______in order to_________
Your thesis should have a "what" and a "why" (Douglass does this (what), in order to do this (why)  

In other words, your thesis should answer this question: What does Douglass argue/reveal/demonstrate/explain, and why does he do it?

*After your thesis statement, you may want to include a sentence that explains the importance of your thesis--what are the costs of not knowing this information? This will give you something to return to in your Concluding Paragraph.

HW: DRAFT AN INTRO PARAGRAPH.  For the outline of an introductory paragraph, click here and select the file: Outline For Intro Paragraph.