How to write an

Introductory paragraph
One today is worth two tomorrows.
Ben Franklin

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 1

Jr.
Spring 2002
 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 dont want to get into the meat of

the essay. Simply give the audience a
concise idea of your essays purpose.
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 2
Jr.
Spring 2002
 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
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Provide three reasons 3
Jr.
Spring 2002
 Even though there are several
ways to begin an essay, I
recommended that you choose
one particular method and perfect
it.
Why?
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 4
Jr.
Spring 2002
 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 Jos J. Gonzlez, 5

Jr.
Spring 2002
 Let us consider different
types of introductory
paragraphs . . .
General statement introduction

Question introduction

Quotation introduction
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 6
Jr.
Spring 2002
 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.
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, If you will notice in the first sentence you simply 7
introduce the topic. You do not state your position yet.)
Jr.
Spring 2002
 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 Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
8
Spring 2002
 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
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 9
magazine or newspaper you might have read. This introduction is a bit more
Jr.
Spring 2002
difficult to write, but just as effective as the other ones.)
 In the next three slides you will
view completed introductory
paragraphs.

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 10

Jr.
Spring 2002
 General statement introduction
Today smoking is an issue
which is on everybodys 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
everyones health, pollutes
the environment, and drains
us of valuable energy.( 57)
Created by Jos J. Gonzlez,
Jr.
11
Spring 2002
 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 everyones health; it
pollutes the environment, and
it drains us of valuable energy.
(41)

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 12

Jr.
Spring 2002
 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
everyones health; it pollutes the
environment, and it drains of
valuable resources. (49)

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 13

Jr.
Spring 2002
 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 Jos J. Gonzlez, 14
Jr.
Spring 2002
 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 Jos J. Gonzlez, 15

Jr.
Spring 2002
 The next slides present a
couple sample
introductory paragraphs.

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 16

Jr.
Spring 2002
 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.

Created by Jos J. Gonzlez, 17

Jr.
Spring 2002