Writing an Introduction

Writing an Introduction

8th Grade ELA

Open Ended

What do you need in an introduction?

An introduction needs three specific things:

• A: ATTENTION GRABBER / HOOK

• B: BRIDGE / BACKGROUND

• C: CLAIM / THESIS

Hook/Attention Grabber

• Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

• Avoid long, dense sentences — start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

• The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Multiple Choice

Which hook is better?

• The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.

Answer: The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability.

The other choice is a dry fact; this sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.

Multiple Choice

Which hook is better?

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”

• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Answer: The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

Poll

What type of hook/attention grabber do you think you will use in your essay?

• Interesting Fact or Statistic

• Definition

• Quote

• Story

• Strong Statement

Bridge/Background

• Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context

• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic

• Definitions of key terms

Bridge/Background

The information you give should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument.

Don’t give too much detail — you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay.

Thesis Statement

• Finally, include your thesis statement. The kind of thesis you include depends on the type of paper you are writing, but, in general, your thesis should include:

• your specific topic

• your main point about that topic

• the points of discussion you will include in your paper

• Your thesis should be clear, and easy to find. Most often, it is the last sentence of the introduction.

Multiple Choice

What is wrong with this thesis statement?

This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of certain restrictions on free speech.

• it is a fact.

• It is an announcement.

• It is a question.

• It is too vague.

Multiple Choice

What is wrong with this thesis statement?

Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision.

• it is a fact.

• It is an announcement.

• It is a question.

• It is too vague.

Example of a Good Introduction

Poll

How do you feel about writing an introduction?

• I'm ready to write!

• I would like some more examples.

• I'm confused.

• Help!