How do you “hook” your reader in your opening

paragraph?

In this lesson, you will learn how to write an introductory paragraph by hooking your

reader and stating your thesis.

Let’s ReviewLet’s ReviewAn opinion essay should include:

• Words that show strong feelings.

• An opinion statement

• Reasons that support the opinion.

You will state your opinion as a thesis statement, in your opening paragraph.

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Writing Process

Generate Ideas

Write Drafts

Revise & Edit

1 2 3

Let’s ReviewA Common MistakeStating your thesis without “hooking”

your reader into your topic.

Kids should eat healthy foods.Why should I care about

this?

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What fact or question can I begin with that will hook my reader?”1

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

3 Connect your hook to your thesis statement.

4 Write down your thesis statement.

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What fact or question can I begin with that will hook my reader?”1

Thesis Statement: All people and the earth would benefit from everyone choosing to recycle.

• Do you care about preserving our earth for future generations?

• There are currently almost 4000 active landfills in our country alone!

• Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the world?

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

Thesis Statement: All people and the earth would benefit from everyone choosing to recycle.

• Do you care about preserving our earth for future generations?

• There are currently almost 4000 active landfills in our country alone!

• Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the world?

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Do you care about preserving our earth for future generations?

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson3 Connect your hook to your thesis.

Do you care about preserving our earth for future generations? There are steps we can take today to make a better future for our planet.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Hook Connecting phrase

or sentence.

Thesis

Write down your thesis statement.4

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson Do you care about

preserving our earth for future generations? There are steps we can take today to make a better future for our planet.

Hook

Connecting phrase/sentence.

Thesis Statement

All peopleand the earth would benefitfrom everyone choosing to recycle.

4

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What fact or question can I begin with that will hook my reader?”1

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

3 Connect your hook to your thesis statement.

4 Write down your thesis statement.

In this lesson, you have learned how to write an

introductory paragraph by hooking your reader and

stating your thesis.

Let’s ReviewGuided PracticeCreate an opening paragraph for the following thesis statement. Include a hook, connecting phrase, and the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement: Kids should choose to eat healthy foods.

Let’s ReviewExtension ActivitiesBrainstorm a new thesis statement and create an outline for the opening paragraph below.

Hook: Connecting phrase:

Thesis Statement:

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Now, take your outline and draft your own opening paragraph!

Let’s ReviewQuick Quiz

Using the following thesis statement, draft an opening paragraph.

Thesis Statement: Students should get more access and time to use computers.