How to Write an Amazing, Fantastic,

Spectacular, Outstanding,

Creative, Stupendous, Effective

Introduction.W.11-12-2a and e Students will introduce a topic effectively and establish and maintain a formal style

and tone.

Today we are going to learn how to…

…create an effective introduction using an appropriate method AND establish and maintain a formal and objective tone.

Ways to begin a paper…

…methods people use to begin a research paper.

• Quote• Anecdote• Summary • Surprising statementWhat do we call that first sentence of your

article? • A hook…or lead

First…a time to refresh…

An introduction is…A critical time to capture your reader’s

attention and to let them know what the topic of your paper is.

An introduction holds three purposes:1.Catch the audience’s attention…

hook ‘em in!!2.Set the tone3.Present the thesis

Hook ‘em in!!!The first sentence of your introduction should

capture the reader’s attention. Would you continue reading if you were sawin’ logs after the first few sentences of a piece?? I don’t think so.

Would you want to know more about this piece?

Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that “There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard.” In 2006, when Nancy Pelosi became the nation’s first female Speaker of the House, one woman’s voice rang out clear.

Why?

Would you want to know more about this piece?

Yesterday morning I watched as my

older sister left for school with a bright white glob of toothpaste gleaming on her chin. I felt no regret at all until she stepped onto the bus …

Why?

Would you want to know more about this piece?

The pentagon has twice as many

bathrooms as are necessary.

Why?

Don’t take that tone with me!!!

What is tone??Tone is the feeling or atmosphere

the author meant to set.

What is going to be the tone of your research paper?

Your tone should be FORMAL. DO NOT use contractions, and stay in third person.

After you have gotten their attention…

You must focus on your tone AND your thesis statement.

For you math people out there…an easy way to remember creating your thesis.

Limited topic + Main Idea about the topic = Thesis statement

For example: teen part-time job market + how to improve your chances of finding a job = thesis statement

Your entire composition, or paper, will support the ideas in your thesis statement.

Student ExampleThe Seven Wonders of the World includes structures

like the Coliseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Stonehenge, Pyramids or Giza, and so many more. People pay a lot of money to visit these places, but does anybody every wonder what they actually are, how they were built, or who made them? Architecture is the art of and science of designing and constructing buildings. It is a complex task for architects to design buildings that are functional, safe, economical, and suit the needs of people who use them. Architecture is a competitive, demanding, and difficult job that requires a higher degree of education.

Does this introduction have an effective hook? Thesis? Appropriate tone?

Let’s play a game!!! Yee!!!

You are going to create an analogy. What is an analogy, you may ask? An analogy is a comparison of certain similarities between things which are otherwise unlike.

On your sheet of paper, fill in the blanks.

__________are to __________ as thesis statements are to compositions.

Then, explain how your analogy relates to the creation of thesis statements.

Steer Clear…of bad thesis statements!!!!

Avoid the following kinds of thesis statements:

• An obvious statement “Basketball is a game played by two

teams of five players each.”• A blanket thesis statement“No matter what country they call

home, all people desire material wealth.”

Let’s Analyze!!On your sheet of paper, decide if the thesis statement is effective. If

it is not, tell us what would make it more effective.

1. Mexican Americans have made many important contributions to literature and music in the United States.

2. The study of volcanoes, whether on land or in the sea, has led to important knowledge about the inner workings of our planet.

3. The Internet, as well as other exciting new technology, has made it possible for millions of Americans to work at home.

4. Parks are important to city-dwellers.

5. Across the country, grass-roots campaigns are working to remind citizens of their responsibility to vote.

Now, you should know everything there is to know

about introductions. • Here’s the game plan for the

remainder of the block:1.Analyze introductions using the

handout.2.Create your introduction, including

your thesis, for your feature article. 3.Be ready and willing to receive

constructive criticism from your teacher and classmates.