Introduction Paragraph



What is an introduction paragraph?
The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay.

What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of your essay. A good opening paragraph captures the interest of your reader and tells why your topic is important.

How do I write one?

THREE ESSENTIAL STEPS

Introduce the Topic* You must limit your entire essay to the topic you have introduced... it's like a promise you make with the reader.  (e.g     Vanilla ice cream)
Give your opinion without using the word "I"  Your name is on the top of the paper, so all readers know the your opinion follows    (I like vanilla ice cream best of all.  becomes--  Vanilla is the best ice cream flavor).
Use an Interest Catching Device Let the reader know that you don't want to write a boring paper.  Use various literary devices or techniques to add interest.  The most simple technique is to use an interesting quotation. 

Vanilla is the best ice cream flavor. "Nine out of ten people prefer Vanilla" (author). 

 

                                                                          

                                                  NOTE    This part----                   (author).    Is the proper parenthetical citation for the quote where the author's last name replaces the word "author."

 


*Sometimes the main idea of the essay is stated in a single sentence called the thesis statement. A good thesis statement will accomplish the three tasks above.  Sometimes it will be accomplished in three or more sentences.