The document provides guidance on writing an effective introductory paragraph for a persuasive essay. It emphasizes that the introductory paragraph should [1] contain a clear thesis statement that takes a position and previews the essay's structure, [2] include an engaging hook to grab the reader's attention, and [3] use a few bridging sentences to logically connect the hook to the thesis statement. The document offers tips on crafting each of these elements and provides examples to illustrate its points.

1. Persuasive Writing
GET STARTED WITH THE
INTRODUCTORY
PARAGRAPH

2. What’s so important
about the Introduction
 It indicates the topic of the essay
 It gives an idea of the essay’s organization
 It establishes the tone of the essay
 It provides background on the topic’s importance
 It provides a CLEAR statement of the essay’s
intended purpose in…
… THE THESIS STATEMENT!

3. So, how do I get started?
If you’ve done your prewriting, then your introductory paragraph will not be very
difficult. If you haven’t done your prewriting, your task will be more difficult. So,
let’s just assume you’ve done your prewriting because, I mean, why wouldn’t you?
PARTS OF AN INTRODUCTION
• Hook
• Bridge to thesis statement
• Thesis statement

4. Thesis comes first!
As strange as it sounds, you begin the composition of your introduction
by writing the final sentence of the paragraph – your thesis statement.
Writing in introduction without a thesis in mind would be like planning
a vacation without a destination in mind. If you don’t know where
you’re going, how will you ever get there?
A THESIS STATEMENT CONTAINS
• An arguable point
• A position on the argument
• A glimpse of the essay’s structure

5. Anatomy of a bad thesis
It does take a position
on the issue, so that’s
good.
I think children over the age of 12 should have cell phones.
Avoid first Saying “I think” makes We are missing the glimpse
person this immediately at the essay’s structure. I
unarguable. No one could have no idea where the
pronouns.
argue that is not what you author is headed with this
think. See? argument.

6. The Arguable Point
This is just what it sounds like. Your thesis has to be a point that
someone could argue against. It needs to be something for which you can
offer proof and something worthy of proving.
BAD THESIS GOOD THESIS
I think that Children over the age of 12
children over the should have cell phones
because they promote
age of 12 should
responsibility, assist with
have cell phones. organization, and enhance
independence.

7. Your turn: Create an effective thesis
Already have a draft? Haven’t started yet?
 Look at the thesis you have.
 Based on your
 If there are personal pronouns prewriting, decide on the best
(any pronouns that name you position to take on the
or your reader) you need to argument.
revise.  Create a thesis statement that
 Make sure you express a expresses an arguable position
position on the issue. and offers a look at the reasons
 Make sure your thesis is you have taken that position.
arguable.  Be sure to avoid personal
 Make sure you offer a glimpse pronouns (any pronouns that
as to why you have taken your name you or your reader) in
position. your thesis.

8. Next comes the hook
Now that you know where you’re headed, you can figure out where to begin. The
purpose of the first sentence is to “hook” you reader – make him interested in
what you have to say. Since this is the very first impression, it needs to set the tone
and be powerful.
IDEAS FOR THE HOOK
•Personal examples
•Quotations
•Facts or statistics
•Rhetorical questions
•Current events
•Contrast to the thesis statement

9. Examples of Hooks
•Personal example
My life was transformed on my 12th birthday when I pulled back the wrapping
on my gift and saw the word “Droid” on the box beneath.
•Quotations
“Bad human communication leaves us less room to grow.”
•Facts or statistics
The world is a dangerous place, but it might be worse without cell phones. In
fact, 40 percent of mobile phone owners said they found themselves in an
emergency situation and having their cell phone helped.
•Rhetorical questions
Does anyone know of an adult who doesn’t have a cell phone?
•Current events
Recently there has been a movement to add cell phone technology to the
number of tools used in the classroom.
•Contrast to the thesis statement
Cell phones are, perhaps, the most annoying invention of our generation.
However, as annoying as they are, no one who has one wants to give it up.

10. Your turn: Create an effective hook
Already have a draft? Haven’t started yet?
 Look at the first sentence you
 Based on your thesis, decide on
have.
the best type of hook for your
 Is it engaging? Does it make the
essay.
reader WANT to read?
 Does it relate in some way to  Do a little research if you need
your thesis? to. Find a quote or a statistic
 Does it offer a logical next that will really pop for your
sentence? reader.
 If your hook doesn’t pass all  Create an opening sentence
these tests, check out the that will wow your audience
“Haven’t started yet” and allow you to write a logical
instructions for help in next sentence.
revising.

11. Your turn: Building the bridge
Once you have the first sentence and the thesis statement, you’re past the most
difficult part. You see where you’re starting; you see where you’re going. Now all
you need is a few sentences to bridge the gap between the two sentences.
Already have a draft? Haven’t started yet?
Read over your first Add two or three sentences after
paragraph and make sure your hook that effectively and
the hook and thesis are logically connect it to your
logically and effectively thesis. Make sure your thesis is
connected. Make sure your the final sentence in the
thesis is the final sentence paragraph.
in the paragraph.
Aim for an introductory paragraph of five to six sentences in length. Once you
bridge the hook and the thesis statement, you’re all finished with the intro!