The document provides examples and guidance on writing effective introductory paragraphs. It recommends introducing the topic briefly, clearly stating your position, and providing three reasons to support your position. Three common types of introductions are presented: general statement, question, and quotation. Sample introductory paragraphs are given for each that introduce the topic of smoking, state the position that smoking should be outlawed, and provide three reasons to support the position.

1. How to write an Introductory paragraph

2. Remember that the introductory paragraph . . . Is the most important paragraph of the essay Needs to do three things Briefly introduce the topic Cleary state your position Provide three reasons

3. I recommend that you become familiar with ONE type of introduction because if you keep using the same method, you will . . . Become an expert in this particular method. Moreover, if you already know how you will begin your essay, you will be more prepared, relaxed, and confident.

4. Examples of general statement introduction Almost every time that you turn on the television you will find a number of shows which are extremely violent. Many public schools have decided that their students should use uniforms. In the United States of America the public burning of our flag has become a common sight.

5. Examples of question introduction Are you ever bothered by the excessive violence on prime time television? Do you think that to improve our public school education the students should be required to wear uniforms? Should we allow citizens to burn the United States flag in public?

6. Quotation introduction A recent article in Time magazine states that the viewing of extremely violent television shows is the number one cause of violence in our inner cities. A recent article in The Austin Statesman states that most Americans are very much against flag burning in public and are in favor of passing a law banning this activity.

7. In the next three slides you will view completed introductory paragraphs.

8. General statement introduction Today, smoking is an issue which is on everybody’s mind. The whole country is divided on this issue. Some believe that smoking should be banned everywhere while others are not so harsh. Tobacco, however, should be outlawed because smoking pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers’ money due to health problems. Topic introduced Thesis sentence Lead in to thesis

9. Interrogatory introduction What do you think about banning smoking? The whole country is divided on whether or not smoking should be banned. Smoking should be outlawed because it pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers’ money due to health problems. Topic introduced Thesis sentence Lead-in to thesis

10. Quotation introduction In The Monitor it was recently stated that smoking is the greatest threat to our health. The whole country is divided on this issue. Tobacco should be outlawed because it pollutes the environment, endangers everyone’s health, and wastes taxpayers’ money due to health problems. Topic introduced Thesis sentence Lead-in to thesis

11. Final reminders !!!! Be concise and to the point! Do not go into too much detail! You must do three things . . . introduce topic state position provide reasons