The document discusses the components of an effective persuasive introduction, including the lead, background, and thesis statement. It provides strategies for writing a compelling lead, such as using imagery to get the reader's attention or posing a thought-provoking question. The background should give necessary context about the topic. The thesis should clearly state the main argument and up to three supporting reasons. Sample leads, backgrounds, and theses are provided to illustrate these components.

1. Persuasive Introductions

2. What is the purpose of an Introduction? Introduction Body Conclusion 1 st reason 2 nd reason 3 rd reason Thesis : Main argument of the essay What should or should not happen?

3. Introduction Get your reader’s attention Give your reader some background information on your topic Main purpose: to deliver the thesis

4. 3 Parts of an Introduction Lead : gets the reader’s attention Background : what your reader needs to know to understand your topic Thesis : your main argument (what your essay will be about exactly)

5. Persuasive Introductions: 3 Parts Lead : gets the reader’s attention How can you shock your readers or get their attention? Relate the lead to the rest of the essay… Background : what your reader needs to know to understand your topic  What is your essay going to be about? What is going on right now? Thesis : your main argument (what your essay will be about exactly)  What should (or should not) happen?

6. Part 1: Persuasive Leads – 2 strategies Strategy 1 – “Imagine…” Have your reader imagine the best case scenario (related to your topic) Imagine you walk to school each morning feeling proud and excited of who you are. You get to express yourself and your creativity with how you talk, the school work you do, and even in the clothes you wear. However, this can’t really happen right now. Have your reader imagine the worst case scenario Imagine you’re the parent of a sixth grader. Every day, after working long hours to benefit your family, you have to wash your child’s uniform so that she can look nice for school the next day. After a while, you realize that you could have bought two new outfits for your daughter with all the money you’ve spent on laundry detergent. This is what EPACS parents deal with every day. The “so what?”

7. Persuasive Leads – 2 Strategies Strategy 2 – Ask a Question Have you ever wanted to express yourself but couldn’t? This is how students with uniforms feel every day. Have you ever thought that there are tons of rules out there that don’t make sense? There is at least one example of a “non-sense” rule at our school: the dress code. The “so what?” The “so what?” The “so what” sentence hints at the topic of the essay but probably doesn’t say it directly. That’s what the background is for…

8. Part 2: Background : What is your topic? What info does your reader need? What is going on right now? Currently, _____________________. Currently , students at East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) have to wear a uniform each day. If students violate the dress code, they are punished. Currently , there is a dress code at East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) that requires all students to wear a uniform each day. If students don’t wear the proper uniform, they earn detentions or other penalties.

9. Part 3: Thesis What is your main argument? (3-Part Thesis) ______________ should ___________ because ____________, ____________, and ____________. Topic Stand 1 st supporting reason 2 nd supporting reason 3 rd supporting reason