How to write

an INTRO
An good intro has 3 parts.
Your introductory paragraph should contain the
following:
1. an attention-grabbing first sentence (a hook)
2. informative sentences that tells the reader what
information will be in your paper
3. the thesis statement, which makes a claim or
states an opinion which your paper is all about
Step 1: Hook your
Common types of
audience.
hooks:
The introductory
paragraph of any paper,
- startling fact or
long or short, should statistic
start with a sentence - famous or
that catches the interest interesting quote
of your readers.
- a relevant issue
- appropriate humor

Step 2: Transition into
essential information.
The body of your introductory
paragraph should do 2 things:
1. It should explain your first
sentence (the hook).
2. It should build up to your
thesis statement (the claim the
paper is about).
What does your reader need or want to
know to understand your essay?
- Do you need to explain your hook?
- Do you need to introduce or explain the
topic of your thesis to give the reader a
better understanding?
- Do you need to share or explain any
other impotant information (current
laws; status of the topic; context of the
book)?
If discussing a text, introduce the title and
author.
Is the transition from my hook to my thesis
clear and smooth?
 Thesis statements should
Step 3: End with your
Reflect topic of inequality
thesis. State specific topic
The thesis statement Answer HOW or WHY
and be
conveys the focus of your
1 sentence
entire essay. Your paper clear
hangs on this sentence, concise
which must be the last broad enough to cover entire
sentence of your essay
introductory paragraph. specific enough to be covered
thoroughly by essay
Model starting with an interesting fact
The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are
necessary. The famous government building was
constructed in the 1940s, when segregation laws required
that separate bathrooms be installed for people of African
descent. This building is not the only American icon that
harkens back to this embarrassing and hurtful time in our
history. Across the United States there are many examples
of leftover laws and customs that reflect the racism that once
permeated American society.
Model starting with a quote
Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that There cannot be
true democracy unless women's voices are heard. In 2006,
when Nancy Pelosi became the nations first female Speaker
of the House, one womans voice rang out clear. The
historical event also paved the way for Senator Clinton as
she warmed her own vocal chords in preparation for a
presidential race. In the last decade, democracy grew to its
truest level in terms of womens equality.
 Things to avoid
Avoid announcing what you are doing, such as The purpose
of this... Now I shall prove, In this paragraph I will tell
you

Avoid redundancy (exact repetition of keywords or phrases)

Avoid questions that use or imply second person

Avoid unnecessary definitions or definitions copy/pasted from

the internet
Once you complete a first draft of your paper,
go back to re-construct your introductory
paragraph. Be sure to check your thesis
statement to make sure it still holds true
then double check your first sentence to give it
some zing.