Effective Informational and Persuasive Introductions
The basic informational and persuasive introduction should include:
Note: Narrative writing typically does NOT include a thesis statement—the purpose of a narrative introduction is to set the scene and engage the reader in the story.
Example of an Informational Opening Paragraph:
No one would have ever predicted that a simple wad of gum could turn into the greatest chewing rage. Now gum does more than simply sit on the tip of your tongue or become stuck between your teeth. Rather, gum has taken on a new role: entertainment. The creation of bubblegum has vastly improved the plain old fashioned stick of gum by giving the chewer a more amusing chewing experience, by increasing the variety of flavors, and by offering a range of packaging options.
Example of a Persuasive Opening Paragraph:
I stood my ground on the gym floor, feet spread, arms out front, eyes alert, vainly hoping that the ball would fall into my hands. As I tried to watch each of the twelve volleyballs, a stray one whirled toward me with astonishing speed. My stomach turned into a magnet, the ball turned into metal, and POW! I recognized the value of physical fitness, but many current gym activities like volleyball, do not appeal to all students. To help students enjoy the gym and to increase the physical well-being of all students, the middle school should provide an alternative gym class.
- A strong hook
- A transition or bridge sentence or sentences that allow for a smooth connection between the hook and the thesis statement; as well as provide any necessary background information.
- A thesis statement as the last sentence of a paragraph. It is a powerful spot in any multi-paragraph piece for information.
- For informational writing it is a general sentence about the topic developed in the piece.
- For persuasive writing it clearly states the writer’s opinion or position.
Note: Narrative writing typically does NOT include a thesis statement—the purpose of a narrative introduction is to set the scene and engage the reader in the story.
No one would have ever predicted that a simple wad of gum could turn into the greatest chewing rage. Now gum does more than simply sit on the tip of your tongue or become stuck between your teeth. Rather, gum has taken on a new role: entertainment. The creation of bubblegum has vastly improved the plain old fashioned stick of gum by giving the chewer a more amusing chewing experience, by increasing the variety of flavors, and by offering a range of packaging options.
Example of a Persuasive Opening Paragraph:
I stood my ground on the gym floor, feet spread, arms out front, eyes alert, vainly hoping that the ball would fall into my hands. As I tried to watch each of the twelve volleyballs, a stray one whirled toward me with astonishing speed. My stomach turned into a magnet, the ball turned into metal, and POW! I recognized the value of physical fitness, but many current gym activities like volleyball, do not appeal to all students. To help students enjoy the gym and to increase the physical well-being of all students, the middle school should provide an alternative gym class.
Start off Strong!!!
Never begin with… “I am going to tell you about…”
Never end with… “I have told you about…” or “I hope you learned about…” or “The end.”
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