Writing Text-based Introductions

Grade 8

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Students will be able to write strong introductions by:

Understanding the purpose of introductory paragraphs.

Identifying key elements of introductory paragraphs.

Utilizing various methods of introduction.

Learning Objectives and Goals

Introduce the topic

Hook the reader

Present thesis statement

Provide a preview of what’s to come

Writing Strong Introductions

Strong introductions begin with:

Interesting Statement

Quotation

Description

Anecdote

Rhetorical Question(s)

Methods of Introduction

Gang violence has always been a problem on the streets, but now the problem is moving into schools. Elementary through high schools across the nation are seeing cases of gang violence. One way that schools are trying to combat the problem is through mandatory uniforms. School officials believe that banning gang colors in schools will help put the focus back on education. But can simply changing the dress code improve school safety? Others feel that more work needs to be done in the areas of character education, violence prevention programs, and student support services. While mandatory uniforms eliminate one factor that may contribute to violence in schools, more needs to be done to promote a safe learning environment.

Writing Task:

Write to explain how schools can address the problem of gang violence.

Sample Passage and Writing Task

Beginning with a bold or interesting statement can hook the reader immediately.

Gang violence is seeping into public schools and putting children as young as five years old at risk.

Interesting Statement

Writers may also choose to begin with a quotation. This should be a well-known line from history, pop culture, or anything else that is relatable to most people.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “I have a dream.”

Quotation

Beginning with a description helps paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

Kids gathered in circles of friends, lunchboxes swinging at the their sides, squeals of laughter in the distance, school has begun.

Description

An anecdote is a brief story that illustrates a point and can reel the reader in.

Jack never expected to be in the principal’s office for wearing red, but at his school red is a banned color.

Anecdote

A rhetorical question is one that does not require an answer, but causes the reader to ponder a topic or issue.

Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence?

Rhetorical Question(s)

Once you have an attention-grabbing introductory sentence, you need to get to the purpose of your writing.

Introductory paragraphs should include a

thesis statement.

The thesis statement expresses the topic and purpose of the paper.

Ex: Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and

policies.

The introductory paragraph should also include a preview of what’s to come.

Ex: Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on

academics.

Next Steps

Do dress codes work? Do special programs keep kids on the right track? Can counseling services help reduce school violence? These are questions facing many school officials as gang violence increases. Gang violence in schools can be addressed through a multifaceted approach of programs, services, and policies. Schools should focus on building character while also implementing policies that keep the focus on academics.

Putting It All Together

Guided Practice

With a partnerRead the excerpt on the handout aloud.

Identify the method of introduction used in the article.

Identify the thesis statement.

Explain what you expect to learn.

Evaluate if the introduction is effective.

Learning Objectives and Goals

Independent Practice

Read the passage and writing task.Craft an introductory paragraph in response to the writing task.Use the checklist below to review your paragraph.

Attention-grabbing introductory sentence

Transition sentence, if necessary

Thesis statement

Preview sentence

On Your Own