Introduction

1. Introduction • Introduction • Opening hook that grabs the reader’s attention: Imagine . . ., Rhetorical question: “Have you ever wondered . . .?”, Surprising fact, etc. • Follow this with information about the topic that leads to the thesis (answer to the question). • And finally, state your thesis. • Reminder: You need to assume your reader has no prior knowledge about your topic and this is the first time he/she has ever heard about it.

2. Example #1 Imagine… Imagine walking down the street and seeing beautiful, tall pillars with writing on them. Upon further inspection you discover the writing gives you instructions to treat others with compassion and to practice non-violence. This is exactly what you would see if you lived during King Ashoka’s reign during 269-232 BCE. In fact, primary sources show that Buddhism spread rapidly during Ashoka’s reign.

3. Example #2 Rhetorical Question Have you ever wondered why Buddhism is all over India more than any other country? This is because of one king who ruled from 269-232 BCE. And it was because of Buddhism that he was able to unify the entire Indian sub-continent. That leader was King Ashoka. In fact, primary sources show that Buddhism spread rapidly during Ashoka’s reign.

4. Example #3Surprising Fact Did you know that one of the most brutal leaders in ancient history ended up being one of the biggest peacemakers of his time? His name was King Ashoka and he ruled the Indian sub-continent from 269 to 232 BCE and after one especially brutal battle, he decided to reject violence and instead, he embrace Buddhism. In fact, primary sources show that Buddhism spread rapidly during Ashoka’s reign.