The Opening Paragraph

1. The Opening Paragraph Get the ball rolling.

2. The Introduction • Introduction The Introduction consists of an opening line. This opening line can be a generalization about life that pertains to your topic. It can also be a quotation. Another segway into the introduction is to start it with a little anecdote (or story). By "breaking the ice" so to speak with the reader, you are luring him or her into the rest of your essay, making it accessible and intriguing.

3. The Segueway • Once you have "introduced" the Introductory paragraph with a generalization, quotation, or anecdote, you can write vaguely for a few sentences or simply jump into the crust of the argument.

4. The Thesis • When you feel you are ready to introduce the specific focus of the essay, then you write the thesis statement. The thesis statement should generally come at the end of the Introductory Paragraph. If you are writing about a particular book, author, or event, you should name it (in entirety) in the thesis statement. You should also list your argument with its supporting evidence in this sentence. Essentially, the thesis statement is your tagline for the essay and the final sentence of the Introduction.

5. Step by Step • What is a thesis statement? • The thesis statement is a sentence. It may be the most important sentence in an essay. It normally appears in the introduction paragraph. • The thesis is like a preview that you see when you go to the movies. If you read the thesis statement alone, you should be able to tell what the entire essay will be about. • The thesis acts like a signpost for readers by telling them in what direction the essay will go. It has two important functions: • 1. The thesis statement presents the main idea of the essay. 2. The thesis statement helps organize the essay

6. I. Introduction Opening • Sentence • Anecdote • Quotation • Generalization • Explanation of opening, leading into Thesis Statement • Thesis Statement • Name, Title, Event • General argument • 3+ reasons why your argument is true (3+ pieces of evidence)

7. Example 1 • "A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent housepetsas they are good companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for.

8. Example 2 • An old Chinese proverb states that "without trials and tribulations, no one can become a Buddha." The proverb points to the idea that we can never become truly great unless we experience suffering. To those of us who have lived in a land of peace and prosperity, this may seem an odd claim. However, if we take an honest look at those things that have most helped us grow as individuals, we will notice a clear pattern: Our most painful, difficult experiences are the ones that have truly stretched us. Just as on the physical plane our muscles must be strained and stretched, exercised and worked in order to be strengthened, so must we must face straining and trying circumstances if our characters are to grow strong. In his children's tale The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien deals with this issue. He demonstrates in his novel that it is only by facing the sometimes overwhelming obstacles and difficulties of life that an individual can truly grow and reach his or her full potential.

9. Essay Writing Flipbook • http://leading2learn.com/resources/writing_an_essay/Default.html

10. UBC Writing Center • http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/index.html