How To Write An Introduction Paragraph
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Subject Area: English Language Arts (B.E.S.T.) | Grade Level: 6
Lesson Length: 1 hour
Keywords/Tags: Introduction, Claim, Reason, Evidence
Lesson Description: By the end of this lesson, 6th-grade ELA students will be able to write an introduction paragraph that introduces claims and organizes the reasons and evidence clearly.

  • Other ELAGSE6W1: Write argumentsto support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.rna. Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
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Video : Write An Introductory Paragraph For An Argumentative Essay
Instructions: Please watch the following video as many times as needed before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of the video is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this video content.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn to write an introductory paragraph to engage the reader in the topic by telling your reader why this issue is important.
Reading : Summary: Writing an Introduction Paragraph
Instructions: Please read the following summary as many times as needed (aloud and silent) before starting to go through the rest of the lesson pages. Understanding the content of this passage is very important since the following lesson activities will be all about this content. Feel free to print the summary if needed.

Purpose of the Lesson: The purpose of this lesson is to understand how to write a strong introductory paragraph for an argumentative essay.

Steps for Writing an Essay:

  • Choose a topic.
  • Find evidence to support your argument.
  • Plan your essay.
  • Start drafting!

The ABCs of a Good Introduction:

  • A - Hook: Start with something interesting to grab your reader's attention. This could be a fun fact, a story, or even a question.
  • B - Describe the Topic: Talk about what your essay is about and why it's important. This is where you tell your reader about the main ideas you'll discuss.
  • C - Thesis Statement: This is the last sentence of your introduction. It's like a promise to your reader about what your whole essay will argue.

Creating a Hook:

  • A hook is the first thing your reader sees. It should make them want to read more.
  • Example from the video: "Lunchtime is usually a student's favorite time of day. So why should the food be so horrible?"

Describing Your Topic:

  • Your main reasons or points should become full sentences.
  • Make them clear and descriptive.
  • Examples from the video: "The food served at school does not taste good." or "The menu in the cafeteria does not offer options to hungry students."

Writing a Strong Thesis Statement:

  • This is your main argument in one sentence.
  • It should be clear and strong.
  • Example from the video: "There's no doubt that school lunches need to be improved."

Remember: A good introduction sets the stage for your whole essay. It tells your reader what to expect and why they should keep reading.

 

Description: This is a summary of the important steps to writing an introduction paragraph.
Quiz : Comprehension Quiz
Instructions: Please complete this quiz by choosing the correct answer for each question. You can take this quiz as many times needed.
Question #1

What is the purpose of a hook in an introductory paragraph?

Question #2

Which of the following is NOT a step in writing an essay as mentioned in the video?

Question #3

In the ABCs of a logical introduction, what does the "C" stand for?

Question #4
According to the video, a common mistake that writers make is having an unorganized introduction, which can weaken the argument.
Question #5
The video suggests that the hook should be placed at the end of the introductory paragraph to conclude the argument.
Description: Demonstrate your understanding of the information provided in the video.
Forum : Discussion
Instructions: This discussion forum will have questions for students to respond. Read the posted questions, and respond to each. Students are responsible for posting one initial and and two peer responses for each topic.
Discussion Question
Discuss the importance of a strong introduction in an essay. What challenges do you face when starting an essay?
Description: Discuss the importance of a strong introduction.
Assignment : Write Your Introduction Paragraph

Write an introductory paragraph for your argumentative essay, following the steps discussed in the lesson. Highlight the essential components in your introduction paragraph by using the key below.

HIGHLIGHT KEY:

Hook

Claim/ Thesis

Reasons

 

Assignment : Peer-Review

These peer review questions are designed to help you evaluate and provide constructive feedback on each other's introductory paragraphs. They focus on key elements like the hook, topic clarity, thesis statement, and overall organization.

Hook Evaluation:

Does the introductory paragraph start with a hook that grabs your attention? If not, can you suggest a way to make it more engaging?

Topic Clarity:

Is it clear what the essay's topic is and why it's important after reading the introduction? If it's unclear, what information do you think is missing?

Thesis Statement:

Can you identify the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph? Does it clearly state the main argument or claim of the essay?

Flow and Organization:

Does the introduction flow smoothly from the hook, to the topic description, and finally to the thesis statement? Are there any sentences that seem out of place or unnecessary?

Overall Impression:

After reading the introduction, do you feel interested in reading the rest of the essay? Why or why not?

Resources : Additional Resources
Instructions: Please see additional external resources below. Feel free visit each link to learn more about this lesson.
Draft an introductory paragraph for an argumentative essay
In this lesson, you will learn how to write an introductory paragraph by hooking your reader and stating your thesis