How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: for Research and Expository Writing

This lesson plan/handout breaks down the introduction paragraph into color-coded components to help students identify how to write an attention-grabbing and organized introduction paragraph. This is formatted for an MLA-style paper, but the components can be applied across disciplines and citation style. With examples from US History (the Battle of Gettysburg and Orphan Trains) and Science (the unique endangered Sea Otter), this introduction paragraph lesson is truly cross-curricular! I have used these samples in my English class to great success, because I find that once students have a "formula" to use, and have practiced identifying the components of the formula, they can easily "plug in" their own topic. This handout includes a discussion of thesis statements, hooks, and whether or not to include actual "facts" in the intro paragraph. Suitable for Middle and High School students (as well as post-secondary students needing a brief review!)

Download the preview file to read the first sample paragraph in its entirety.