Assignment

Thesis Statement/Introductory Paragraph Building Program

Instructions: Follow the following steps to create an introductory paragraph that works.

Part 1 The Thesis

1. What is the general topic you are writing about? Write it in the space.

If you are revising your essay, find the topic in youroriginal thesis sentence.

2. Can you narrow the topic to a more specific aspect of the subject?

3. What is the controversial assertion or position about the subject you've chosen that you intend to defend or refute? If you are revising your essay, what controversial assertion did you make?

4. Create a coherent, grammatically correct sentence using both #2 and #3 above.

5. Have you used first person (I/we) words? Yes, reword. ____________________

6. Is it an announcement (ex: This essay will discuss...) Yes,reword

7. Check your sentence for terms that are vague and too general. First circle generic words. Substitute these words for more specific words.

8. Write your final thesis statement.

Part 2 The Context

Now that you have your thesis set, you need to set it in the introductory paragraph.

1. What is the "big picture"? What is the inherent interest or importance of the topic? How does the subject relate to the larger world or subject under discussion. (2 to 3 sentences)This is the first part of your introductory paragraph.

Part 3 The Bridge

Now connect the big picture and your thesis

1. What is the subject? ___________________________________

2. What is the thesis? _________________________________________

3. How is the thesis part of the topic? ______________________________________________________________________________

4. Why is your thesis an important part of the larger topic?

5. Put this into a sentence or two. This is your bridge statement.

Part 4 Putting It All Together and Making It Make Sense

Now you have the three parts that you need for a complete introductory paragraph that does what it is supposed to do: introduce your topic; state your opinion; and why and how you think the way you do. In parts 1-3 of this exercise you worked on the parts of an introductory paragraph out of order.

1. Now you must rearrange them so that the context statement is first, the bridge is next, and the thesis is last.

Context______
Bridge_______
Thesis_______

2. Add in any words which you need to make these pieces flow from one to another.

Take one last look at the grammar, and do any other revising or editing that may be needed. You now have an introductory paragraph to be proud of!