3. How to write an Introduction Paragraph with Thesis Statement

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to crafting an effective introduction paragraph for essays. It emphasizes the importance of starting with a general statement that transitions to specific details, capturing the reader's attention with a compelling first sentence, and concluding with a clear thesis statement. The script provides examples and patterns for different types of essays, such as those discussing situations or expressing opinions, and encourages practice to hone the skill of writing engaging introductions.

Takeaways

• 📝 The introduction paragraph sets the stage for the essay and should include a general statement that becomes more specific.
• 🎯 The first sentence should grab the reader's attention and guide them towards the main subject, possibly using a statistic or a quote.
• 📌 The thesis statement, which should be the last sentence of the introduction, clearly states the essay's focus and includes the subtopics to be discussed.
• 🔄 The order of subtopics in the thesis statement should match the order in which they are addressed in the body paragraphs.
• 🌰 An example is provided where the introduction paragraph starts with a general statement about Tokyo, narrows down to specifics, and ends with a thesis statement about doing business in Tokyo.
• 🌐 Another example discusses globalization, starting with a broad topic and ending with a thesis that outlines three clear aspects: investments, transport technology, and multinational corporations.
• 💻 A practice topic is suggested: 'How to choose a computer,' with a step-by-step guide on constructing an introduction paragraph for this subject.
• 🔑 Basic introduction paragraph patterns are outlined, including a general topic sentence followed by the thesis statement for situational essays.
• 🤔 Opinion introduction patterns are discussed, where the paragraph presents both sides of an argument before concluding with the writer's stance.
• ✍️ The script encourages practice in writing introduction paragraphs to improve essay writing skills, suggesting topics like 'Is cooking at home better than eating out?'

Q & A

What is the purpose of an introduction paragraph in an essay?

The purpose of an introduction paragraph is to set the stage for what will be discussed in the essay, capturing the reader's attention and providing a clear direction towards the main subject.

How should the ideas in an introduction paragraph progress?

The ideas in an introduction paragraph should progress from general to specific, starting with a broad statement and gradually narrowing down to the main focus of the essay.

What is the role of the first sentence in an introduction paragraph?

The first sentence should catch the reader's attention and point them towards the main subject of the essay, potentially using a statistic or a quote.

Where is the thesis statement typically placed in an introduction paragraph?

The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction paragraph, clearly stating what the essay will be about.

What should the thesis statement include in relation to the body of the essay?

The thesis statement should include the subtopics that will be used as the paragraph topics in the body of the essay, with the order of subtopics being consistent between the thesis and the body paragraphs.

Can you provide an example of how to structure an introduction paragraph about choosing a computer?

An introduction paragraph about choosing a computer might start with a general statement like 'Choosing a computer can be a difficult task,' followed by more specific information and ending with a thesis statement such as 'Deciding on the type, brand, and price range will make the task easier.'

What is a common pattern for introduction paragraphs discussing a situation?

A common pattern for introduction paragraphs discussing a situation involves presenting one side of the situation in the first sentence, the other side in the second sentence, and the thesis statement in the third sentence.

How can you structure an introduction paragraph for an essay that requires an opinion?

For an opinion essay, the introduction might start with a sentence supporting the opinion, followed by a contrasting sentence, and end with a thesis statement that clearly states your stance on the topic.

What is the advice given for practicing writing introduction paragraphs?

The advice is to practice writing introduction paragraphs by trying out different essay questions, focusing on the introduction part to improve one's ability to write this crucial section of an essay.

Why is it important to practice writing introduction paragraphs?

Practicing writing introduction paragraphs is important because it helps to refine the skill of capturing the reader's attention and effectively setting the stage for the essay's main arguments.