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.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Structuring Your Introduction Paragraph

This paragraph explains how to structure an introduction paragraph in an essay. It begins by emphasizing that the ideas should flow from general to specific, and the first sentence must capture the reader's attention. The thesis statement, which is the last sentence of the introduction, should clearly state the essay's topic and outline the subtopics to be discussed in the body paragraphs, ensuring the same order. The paragraph provides an example of an introduction for an essay about Tokyo, demonstrating how the general statement narrows down to the thesis. A second example on globalization follows the same structure. Finally, it shows how to apply this structure to a new topic, such as choosing a computer, by creating a general opening, adding specific details, and concluding with a clear thesis statement.

05:02

🌍 Examples of Introduction Patterns

This paragraph presents different patterns for writing introduction paragraphs depending on the essay's purpose. It starts by explaining a situation-based pattern, where two sides of a situation are described before presenting the thesis statement. The first example discusses who should care for the elderly, contrasting different viewpoints before introducing a thesis focused on government aid and family cooperation. A second example analyzes foreign aid, outlining both positive and negative aspects before suggesting a need for more oversight and regulations. The final part introduces a pattern for opinion essays, using space exploration as a topic, where both sides of the argument are presented before stating an opinion that supports continued investment in space research. Readers are encouraged to practice these patterns with various essay questions to improve their skills.

Keywords

💡Introduction Paragraph

An introduction paragraph is the opening section of an essay that sets the stage for the reader, providing a roadmap of what to expect in the rest of the essay. It is crucial as it engages the reader's interest and outlines the essay's main points. In the video, the introduction paragraph is emphasized as the place where ideas transition from general to specific, and it concludes with a thesis statement that encapsulates the essay's focus.

💡General to Specific

The concept of transitioning from general to specific refers to the structure of the introduction paragraph where the writer starts with broad statements about a topic and then narrows down to the specific focus of the essay. This method helps to guide the reader's understanding and sets the context for the thesis statement. In the script, this concept is illustrated by the example of starting with a general statement about Tokyo and then focusing on the specific challenges of doing business in the city.

💡Attention-Grabbing Sentence

An attention-grabbing sentence is the first sentence of the introduction paragraph designed to capture the reader's interest. It often includes a hook such as a surprising fact, a question, or a quote. The video script suggests that this sentence should point the reader toward the main subject of the essay, setting the stage for the rest of the introduction.

💡Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a critical component of the introduction paragraph, usually appearing as the last sentence. It clearly states the essay's main argument or the point the writer aims to prove. The video emphasizes that the thesis statement should contain the subtopics that will be developed in the body of the essay, indicating the essay's structure and direction. An example from the script is the thesis statement about the challenges and benefits of doing business in Tokyo.

💡Subtopics

Subtopics are the specific points or aspects that support the main thesis of an essay. They are introduced in the thesis statement and then elaborated upon in the body paragraphs. The video script explains that the order of subtopics in the thesis statement should match the order in which they are discussed in the body, ensuring a coherent and logical flow to the essay.

💡Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the main sections of an essay where the writer develops and supports the subtopics introduced in the thesis statement. Each body paragraph focuses on one subtopic, providing evidence and arguments. The video script mentions that the order of subtopics in the thesis statement should correspond to the order in which they are discussed in the body paragraphs, which helps maintain the essay's organization.

💡Fundamental Point

The fundamental point is the core argument or the main idea that the writer is trying to convey in the essay. It is articulated in the thesis statement and serves as the guiding principle for the entire essay. The video script uses the fundamental point to emphasize the importance of a clear and concise thesis statement that informs the reader about the essay's purpose.

💡Essay Questions

Essay questions are prompts that guide the writer in formulating the essay's topic and thesis. They often present a debate or a problem that the essay will address. In the video, essay questions are used as a starting point for creating introduction paragraphs, with the script providing examples of how to structure the paragraph around different types of essay questions.

💡Opinion Introduction

An opinion introduction is a type of introduction paragraph where the writer presents their personal viewpoint on a topic. It often includes both sides of an argument before stating the writer's opinion in the thesis statement. The video script provides an example of an opinion introduction for the topic of space exploration, showing how to present a balanced view before revealing the writer's stance.

💡Practice

Practice is emphasized in the video as a key method for improving one's ability to write effective introduction paragraphs. The video suggests that by repeatedly writing introduction paragraphs for different essay questions, a writer can refine their skills and become more adept at capturing the reader's attention and clearly stating their thesis.

Highlights

Introduction paragraph sets the stage for the essay.

Structure of a good introduction includes a general to specific progression.

The first sentence should grab the reader's attention with a statistic or quote.

The thesis statement is the last sentence of the introduction, outlining the essay's focus.

Subtopics in the thesis statement should align with the body paragraphs' order.

Example of an introduction paragraph about doing business in Tokyo.

Example of an introduction paragraph on globalization with clear aspects.

Introduction pattern for essays discussing situations with two opposing sentences.

Introduction pattern for opinion essays with a balanced view before stating the thesis.

Practice writing introductions with various essay questions to improve skill.

The importance of practicing to enhance the ability to write compelling introductions.

Introduction paragraph for the topic 'how to choose a computer' with a general statement and thesis.

The role of the thesis statement in clarifying the essay's fundamental point.

Using a pattern for introductions that discuss situations with a clear thesis statement.

The effectiveness of a balanced introduction pattern for opinion essays.

Encouragement to practice writing introductions to refine the skill.

Transcripts

The first paragraph of an essay is called  the introduction paragraph. This is where  

you're going to set the stage for what you're  going to say in your essay. In this video I'm  

going to show you the structure that you need  to follow to be able to write a good organized  

introduction paragraph. First, let's talk  about some things that you should include  

in your introduction paragraph. The first is  that the ideas expressed will go from general  

to specific. Now, this means that you'll give  a general statement and then slowly become more  

specific as you move forward in the introduction  paragraph. The second point is that your first  

sentence should catch the reader's attention and  point him in the direction of the main subject.  

It could contain a statistic or a quote. Now, the  thesis statement will be the last sentence in the  

introduction paragraph. This is where you're going  to state clearly what your essay will be about.

The thesis statement should contain the subtopics  which will be used as the paragraph topics in the  

body, and the order of the subtopics should be  the same for both the thesis statement and the  

body paragraphs. Now, this means that if you  have three subtopics A, B, and C, for example,  

then your first body paragraph will talk about  A, and then your second body paragraph will talk  

about B, and then your last paragraph will talk  about C. And finally the thesis statement states  

the fundamental point that you're trying to make  in the essay. this final sentence should make it  

clear what your essay will be about. Here's  an example of an introduction paragraph. Now,  

the first sentence gives the general topic about  Tokyo, so we can know that this essay will be  

something about the city of Tokyo. The following  sentences give some more details about the city,  

and then the last sentence, the thesis statement,  states clearly what the essay will be about. The  

essay will be about how doing business in Tokyo  can be difficult, but challenging and profitable.

Here's another introduction paragraph.  This time about globalization. Again,  

the first sentence shows the general topic.  The following sentences give more details  

about the topic. And then finally the  last sentence, the thesis statement,  

shows what the essay will discuss. Now, the  three aspects are very clear: investments  

in communication, improvements in transport  technology, and multinational corporations.

Now let's try using this topic to write an  introduction paragraph. Our topic will be  

how to choose a computer. You'll want one  general sentence to start the paragraph,  

and then add more specific information followed  by your thesis statement. Your first general  

statement might be something like this: Choosing a  computer can be a difficult task. Now you want to  

add some more specific information, so you could  write something like this: Knowing a few things  

about computers will make the job easier.  Now, you might add some more information:  

There may be many factors that will affect the  choice. And then finally your thesis statement:  

Although it can be a challenge to choose  from all of the more popular computers  

on the market today, deciding on the  type, brand, and price range will make  

the task easier. And this is what your  introduction paragraph would look like.

Alright, let's look at a few introduction  paragraph patterns that you might use in  

your essays. Now the basic pattern will  be two to three sentences about the topic,  

and then your thesis statement. For  essays that are discussing situations,  

you might use this kind of pattern. Your first  sentence would be one side of the situation,  

and then your second sentence would be the  other side of the situation. And then finally  

sentence three would be your thesis statement,  what you're going to do or say in your essay.

Here's an example. In this question: "Who  should to take care of our old people?",  

sentence one could say something like this. "In  many countries most elderly people live happily  

with their children." Now that's one side of  the situation. And then sentence two could say:  

"Increasingly, however, many young families  cannot take care of their parents." This is  

the other side of the situation. And then  finally, your third sentence would be your  

thesis statement. "This difficult problem of  who will care for that aging population can  

be solved through government aid as well  as cooperation from individual families."

Alright, here's another example. "Does aid to poor  countries work?" Your first sentence could be:  

"For the last 50 years, poor countries have been  receiving large sums of money from rich donor  

countries." Your second sentence could be: "Some  of this money has improved lives, while much of it  

has disappeared or made no difference." And then  sentence three would be your thesis statement:  

"Although aid to poor countries can make a  difference in developing countries, more oversight  

of the funds used and stricter regulations  to avoid mishandling the aid are needed."

Here's a pattern you could use for opinion  introduction paragraphs where you need to  

give your opinion about a certain topic. The  question here is: Does space exploration benefit  

mankind?" So, your first sentence could  be something like this: "Many people see  

the benefits of space exploration." Now, this is  the sentence to show that space exploration can  

benefit mankind. For your sentence against space  exploration you might write something like this:  

"However, others feel it is a massive  waste of money." And then finally,  

your thesis statement: "Although some aspects  of space exploration can seem unnecessary,  

the overall contribution to society justifies  further research in this area." Now, this thesis  

statement shows clearly that your opinion is  that space exploration does benefit mankind.

All right. Here's a question that you could use  to practice writing an introduction paragraph.  

"Is cooking at home better than eating out in  a restaurant?" Now, for your first sentence  

write one side of the argument: "Cooking at  home is better." And then sentence two would  

be the other side of the argument: "Eating  out in a restaurant is better." And then,  

your thesis statement would be your  opinion about what you think is better.

You might want to try this with several  essay questions, and practice just writing  

the introduction paragraph to help you become  better at writing this important part of an essay.  

The more you practice the better you'll be at  writing an introduction paragraph. Happy writing!