5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint

Introduction
Hook Background/Filler Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence Supports Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph

Conclusion

Restate Thesis Summarize Lasting Impression

Today: Introduction Paragraph

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Introduction has

Hook Background/Filler Thesis Statement

Parts of the Introduction Paragraph

FORMULA:
HOOK (~1 sentence) + BACKGROUND INFO (~3-5 sentences) + THESIS (~1 sentence) =

INTRODUCTION!

The Hook: First Things First

HOOK THE READER! "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense.

 It should grab your readers attention.

The Hook

5 examples of Hook types: Quote Vivid description Anecdote Definition Question

Must transition into the papers topic

Hook Example #1: Quote

A quote is a memorable line this can be from a famous figure in history. Make sure to credit the author/speaker. Ex) Hook as a quote at beginning of a paragraph: Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change you wish to see in the world. When they gathered to
write the Declaration of Independence, the The Founding Fathers sought out to be this change

Hook Example #2: Vivid Description A vivid description is

like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action.

Ex) When empty, the Convention hall was small and dark, but soon it would be filled with the voices of the Founding Fathers

Hook Example #3: Anecdote

An anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic. Ex) Imagine you are watching a man like Thomas Jefferson as he sits at his desk to try and write the words that would define a country, all Men are Created Equal

Hook Example #4: Definition

Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know. Ex) Websters dictionary defines sarcasm as, a witty remark used to convey insult. When approaching the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers found the British response to be filled with sarcasm

Hook Example #5: Question

Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper. Ex) Is it true that freedom is an idea worth dying for? Ask the Founding Fathers

Remember
Introduction = HOOK + BACKGROUND INFO + THESIS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Assume that your reader has never read the question/prompt provided What does your audience need to know?
Names Dates Quotes Arguments

If it is a text, then include the author, title and a brief synopsis of the text

Strategies to write Background Information

1. Restate the question/prompt 2. Use a supporting Quote 3. Insert appropriate Facts/Statistics (that will help make your point!)
The background information provides a transition from the excitement of the HOOK to the seriousness of the THESIS STATEMENT.

Background Info- In order to fill in1. Examine the Prompt

Superintendent Doug Hammond believes that school violence has escalated. Due to this he is asking Larchmont Charter schools to enforce random locker checks each quarter. Students believe this is an invasion of privacy. Write a five paragraph essay stating your position on the issue.

What does your audience need to know? Look for details

1. Restate the question/prompt 2. Use a supporting Quote 3. Insert appropriate Facts/Statistics (that will help make your point!)

Famous philosophers use a snowball rolling down a hill to describe how momentum can gather over time. (HOOK) When Superintendent Doug Hammond issued his ruling calling for the random locker check, this resulted in student anger, and this anger has only built over time. This is a violation of privacy, said Antigone Mohapi, a student at Larchmont Charter School. When asked, five out of six students felt that random locker checks were an invasion of privacy

Ok, so now you have your HOOK and your BACKGROUND INFORMATION what are you missing?

Remember Introduction = HOOK + BACKGROUND INFO + THESIS

REVIEW: Thesis Statements -- So Whats the Formula?

Recipe for a Good Thesis

1. LIST Style:

Arguable Point because ________________ Reason #1 _______________ , Reason #2 Reason #3 ________________ , and ________________ .

In your Thesis, try to convince me by giving Me an Example

EX: Smoking should be illegal because it can kill you, can harm those around you, and it is addictive and difficult to stop once started.

In your Thesis, try to convince me by giving Me an Example. LIST WAY

EX: Smoking should be illegal (arguable point) because it can kill you, can harm those around you, and it is addictive and difficult to stop once started.

In your Thesis, try to convince me by giving Me an Example.

UMBRELLA WAY
EX: Smoking is an addictive drug that can kill you and do harm to those around you, so it should be made illegal.

ACTIVITY: UNDERLINE the HOOK, SQUIGGLY LINE THE BACKGROUND INFO, DOUBLE UNDERLINE THE THESIS
Introduction: Can you imagine what it would be like to walk into school everyday, knowing that your peers are excited about learning, and that your school has the proper resources to support them? Thats what could happen if Larchmont Charter School made some important changes. Students today need an environment that supports their needs, and makes them feel like they are valued members of the student body. To ensure optimal learning, schools should try their best to accommodate the interests of the students. For many high school students, school is where they spend most of their day, and because of that, they want to enjoy the space they occupy for four years. Larchmont Charter School needs to improve the school atmosphere in order to create student morale, shorter class periods, and more diverse extracurricular activities.

Did you get it?

HOOK (~1 sentence) + BACKGROUND INFO (~3-5 sentences) + THESIS (~1 sentence)

Introduction: Can you imagine what it would be like to walk into school everyday, knowing that your peers are excited about learning, and that your school has the proper resources to support them? Thats what could happen if Larchmont Charter School made some important changes. Students today need an environment that supports their needs, and makes them feel like they are valued members of the student body. To ensure optimal learning, schools should try their best to accommodate the interests of the students. For many high school students, school is where they spend most of their day, and because of that, they want to enjoy the space they occupy for four years. Larchmont Charter School needs to improve the school atmosphere in order to create student morale, shorter class periods, and more diverse extracurricular activities.

HOMEWORK CHECK

2 Thesis Statements

How well is the United States upholding the Principles of the Declaration of Independence?
Class HOOK:

Prompt:

Class BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Class: THESIS:

END INTRO LESSON

Body Paragraphs (3)

Topic Sentence
Support (Quotes) Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence
A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. Use it to help remind the reader what your paper is trying to prove (thesis) It should have a subject, a verb, and a controlling idea. Ex.) One reason why schools should not enforce random locker checks is because it is an invasion of student privacy.

Supporting Sentences
This is where you give more information about your topic. Ask yourself: How can I prove this is true? What examples can I give? Three supports per paragraph

If you use quotes as support

Dont forget

Adding Quotes- Lead-In

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). Always introduce quotes with a lead-in. Quotes cant stand alone.

Adding Quotes- State Quote

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). State quote exactly as you see it. Use quotation marks to show it is borrowed words.

Adding Quotes- Parenthetical Citations

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). A parenthetical citation shows where the information is from. Give author and page number. No comma. Punctuation follows citation.

Adding Quotes-Explain Quote

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). This quote illustrates that The Dark Knight is the ultimate super hero movie because of the mass appeal it brought to the super hero film genre.

Concluding Sentences
A concluding sentence explains what your paragraph is about. Use as a bridge between paragraphs Not only does recycling help the environment ________________________________ but __________________________________
it is also a quick way to make extra money.

Conclusion Paragraph
Restate thesis. Use new words (points in same order) Summarize main points of essay. Remind reader what you said. End with a lasting impression. Give reader something to think about after finishing essay.

And That is How you Write an Essay!

Now go off and Ace that paper!