Introduction Paragraph: Analytical Essay

In order to write an effective introduction, you are going to need to include three really important
components: A hook, some background information, and your thesis. Follow these steps to
write your introductory paragraph for your analytical essay.

Step 1: Write your Hook.

Start by hooking your readers attention. You can use an anecdote (a very short story),
a surprising fact, a captivating quote, or a rhetorical question (ask the reader to
imagine a scenario). Your hook should only be 1-3 sentences long.
Your hook: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Step 2: Give some background information on the Issue.

Let readers know a little bit about the issue that you will be writing about. This is not
your point of view; its a very brief summary of the issue or topic of your analysis.
Brief summary of the issue: _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Step 3: Craft your Thesis

The thesis is where you tell readers what the essay is going to be about. The thesis
should be a clear, strong statement supporting/outlining your claim. The rest of your
essay should support your thesis.

Your thesis:
After reading the text(s) _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ it is
evident that ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Combine your work from all three steps to create your introductory paragraph:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________