The ESOL Essayist- The Introduction Paragraph

The Introduction Paragraph

The first paragraph is called the Introduction. The introduction paragraph has two main purposes:

1. It introduces the topic to prepare the reader for what you will be writing.
2. It hooks the reader so that they will be interested in reading more.

But, how do you begin to write an introduction paragraph?

How do you begin to write an introduction paragraph?

Step #1:
Most essays begin with a general statement (generalization). This sentence typically acts as the topic sentence for the paragraph.

Step #2:
Next, the supporting detail sentences are written to narrow the topic.

In this first paragraph the writer must introduce the topic by making a thesis statement. A thesis statement is similar to a topic sentence. It is a general statement that tells the reader what you will be writing about. (You will generally have three items to mention in your thesis statement).

The introduction should also hook the reader. This means that the introduction should draw the reader in. It should make the reader want to read more of the essay.

Let's look at our sample introduction paragraph.

Now, look at an example of an introduction paragraph written by an ESOL student.

To become a successful writer, students should follow some important steps. Just attending the class is not enough. Writers need a good background in grammar and vocabulary, skills in writing essays, and skills in editing. Learning to be a successful writer involves a lot of hard work.

Is this an acceptable introduction paragraph?
Click next to see what Sarah thinks.

What does Sarah say?
1. Is this an acceptable introduction paragraph?

I think this is a good introduction paragraph. First, I introduced the topic of becoming a successful writer. Then, I added supporting sentences that helped narrow the topic.

I also have a thesis sentence that outlines the paragraph in three sections: 1) background in grammar and vocabulary, 2) skills in writing essays, and 3) skills in editing. I think the topic is interesting for ESOL students.

To become a successful writer, students should follow some important steps. Just attending the class is not enough. Writers need a good background in grammar and vocabulary, skills in writing essays, and skills in editing. Learning to be a successful writer involves a lot of hard work.

What does Ms. Frescas say?
Click Next to find out.

What does Ms. Frescas say?
1. Is this an acceptable introduction paragraph?

Sarah has a nice introduction paragraph. The paragraph begins with a generalization about the topic of becoming a successful writer. Sarah has also included supporting detail sentences that narrow and focus the topic of the essay. In Sarah's introduction paragraph it is clear that there are three areas of good writing to be discussed in the essay: 1) the importance of background in grammar and vocabulary, 2) the writer's skills in writing essays, and 3) the writer's skills in editing.

My only question is whether the introduction hooks the reader. Does it make the reader want to continue and read more of the essay? What do you think? Who might be interested in reading this essay? Who do you think would not be interested? Maybe you could discuss this with your classmates.

To become a successful writer, students should follow some important steps. Just attending the class is not enough. Writers need a good background in grammar and vocabulary, skills in writing essays, and skills in editing. Learning to be a successful writer involves a lot of hard work.

Now, It's time to test yourself. Click here to begin. When you are finished, return here and click the "next" button to take a look at an example.

Your Turn
Now, it's your turn. You can download and print the "Your Turn" Activities. This section has three: you do it, self check and peer edit. Don't forget that you should be keeping all your "Your Turn" activities in your portfolio.