Introduction to Introductions

How long should an introduction paragraph be?

• as long as it needs to be

• 3-5 sentences

• no more than 2 sentences

• it depends on how much textual evidence you need to include in it

Your introduction should...

• start general and end general

• start general and end specific

• start specific and end specific

• start specific and end general

How much textual evidence should be included in the introduction paragraph?

• as much as you need

• at least one quote

• at least two quotes

• You do not need any textual evidence in the introduction paragraph.

Where should you put the thesis statement?

• at the start of the introduction paragraph

• in the middle of the introduction paragraph

• at the end of the introduction paragraph

• wherever it fits best

Select all of the statements that are true about thesis statements

• They should be arguable/debatable.

• They should be "universal truths."

• They should express the main point/ideas of your essay.

• Your should state them right away in the first sentence of the introduction paragraph.

Would the following make a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay? Why or why not?

Tests are often required in high school.

• Yes, because it's clear and debatable.

• Yes, because it is true.

• No, because it is more of a fact than a debatable belief.

• No, because it's not detailed enough.

Would the following make a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay? Why or why not?

Beauty contests should be eliminated from society because they are sexist and outdated.

• Yes, because it is true.

• Yes, because it expresses a view that is debatable.

• No, because it is not detailed enough.

• No, because it is not true.