Essay Introductory Paragraphs

Beginnings practice

An essay’s introductory paragraph will be a good one if it has these elements:

1. A good lead sentence. (question, quote, bold statement)

2. An extra sentence to explain the lead, especially if the lead statement is rather cryptic, or strange.

3. A short overview of what the essay is all about, or the reason why the essay is being written.

4. A strong thesis.

Sometimes, when comparing introductory paragraphs, one may be deemed better than another simply how the sentences are written.

5. Simple sentences all beginning with “I” are least effective or interesting.

6. Simple sentences written in the 2nd person are also not very effective or interesting. (You will see that Gemma from Briar Rose and Lenny from Of Mice and Men are similar.)

7. Sentences with variety of length and beginnings are more interesting and effective.

8. Sentences using parallel structure are more interesting and effective.

PARALLEL: He wanted three things out of college: to earn a degree, to make good friends, and to learn about life.

NOT PARALLEL: He wanted three things out of college: to earn a degree, to make good friends, and learning about life.

Which of these two beginnings is better? Why?

Example #1:

Should students need a B average to obtain a Washington State drivers license? Currently in Washington a driver’s license is a privilege that is obtained by age. This legal age for a license is currently16; however, getting a license should be based on a student’s G.P.A.

Example#2:

In this paper I’m going to tell you about how I feel on a kid’s ability to get a driver’s license. I am also going to explain why this is so important to me. What I learned about this will blow your mind. So here goes.

Circle the paragraph which is a better beginning to an essay.

Explain why it is better. (HINT: use one or more of the reasons from above.)

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Example #3:

High school students these days are more apt to attend wild parties; they often are avoiding homework and just have fun. A license should be harder to get.

Example #4:

High school students these days are more apt to attend wild parties, to avoid homework, and to just go around having fun. Because of this higher standards should be used to get a license.

Circle the paragraph which is a better beginning to an essay.

Explain why it is better. (HINT: use one or more of the reasons from above.)