November 3, 2015“HOOKS”

1. “Essential Elements of an Introduction”

2. “7 Ways to Engage the Reader”

3. Work On Your Essay

The Writing Process

• Prewriting• Drafting• Revising• Editing• Publishing

Today’s Agenda

Mini-Lesson: Essential elements of an introduction; seven strategies for engaging the reader

Work Period: finish planning; begin writing your introduction

Closing: Share introductions and hooks

EQ and Standard

EQ: Why is it important to engage the reader when you write?

Essential Elements of an Introduction

• Hook – an attention-getting device• Tie-in – 2 or 3 (or more) sentences

that help the reader understand how the Hook connects to the Thesis statement

• Thesis – a single sentence that sums up what your essay is about

• Road Map – list of main ideas that you will discuss in your essay (this can be part of the thesis statement)

Ways to Start

• Quotation or Proverb• Brief Anecdote or Story• Startling or Interesting Fact• An Analogy of Something Else• Posing a Question• Use Imagery• Word or Theme

Begin with a quotation or proverb

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy said, "We are under-exercised as a nation. We look instead of play. We ride instead of walk. Our existence deprives us of the minimum of physical activity essential for healthy living." His words concerning the President’s Physical Fitness Program still echo decades later; too many people are not as healthy as they would like to be simply due to the lack of time. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Begin with an anecdote or very brief story.

Herman was a scrawny little seventh-grader who was always getting teased. When he came back to school for eighth grade, we could hardly believe he was the same person. He had bought some running shoes, weights, and spent the summer in a disciplined training program. Now he has muscle and a new confidence in himself. Although Herman’s transformation was dramatic, anyone can benefit from a program of regular exercise. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Begin with a startling or interesting fact     

Studies show that a large percentage of American teenagers are out of shape. An out-of-shape teenager is likely to become an out-of-shape adult and be at higher risk for all kinds of diseases including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, a childhood marked with a poor start can be reversed; starting an exercise program at any time can help put a person on a path of lifelong good health. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Begin with an analogy to something else

Nobody would think of going to school without getting dressed and doing all the other needed hygienic tasks in our daily ritual. In the same way, exercise can be built into our daily routine so that it becomes virtually automatic. The benefits of incorporating exercise into our daily lives are great. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Begin by posing a question

Do you ever feel as if you just drag through your day, that your arms and legs are six inches too long, or your head feels like it is the size of a watermelon? You probably think that more work would just make you more tired, but a good workout, such as a brisk walk or a few games of racquetball, can actually help you feel more energetic. If you exercise regularly, you will see long-term advantages in your fitness as well as your outlook on life. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Use imagery

There is a dent in your finger from hours of note taking.  Your book bag is tearing at the seams from all of the weight.  You find that parts of your body fall asleep from sitting in school chairs.   If this sounds like you, then you may need some exercise.  Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Word or Theme

Muscle, tone, definition.  These descriptors should identify the health of most teens.  However, few people can naturally obtain this by themselves.   As a nation, and a successful world leader, we must insist that every citizen be given the opportunity to learn how to be a healthy and productive member of society. Barnstable Middle School students should have gym everyday because it would promote strong bodies, healthy minds, and would relieve the stresses of middle school life.

Now It’s Your Turn…

• The first thing you need to come up with is your thesis statement.

• Remember that you are going to state your position on the argument, but you are NOT going to write “I think”, “I feel”, or “I believe.”

Writing Your Introduction

• Hook• Tie-In• Thesis With Your

Roadmap

Body Paragraph

• Hook• Your next sentence needs to be from

your thoughts. Then you write your facts supporting your thought.

• According to studies, “more children learn how to count with their show rather than any other show on television” (Bert and Ernie).

Closing Paragraph

• Hook• Your thoughts• Clincher Sentence (Closing)