How do you “hook” your reader in your opening

paragraph?

In this lesson, you will learn how to write an introductory paragraph by hooking your

reader and stating your thesis.

Let’s ReviewLet’s ReviewAn opinion essay should include:

• Words that show strong feelings.

• An opinion statement

• Reasons that support the opinion.

You will state your opinion as a thesis statement, in your opening paragraph.

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Writing Process

Generate Ideas

Write Drafts

Revise & Edit

1 2 3

Let’s ReviewA Common MistakeStating your thesis without “hooking”

your reader into your topic.

Kids should eat healthy foods.Why should I care about

this?

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?”

1

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

3 Connect your hook to your thesis statement.

4 Write down your thesis statement.

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?”

1Thesis Statement: Our society would greatly benefit

from more people choosing to use public transportation.

• People who choose to use public transportations preserve our environment and build their communities.

• Public transportation is one solution to the growing dilemmas facing our planet.

• Last summer my family stayed with my aunt in New York City and we used the subway system for our entire stay.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

• People who choose to use public transportations preserve our environment and build their communities.

• Public transportation is one solution to the growing dilemmas facing our planet.

• Last summer my family stayed with my aunt in New York City and we used the subway system for our entire stay.

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Last summer, my family stayed with my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution!

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson3 Connect your hook to your thesis.

Last summer, my family stayed with my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution! Since most cities offer some kind of public transportation, anyone can have these positive experiences!

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Hook Connecting phrase

or sentence.

Thesis

Write down your thesis statement.4

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Hook

Connecting phrase/sentence.

Thesis Statement

4Last summer, my family stayed with

my aunt in New York City. We really enjoyed using the subway system to get around during our month-long stay. During those weeks, we spent less money than we would have on gas, and met so many new people! Most importantly, we realized that we were helping the environment by making less pollution!Since most cities offer some kind of public transportation, anyone can have these positive experiences! Our society would greatly benefit from more people choosing to use public transportation.

Let’s ReviewCore LessonAsk, “What story or brave statement can I begin with that will hook my reader?”

1

2 Choose your best hook and write it down.

3 Connect your hook to your thesis statement.

4 Write down your thesis statement.

In this lesson, you have learned how to write an

introductory paragraph by hooking your reader and

stating your thesis.

Let’s ReviewGuided PracticeCreate an opening paragraph for the following thesis statement. Include a hook, connecting phrase, and the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement: Kids should choose to eat healthy foods.

Let’s ReviewExtension ActivitiesBrainstorm a new thesis statement and create an outline for the opening paragraph below.

Hook: Connecting phrase:

Thesis Statement:

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Now, take your outline and draft your own opening paragraph!

Let’s ReviewQuick Quiz

Using your thesis statement and reasons, craft a hook sentence and introductory paragraph.