Jay's Tips: How to Write Intro Paragraph - Use My Three-Part Model
Estimados Estudiantes,
I hope you are having as much fun writing about your tattoos as I am. Below I provide you with a step-by-step process for writing your introductory paragraph.
This is what I did: I tried to imagine what I would do if I were sitting in your place. What tattoo would I choose. Why? How could I capture reader interest with an interesting background. Throughout the semester we will explore different ways to establish your presence in your essay. Here is one:
- Background - Where does this idea come from? What’s the deal? What sparked your interest? Can you provide any thing interesting to help the reader understand your selection? – two to three sentences:
I know Angelina Jolie from the film Girl, Interrupted. I watched it for Winona Ryder, but Angelina stole the show with her brilliant portrayal of a beautiful, clever, charismatic sociopath committed to a mental hospital for her violent behavior. Winona had the name and the experience, but Angelina walked away with the Oscar.
- Summary of Tattoo - OK, you are going to be getting into detail in your body paragraphs, but can you give your reader a taste of what to look for. A few details. An idea? – three to four sentences:
This tattoo may show Angelina’s off-screen look. Maybe it is a portrait of her taken backstage at an awards ceremony. Although she will always be one of our most beautiful Hollywood stars, she is also earning acclaim for her work behind the camera. She is one of few famous starlets to achieve success as a major motion picture director. In this tattoo, if you look into her eyes, I think you will see a glint of defiance.
- Transition - Here, you might insert a sentence about your own personal viewpoint. Where are you coming from? Where do you stand? – two to three sentences:
Angelina has always refused to be typecast or stereotyped as just another beautiful face. I’ve read of her leadership in charity and human rights causes. She may be becoming as famous for her philanthropic activities as her films. For me, her real stardom comes from making her own decisions and taking her own road.
- Thesis - This is your money sentence. What is the point? I mean tattoos are forever! What are you going to say to bring out the meaning in your tattoo? – one sentence:
I probably will never get a tattoo, but this image of Angelina represents two important qualities I will always aspire to: defiance and compassion.
Here is what mine will look like when I copy and paste everything together:
I know Angelina Jolie from the film Girl, Interrupted. I watched it for Winona Ryder, but Angelina stole the show with her brilliant portrayal of a beautiful, clever, and charismatic sociopath committed to a mental hospital for her violent behavior. Winona had the name and the experience, but Angelina walked away with the Oscar. This tattoo may show Angelina’s off-screen look. Maybe it is a portrait of her taken backstage at an awards ceremony. Although she will always be one of our most beautiful Hollywood stars, she is also earning acclaim for her work behind the camera. She is one of few famous starlets to achieve success as a major motion picture director. In this tattoo, if you look into her eyes, I think you will see a glint of defiance. Angelina has always refused to be typecast or stereotyped as just another beautiful face. I’ve read of her leadership in charity and human rights causes. She may be becoming as famous for her philanthropic activities as her films. For me, her real stardom comes from making her own decisions and taking her own road. I probably will never get a tattoo, but this image of Angelina represents two important qualities I will always aspire to: defiance and compassion.
Here is what I want you to do:
a. Explore
b. Push yourself
c. Have fun with it.
This will be great. You will see.
Paz,
JL