An Introduction will have 3 main components:
1. Lead - the attention-getter
2. Main Idea Statement - also known as a thesis statement
3. Supporting Details
Lead:
The purpose of your lead - attention getter - is to grab your audience's interest.
This can be done many different ways. Some possible methods are:
a. using a famous quote
b. asking a question
c. telling a quick story or anecdote
d. making a bold statement
e. referring to a recent event/incident
f. using a crazy/interesting fact
g. telling a joke
Main Idea Statement:
In one or two sentences, you will inform your audience of your MAIN IDEA or CENTRAL PURPOSE.
For more information & examples, click here.
Supporting Details:
To finish a solid introduction, it is important to give details - previews - of how you will support your main idea, claim, or achieve your central purpose.
Source: grammar.about.com
This video gets even more specific with restating key points into your own words when necessary!
Source: www.englishpracticeonline.com via youtube
Let's review:
-It's important to have a solid introductory paragraph when constructing an effective essay, whether it's persuasive, argumentative, or informative.
-A crucial component of an introduction is the lead/attention getter. Refer to the notes to see some different ways to connect to your audience.
-Without a main idea sentence, informing the audience of the paper's purpose, your essay may have no direction!
Source: google.com