How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: Lesson Plan on Hooks & Thesis Statements

Teach students to write captivating introduction paragraphs with this complete lesson plan. This resource clearly explains the three essential parts: the Hook, Bridge, and Thesis. Through an engaging 'I Do, We Do, You Do' activity, students learn to grab a reader's attention and write a clear thesis statement. This plan includes objectives, a student checklist, and differentiation strategies, making it perfect for improving essay writing skills for all learners.

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The Perfect Hook: Mastering Introduction Paragraphs

Materials Needed

  • Whiteboard or large sheet of paper
  • Markers or pens in different colors
  • Notebook paper or a computer for writing
  • A writing utensil for the student
  • Handout: "Introduction Paragraph Checklist" (details below)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify the three essential parts of an introduction paragraph: the Hook, the Bridge, and the Thesis.
  • Analyze different types of hooks to see what makes them effective.
  • Write a complete and engaging introduction paragraph for a chosen topic.

Lesson Plan

Part 1: Introduction (5-10 minutes)

The Hook for the Hook Lesson!

Let's start by reading two different ways to begin an essay about why chocolate is the best dessert. Which one makes you want to keep reading?

Beginning #1: "This essay is about chocolate. I will explain why it is the best dessert. There are many reasons why it is good."

Beginning #2: "Imagine a food so delicious that ancient civilizations used its beans as money. From rich, dark bars to gooey, warm brownies, chocolate has been the world's favorite treat for centuries for good reason."

Discussion: Which one did you like more, Vienna? Why? (Guide the discussion toward words like "interesting," "boring," "creative," "made me want to know more.")

Today, we're going to learn the secret recipe for writing amazing beginnings like #2. These are called introduction paragraphs, and their job is to grab the reader's attention and tell them exactly what you're going to talk about.

Part 2: Body of the Lesson (25-30 minutes)

I DO: Building the Perfect Introduction (10 minutes)

Think of an introduction paragraph like an upside-down triangle or a sandwich. It starts broad and gets more specific.

It has three key parts:

  1. The Hook (The Top Bun): This is the first sentence! Its only job is to GRAB the reader's attention. Make them want to read more!
    • Types of Hooks:
      • A Question: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly?
      • A Surprising Fact: A single sneeze travels 100 miles per hour.
      • A Short Story (Anecdote): Last Tuesday, my dog did the funniest thing. He grabbed my dad's hat and took off running...
      • A Bold Statement: Video games are the most powerful form of storytelling in the world.
  2. The Bridge (The Filling): These are 1-2 sentences in the middle. They connect your interesting hook to your main point. They give a little bit of background information.
  3. The Thesis (The Bottom Bun): This is the MOST important sentence in your introduction. It clearly states the main point of your entire essay. It tells the reader exactly what you will prove or explain.

Let's watch me build one. Topic: Why dogs are great pets.

(Instructor thinks aloud while writing on the whiteboard)

"Okay, first I need a hook. A question is easy and fun. How about: 'Are you looking for a friend who is always excited to see you and never tells your secrets?' That's a good hook.

Next, I need the bridge sentences to connect my 'friend' idea to dogs. I'll add: 'For centuries, people have shared their homes with loyal canine companions. These animals are more than just pets; they become part of the family.'

Finally, the thesis—my main point. I need to be specific. 'Dogs are the ultimate pets because they offer unconditional love, encourage an active lifestyle, and can improve their owner's health.'

See? All together, it's a full introduction! Hook, Bridge, Thesis."

WE DO: Let's Write One Together (10 minutes)

Now it's our turn. Let's pick a topic you like. How about: "The best season of the year is fall."

  • Step 1: Brainstorm a Hook. Vienna, what kind of hook should we use? A question? A surprising fact? A short story about something fun you did in the fall? (Guide her to create an engaging first sentence).
  • Step 2: Create the Bridge. Okay, our hook is about [mention hook idea]. How can we connect that to the idea of seasons? What happens in the fall? (Brainstorm sentences about leaves changing, cooler weather, holidays, etc.).
  • Step 3: Write the Thesis. Let's get specific. What are the three reasons we will use to prove fall is the best? (e.g., "Fall is the best season because of its comfortable weather, fun holidays, and beautiful colors.")

(The instructor writes the collaboratively created paragraph on the whiteboard).

YOU DO: Your Turn to Shine! (10 minutes)

Awesome! You're ready to build your own introduction paragraph. Here is a checklist to help you make sure you have all the parts. I want you to choose one of the topics below and write a full introduction paragraph.

Introduction Paragraph Checklist (Success Criteria):

  • [ ] Does my first sentence grab the reader’s attention (Is it a good hook)?
  • [ ] Do I have 1-2 "bridge" sentences that connect my hook to my main point?
  • [ ] Do I have a clear thesis statement that tells the reader my main point or argument?
  • [ ] Is the whole paragraph at least 3 sentences long?

Choose Your Topic:

  1. What is the best superpower to have, and why?
  2. Should kids be required to do chores?
  3. Persuade someone that your favorite book or video game is the best one ever made.
  4. Come up with your own topic!

Part 3: Conclusion (5 minutes)

Recap and Share

Great work today, Vienna! Let's wrap up.

  • Tell me what you learned: Can you name the three parts of an introduction paragraph in your own words? What is the job of each part?
  • Share your work: Please read the introduction paragraph you wrote out loud. Let's use our checklist to see how you did.
  • Feedback: (Instructor gives specific, positive feedback). "I love the question you used as a hook! It really made me want to know more. Your thesis is also super clear—I know exactly what you're going to write about next."

Final Thought: Remember, the introduction is your first impression. A great hook and a clear thesis will make people excited to read what you have to say!

Differentiation and Adaptability

Need a Little Help? (Scaffolding)

If you're feeling stuck, try using these sentence starters:

  • For the Hook: "Have you ever thought about...?" or "Many people believe that..."
  • For the Bridge: "This is an important topic because..."
  • For the Thesis: "This paper will argue that..." or "[Topic] is the best because of [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3]."

Challenge Yourself! (Extension)

  • Write a second introduction paragraph for a different topic from the list.
  • Try to use a different type of hook than you used the first time (e.g., if you used a question, try using a surprising fact or a bold statement).
  • Write an introduction paragraph for a persuasive topic where you have to convince someone of your opinion, like "Why cats are better pets than dogs."

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