Think of a topic in your community that concerns you. Think about why it matters to you. Then draft an introductory paragraph that follows all three rules of this lesson

Make sure your paragraph reveals the topic or subject clearly. Include an explanation of why the topic or subject is important. Think of ways to make readers want more:

In the bustling city of XYZ, one topic that weighs heavily on my mind is the increasing air pollution levels. The deteriorating quality of air affects not only our physical well-being but also poses a threat to the environment as a whole. With each passing day, the smog-laden skies make it difficult to breathe freely and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. As a concerned citizen, it is imperative to address this issue with urgency. By delving into the causes and consequences of air pollution, we can better understand the extent of its impact and strive towards effective solutions. Embarking on this journey will not only enable us to safeguard our health but also preserve the natural beauty XYZ is known for, making it a place worth cherishing for generations to come.

another example plz

In the close-knit community of ABC, there is a growing concern about the lack of affordable housing options. As a resident who has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals and families in finding suitable and affordable places to live, this topic holds significant importance to me. The scarcity of affordable housing not only affects the most vulnerable members of our community but also threatens the stability and inclusivity that we strive to uphold. By shedding light on this issue, we can raise awareness, push for necessary policy changes, and work towards creating a community where everyone has access to safe, comfortable, and affordable housing. Join me on this quest to explore the underlying factors and potential solutions, and together, let's pave the way for a more equitable and thriving community.

Summarize what the student shared in the video

A STUDENT sits in an armchair. She has a newspaper on her lap.

STUDENT: Look! This is called a newspaper. They still exist! I actually like reading them better. I know, I know, I’m old school but I used to like watching my grandfather sit at the dining room table, reading the whole thing while he sipped his cup of coffee in the morning. He always let me read the funny pages.

STUDENT: No updates, though. Regardless, if it’s paper or a website, everyone reads the beginning of the article on the front page. But how many people actually turn the page to read the rest? News writers know that they need to introduce the main ideas at the beginning of the article, in the introduction. Hold on, let me give you an example.

STUDENT: Oh, here. A big winter storm caused major problems all day long for people in the Dayton area. Okay, that’s the introduction. Now, let’s see if the later sentences support the main ideas in the introduction.

STUDENT: It says here that there was more than a foot of snow. Yes, it supports the idea that there was a big winter storm. It also says that hundreds of people lost power and lots of drivers were stuck on roads. It sounds like it caused major problems all day long. A paragraph can also have an introduction. The introduction previews the ideas in the rest of the paragraph. Sometimes this is called a topic sentence. For example, let’s look at a paragraph from the editorial.

STUDENT: Ah, here. It starts with, there are two reasons we should build a nature center in our town. This lets the readers know that the rest of the paragraph will be about the reasons for the nature center. The next two sentences each give a different reason for the nature center. Got all of that? Good.

STUDENT: Hey, where are the funny pages?! Grandpa!

Fade to black and a copyright notice appears on screen, which reads:

Copyright 2020 Pearson Online and Blended Learning K–12 USA. All rights reserved.

THE END.

In the video, the student discusses the importance of introductions in news articles and paragraphs. She reflects on her fond memories of reading newspapers with her grandfather and emphasizes that the introduction is crucial in capturing readers' attention and conveying the main ideas. Using examples, she demonstrates how supporting details in news articles and topic sentences in paragraphs help reinforce the introduction. The student concludes by expressing her nostalgia for the funny pages in newspapers and calls out to her grandfather.

Kendall Middle School will soon be the first school in the state to have its own weather station. Science teachers at the school expressed excitement at receiving the grant, Which students applied for at the beginning of the year. The weather station will be a teaching asset. It will also help the community, which is far from any professional weather station.\

What is the topic of the informational text? ___________________
________________________________________________________

Why is that topic important? _______________________________
________________________________________________________

How did the writer try to grab the reader’s attention?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

The topic of the informational text is the installation of a weather station at Kendall Middle School.

This topic is important because it highlights the significance of having a weather station at the school, not only as a teaching asset for the science teachers but also as a resource for the community. The fact that the community is far from any professional weather station implies that having this equipment at the school will provide valuable weather information and observations for local residents.

The writer tries to grab the reader's attention by mentioning that Kendall Middle School will be the first school in the state to have its own weather station. This creates a sense of uniqueness and excitement around the topic. Additionally, the writer mentions that the science teachers expressed excitement at receiving the grant, which shows enthusiasm and anticipation for this new addition.

Find an article in a local or online newspaper. Locate the introduction.

Is it as interesting as it could be? ________
Does it grab your attention?_____

Make sure that you new introduction both introduces the topic and tells why it is important:

As an AI language model, I do not have direct access to the internet or the ability to browse specific articles from newspapers. However, I can certainly assist you in crafting a new introduction that introduces a topic and highlights its importance. Please provide me with the topic you would like an introduction for, and I'll be more than happy to help you create an attention-grabbing introduction.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

What is the purpose of an introduction?

What is a rhetorical question?