Essay Introductions and Thesis Statements

10th GradeELA50 min

Learning Objective

I can write a thesis statement and introduction for a well-organized essay.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

10 min

3. How to Write an Introduction Paragraph with Thesis Statement

Writing Better

Guided Notes

10 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • In an introduction paragraph, the ideas expressed should move from general to specific.

  • The thesis statement, which states what the essay will be about, is usually the last sentence in the introduction paragraph.

  • The thesis statement should contain the essay's subtopics, which will be used as the topics for the body paragraphs.

Practice

15 min

10 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Write an introduction paragraph, including a thesis statement, for an essay answering the question: 'Are social media platforms beneficial or harmful to society?' Follow the pattern discussed in the video: present one side of the argument in the first sentence, the opposite side in the second sentence, and your thesis statement as the final sentence.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts