Informational Writing: Crafting an Introduction

Key Components of Informational Writing

• Introduction: Introduces the topic and hooks the reader's attention.
• Body: Provides the facts and details about the topic.
• Conclusion: Wraps up the writing.

Writing an Informational Introduction

• Purpose: To grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more.
• Analogy: Writing an informational book is like building a hamburger:
  • Introduction = Top bun
  • Body = Burger toppings
  • Conclusion = Bottom bun

Techniques to Hook the Reader

1. Begin with a Sound

   • Example: "Choo choo" for a train.
   • Example: "Boom bang pop" for fireworks.

2. Ask a Question

   • Example: "What has eight legs and hunts at night?"
   • Example: "Do you ever wonder where all that sand came from?"

3. Tell a Surprising Fact

   • Example: "An adult elephant can weigh up to 15,000 pounds."
   • Example: "The highest score ever made in a soccer game is 149 to 0."

4. Show Excitement with an Exclamation

   • Example: "Run! Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal in the world."
   • Example: "Watch out! Here comes a Tyrannosaurus Rex."

Example of Writing an Introduction

• Topic: Monkeys
• Introduction Plan:
  • Start with Sound: "Ah ah"
  • Ask a Question: "Did you know there are 264 kinds of monkeys?"
  • Exclamation for Excitement: "That's an awful lot of screeching!"

Tips for Writing Your Introduction

• Remember to:
  • Begin with a sound.
  • Ask a question.
  • Tell an interesting or surprising fact.
  • Show excitement.

By using these strategies, writers can create engaging introductions that captivate their readers and encourage them to learn more about the topic.