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How to Start an Essay: Add Background Information to Write a Strong Introduction

11 minutes 43 seconds

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Man stands in front of a screen showing clip art drawings of various items. Text title above clipart reads, "Start essay with strong introduction." Text in banner reads, "Background information."

Students will learn how to craft an effective introduction paragraph for an essay. Host Mr. Messinger provides a simple formula with multiple examples on how to weave background information into one's introductory paragraph.

Media Details

Runtime: 11 minutes 43 seconds

Topic: Language Arts
Subtopic: Composition (Writing), English Grammar, Literacy
Grade/Interest Level: 7 - 12
Standards:

Release Year: 2020
Producer/Distributor: Mister Messinger
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Man is in front of a screen with text that reads, "Understanding Your Essay Topic," above a drawing of a hamburger and a drawing of a maze. Other text appears on screen.

Man stands outside next to a body of water. Text next to him reads, "What kind? Which one? How many?" Caption. We used adjectives to answer the questions.

Front of a steam engine train parked on the tracks. Text on image reads, "The train is a mildly popular attraction." Caption. Each of these tells us to what degree the train is popular.

Man with mouth open and left palm facing camera sits beside graphic inset of a lined spiral notebook that reads, "A, P English Exam." Caption. What are the nuts and bolts.

Talking man is in front of a screen with text that reads, "Strong Thesis Statement," above other instructional text and clip art drawings.

Man stands in front of a wall of guitars. Caption. Knowing when to use capital letters is important.

Medium shot of a man seated in the concave section of a small desk with several sheets of pale yellow paper laid out in front of him. Caption. Gareth as narrator. Put his writing desk at the right angle.

Closeup of a child's hand writing on a lined notepad. Caption. Your writing may reflect your life, just going and going.

Woman speaks directly to camera in a restaurant setting. Text next to her reads, "Nouns, Phrases, Clauses." Caption. That connect 2 elements of the same kind, such as...

Multi-colored border of markers pointing down and crayons pointing up against a white background.