Leads and Conclusions

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Leads and Conclusions

• Frame the Thesis

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The Lead - The Beginning

• Leads, like titles, are
• flashlights that shine
• down into the story.
• -John McPhee
• Clearly state the thesis
• in the lead.

3
The Lead Establishes

• Subject
• Meaning (thesis)
• Perspective
• Spine
• Direction
• Dimensions
• Voice

4
Thesis Statement

• A one or two sentence condensation of the
  exposition that is to follow.

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Thesis Statement

• Provides the writer with focus
• Helps writer to better organize and develop essay
• Provides reader with a guide to the essay

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Thesis Statement

• Presents a sharply focused generalization
  demanding proof or further development
• Addresses a subject on which people could
  disagree
• Examines a subject that can be given adequate
  treatment within the essay
• Expresses one main idea
• Asserts writers position about subject

7
Thesis Statement

• A strong thesis
• Takes a stand
• Justifies discussion
• Expresses one main idea
• Is specific

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Categories of Leads

• Direct statement
• Anecdote
• Informing detail
• Description
• Scene
• Tension

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Conclusion - Ending

• If I didnt know the end of a story, I wouldnt
  begin.
• - Katherine Anne Porter
• I think the end is implicit in the beginning.
• - Eudora Welty

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The Conclusion

• Contributes to the direction of the piece
• Extends the writers voice
• Reminds reader of the purpose of the journey
• Makes the final impression on the reader

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An Effective Conclusion

• Idea 1
• Frame essay by reminding reader of something
  you referred to in your introduction and by
  reminding the reader of your thesis.

12
An Effective Conclusion

• Idea 2
• End on a strong note a quotation, a
  suggestion, a humorous or insightful comment, a
  call to action, or a look to the future.

13
An Effective Conclusion

• Idea 3
• Summarize points, but keep it short and use
  fresh language.

14
An Effective Conclusion

• Leaves the reader satisfied with a sense of
  closure
• Draws the piece of writing together
• Reinforces what the writer has said (thesis)
• Connects with the lead
• Completes the circle