Introductory paragraph

1
Introductory paragraph
2

• To get readers attention
• Set the tone for the rest of the essay
• Show why readers should continue (persuasive)
• Moves from general-opener to specific-thesis

3

• Openers might be stories, questions,
  quotes,analogy/comparison,definition,
  statistics,etc.
• The thesis is the last sentence of the paragraph

4
Concluding paragraph

• 1. restate thesis REWORD it
• 2. summarize the key topics (optional)
• 3. suggest larger implications
• 4. use ending to story told in introduction
• 5. use a quote that summarizes your position
• 6. never bring in a brand new concept

5
Titles

• Consider your title on finishing your first draft
• Be accurate and specific provide more than the
  mere subject of the essay
• Help reader see the link between the essays
  thesis and its paragraphs
• Never use an entire sentence
• Consistent with tone

6

• Subject only Good teachers
• Links subject to detail
• How Good Teachers Treat their Students
  -OR-
• Good Teachers Respect Gets Respect

7
Revising the Draft

• Once you have completed your first draft, allow
  some time to pass before you revise it
• Use a word document to save first draft to make
  editing easier. Make sure you know what to do to
  print this out in its final form.
• Consider reading the draft out loud to hear
  awkward sentences and phrases.

8
Proofread

• 1. subject matter
• 2. organization
• 3. style
• 4. mechanics and grammar

9
subject matter

• Are your examples valid?
• Is there an adequate number of examples?
• Is there a Topic sentence at the beginning of
  each paragraph (not a quote or story)?
• Does the topic sentence help understanding of
  thesis?
• Does the length fit the requirement?

10
Organization

• Is the thesis specific? Is it the last sentence
  of intro.?
• Do the transitions function effectively? One
  sentence to the next? Paragraph to paragraph?
• Does the introductory paragraph get the readers
  attention?
• Is your conclusion effective?

11
Style

• Did you use a variety of sentence types?
• Have you removed all deadwood phrases?
• Is your diction consistent with the tone? Have
  you avoided slang and idiom expressions?
• Are your ideas clear, appropriate, and
  interesting?

12
Mechanics and Grammar

• Spelling errors
• Subject-verb agreement
• Sentence fragments
• Fused sentences
• Comma splices
• Punctuation errors
• Clichés
• MLA heading and formatting