Introductions and Conclusions

1
Introductions and Conclusions

• How and Why
• We Write Them

2
Introductions

• Purpose
• Interest your reader
• Provide focus
• Ice-breaker

3
Introductions

• Essay and research paper intros must include a
  topic sentence and a thesis statement

4
Introductions

• Thesis focus of the paper
• One sentence
• three point thesis in expository papers
• Position statement in persuasive essays
• Located at the end of the introduction

5
Effective Techniques for Introductions

• Quote
• Anecdote
• Interesting fact
• Define a term (not just dictionary meaning)
• Background
• Counter your thesis (persuasive)

6
Effective Techniques for Introductions

• Riddle or joke
• An opinion about the topic
• Figurative language
• Worst intro using questions (avoid)
• Never write, Im going to tell you

7
Conclusions

• Purpose
• to close your writing and leave the reader with a
  satisfying ending

8
Effective Conclusion Techniques

• Restate thesis
• Summarize
• Quote
• Allusionliterary or historical reference
• Call to action (persuasive)
• Finish the anecdote begun in the intro
• Personal comment

9
Paragraphs

• Four reasons to begin a new paragraph

10
Paragraphs

• Shift in idea or emphasis
• Shift in time
• Shift in location
• New speaker