Introductions and Conclusions How and Why We Write

Introductions and Conclusions How and Why We Write Them

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

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

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

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

Effective Techniques for Introductions • Riddle or joke • An opinion about the topic • Figurative language • Worst intro: using questions (avoid) • Never write, “I’m going to tell you…”

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

Effective Conclusion Techniques • Restate thesis • Summarize • Quote • Allusion—literary or historical reference • Call to action (persuasive) • Finish the anecdote begun in the intro • Personal comment

Paragraphs • Four reasons to begin a new paragraph

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