Introductions and

ConclusionsHow to Make Them Work

For YOU!

Once Upon a Time....ANDThe End!

Purposes for Introductions

The opening/introduction grabs the reader’s attention. clearly implies an organizational structure of

the paper. is connected to the body of the writing and is

a clear lead-in to the main idea or thesis. includes a thesis that is stated or implied.

Strategies for Introductions/Leads

A writer may begin with

anecdote or scenario (a brief story that captures the essence of the issue or situation)

A brief history/overview

5 W’s of situation or issue and maybe an H

an interesting fact

an description

taking a stand

a contrasting situation

a combination of the above list

Some Leads to Avoid

Definition’s

Question’s

A cliché (e.g., We have all heard the expression, “Better safe than sorry.” But is that true of today’s airline security procedures? )

A unfocused lead (“Adoption programs in this country have some flaws. They are not completely bad, but they need to be dealt with. There are a couple of things I am concerned about, even though, overall, adoption is a good thing.”)

Do Not Start With...

In my opinion...

In this paper I will...

The purpose of this essay is to...

Do not forget to add to the introduction:

Opening Sentence Start your paper with a general statement about

your topic that catches the reader’s attention, a relevant quotation, anecdote, fascinating fact, definition, the position opposing one you will take, or a dilemma that needs a solution.

Context Provide the information the reader will need to

understand the topic.Thesis Statement State your arguable position on the topic that you

will support with evidence in your body paragraphs.

Conclusions

Purposes of Conclusions

The ending/conclusion

clearly connects introduction and body of the paper with insightful comments or analysis.

wraps up the writing and gives the reader something to think about.

Conclusion Strategies

A writer may end with

a call to action

a generalization from

given information

a self-reflection

a response to a “so what?” question

a combination of the above list

an “echo” from the beginning of piece

a quotation

an anecdote

an interesting fact

a prediction

Concluding paragraph:

This paragraph should include the following:

1. tell the reader what they can do about the issue or give a prediction to what could happen

2. a restatement of the thesis statement, using some of the original language or language that "echoes" the original language. (The restatement, however, must not be a duplicate thesis statement.)

3. a final statement that gives the reader signals that the discussion has come to an end.