Mr. Whites History Class Writing a Research Paper Part 4:
Introduction, Conclusion, and Body Paragraphs
Slide 2
Objectives What do we want to know how to do? Write an
introduction Write a conclusion Write body paragraphs
Slide 3
Paragraphs What are they? To understand how to write a
paragraph, we must first understand what a paragraphs purpose is. A
paragraph is a collection of related sentences that deals with a
single topic (Purdue OWL). A paragraph is not determined by
length.
Slide 4
What makes a paragraph? A paragraph has the following
qualities: Unity stick to one topic Coherence the paragraph is
understandable to the reader A topic sentence this tells the reader
what the paragraph will talk about Adequate development (what
determines if a paragraph is long enough): The topic should be
discussed fully and adequately Two or three sentences is probably
not enough it probably doesnt develop the idea fully and adaquately
Taken from Purdue Online Writing Lab
Slide 5
Section 1: Introductions What the purpose of an introduction
is, how to write it.
Slide 6
Introductions - Purpose The purpose of an introduction is to
give to the reader: Your main thesis question, topic, area of
comparison, etc. Your thesis statement a statement describing what
youve found through your research A general overview of how you
will take the reader to your eventual conclusion Briefly explain
what kinds of smaller questions you will ask Briefly explain what
types of information you will provide to support your opinion It
does not need to be limited to a paragraph it can be several
paragraphs, or even a whole chapter (in the case of a book)
Slide 7
How to write an introduction Start with a hook an interesting
statement or question that grabs the readers interest (it doesnt
have to be too fancy) and is related to your topic Introduce your
thesis question and thesis statement by stating them directly
Explain to the reader how you will use your research to support
your thesis statement
Slide 8
Section 2: Conclusions What the purpose of a conclusion is, how
to write it.
Slide 9
Conclusion - Purpose The purpose of a conclusion is: To restate
your thesis To recap and retrace for the reader how you went about
proving it, and the evidence you presented To bring a logical
conclusion to your paper As with an introduction, a conclusion is
not limited to a paragraph it can be several paragraphs or even a
chapter
Slide 10
How to Write a Conclusion Restate your original question and
thesis to the reader. Briefly retrace and summarize the major
arguments and evidence you presented to prove your main point
Explain how those points support your main idea.
Slide 11
Section 3: Body Paragraphs What the purpose of a body paragraph
is, how to write one.
Slide 12
Body Paragraph - Purpose The purpose of a body paragraph is to
introduce pieces of information, explain them, and use them to
support your main idea. A body paragraph will use a piece of
information that youve gathered, explain it further, give your own
interpretation, and tie it into the main idea Body paragraphs
should have a logic to their organization Chronological sequence of
events Topical different topics Compare and contrast
Slide 13
How to Write a Body Paragraph Its best to know beforehand how
you want to organize your paper chronologically, topically, compare
and contrast, etc. Use your notecards to organize your evidence and
support based on your paper organization Once youve organized your
notecards, use one or more pieces of evidence in each to create
your body paragraphs In the body paragraphs: Present the evidence
Evaluate the evidence (how useful/valuable it is) Explain how the
evidence supports your main point Logically conclude the paragraph
make sure you complete the idea
Slide 14
In-text Citations When you use evidence from other sources for
your paper, you must use in-text citations. There are three basic
types of in-text citations Paraphrasing taking information and
rephrasing it Short quotation shorter than 40 words Long quotation
longer than 40 words For an in-text citation, you must have three
things: The name of the author (if available) The year of
publication (if available) The page number (if available)
Slide 15
Citing When paraphrasing, place the in-text citation at the end
of the evidence youre citing, in parentheses, in the following
format: (White, 2004, p.4) It is suggested that you also include
the page number, but it is not required Exceptions If there is no
author available, put the title from your references list - (The
Mongol Military, 2004) If there is no publication date, simply list
all other information - (The Mongol Military, p.4) If there is no
pagination, it is not necessary to include it (White, 2004)
Slide 16
Assignment Make sure: Your introduction, conclusion, and body
paragraph all meet the conditions above Your introduction and
conclusion are closely related, and outline where your paper will
go