How To Write An Introduction and Conclusion

Introduction: Things you MUST include. S.T.A.T.S. Structure + Genre Theme/Context Audience/Purpose Tone/Mood Stylistic Devices

Structure + Genre What kind of text it it?  Genre (e.g. Novel, Poem…) Structural Conventions? - Title - Layout - Colors - Appendix

Theme/Context Content: Summarize the literal content! - Refer to the events, people and topics within the texts Theme: The metaphorical content! - Look at the ‘deeper’ meaning of the text, by making inferences and ‘reading between

Audience/Purpose Consider time and place it the text was written. Consider who the text is written for. Consider why it was written (intention). - (e.g. to persuade/convince/influence) Consider there is ‘no clear answer’. - Perspectives may differ - AS LONG AS YOU JUSTIFY.

Tone/Mood Look at how the author uses language to create a response from the reader. The author should be using a particular tone in order to put his/her audience in a particular mood. Tone: The feeling the author is attempting to evoke. Mood: The feeling the reader receives.

Stylistic Devices List the stylistic devices used. Is there a difference between what the author says and what the author means. (e.g. use of irony, rhetorical questions, sarcasm, figure of speech..) (Body) – Use the stylistic devices that you have chosen to support your answer. Do not say this “Irony is used to….” “Metaphors have been used to….” Stylistic devices are not meant to explain your argument, but are meant to support it.

Example - Introduction Text 1 is a letter from John Steinbeck (Author) to his son, Thom (Audience) regarding his relation (Purpose). However (Connecting words), Text 2 is an online comic strip by the artist, Tiny (Author), and is aimed towards young adults (Audience). Despite their (Connecting words) contrasting genres and targeted audiences, both (Comparative) texts explore the theme of love relationships (Theme). Text 1 presents an optimistic view of relationships and that they must be taken seriously (Tone) while Text 2 presents a comical view (Tone) of love relationships and suggests that men and women are very different (Purpose).

Conclusion: Things You Must Include. If you need to, start with ‘In conclusion’ Reiterate thesis statement (Purpose of the author) Show insight into your texts. (THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 4 AND 5!) DO NOT Summarize your points. DO NOT add new points. DO NOT ‘WAFFLE’ BE SPECIFIC.

Insight of texts chosen Personal Letter Provides a point of view on love that is timeless. Resonates with any reader. A young person in love likes to feel that their love is verified and respected. Does not trivialize the son’s perspective. Carefully constructed sentences and personal tone. Invite Thom to understand that his love is serious. Cartoon An ironic humor is expressed quickly through recognizable stereotypes in the cartoon. The features such as: Font, illustrations highlight the difference between men and women in relationships. Similarly text 2’s concept of love could also be seen as timeless.