Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs English 9

The Introduction Paragraph The first paragraph in a paper that introduces your topic and thesis statement It should be around 3-4 sentences. Contains 3 main parts: Attention-Getter / Hook Lead-in/ Background information Thesis statement

Think of the introduction paragraph as an upside down triangle. General Specific Attention Getter Lead-in Thesis Statement

Attention Getter / Hook The very first sentence(s) that gets the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more VERY general introduction of the topic

Some Ideas for hooks...

The Lead-in/ Background Sentence The sentences between the attention-getter and thesis statement Helps narrow the topic from general to specific; gives more information on topic Acts as a transition between attention-getter and thesis statement

The Thesis Statement The most important sentence in the paper Last sentence of introduction paragraph Tells exactly what the paper will be about It will present the order of the supporting material that will be in the paper (most to least important; least to most important; chronological; etc.)

Hook Lead-In Thesis William Shakespeare once said, “It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.” While this is an old adage, many believe the power of love is more significant the pain of its loss. Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon is one such example. Charlie’s first experience with love is a key factor in his belief that the surgery was good for him because it allowed him to experience an emotional connection he had never before felt, it allowed him to relate to other people more completely, and it allowed him to resolve some of the issues he had surrounding his mother’s abandonment.

The Conclusion Paragraph The last paragraph in an essay that neatly wraps up the paper It should have 4-7 sentences Contains 3 main parts Restate the thesis Lead-outClincher

Think of the conclusion as a triangle. General Specific Restatement of Thesis Lead-out Clincher

Restate the thesis Summarize the thesis without repeating yourself The most specific part of the conclusion Should include a transition to indicate that this is your concluding paragraph

The Lead-out Just like the lead-in only backwards Makes the topic larger to become more general and less specific Smoothes out the conclusion paragraph

The Clincher Last sentence of the last paragraph Give the paper finality Similar to an attention getter because it should make the reader think and leave an impression Most general part of the conclusion paragraph

Thesis (restated ) Lead- Out Clincher Charlie’s surgery allowed him to experience an emotional connection he had never before felt if only for a short time. Because of this, he was able to live more fully than he had been able to before. Regardless of the aftermath, this was an experience he deserved as much as any other person. Everyone ought to feel love and human connection; this is truly one of the most valued aspects of human existence.