Do Now! What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph? What do you remember needing to have in this paragraph?

A quick “how-to”

Remember the hourglass figure? We are essentially INVERTING our introduction format. We start off SPECIFIC We bring it out the our world today.

You do not need to write… “In conclusion,” We know it is your conclusion

The Conclusion A conclusion should stress the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader. Just as every essay has a clear beginning, it should have a clear ending. The last paragraph, also know as the conclusion, should make your essay sound finished.

The Conclusion The concluding paragraph typically has two parts: 1. The summary statement is 2-3 sentences which restate the thesis in a fresh way to reinforce the essay's main idea. 2. The clincher is a final thought which should create a lasting impression on the reader.

The Summary Statement The summary statement is an effective way to start your concluding paragraph because it helps to drive home the ideas you've expressed in your essay. Look at your thesis statement again and rework it in a new way. Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis statement because you don't want the summary statement to sound boring or repetitive. Using a thesaurus is a good way to find new, interesting words.

Example There is always more than one side to a person. Mrs. Dubose proves this when the children learn that she is fighting a morphine addiction. The children also learn that Mr. Raymond pretends to be drunk in order for the town to accept his nonconformity. Finally, Arthur “Boo” Radley is not a monster; he is a recluse who will protect the innocent.

TASK Take FOUR minutes Restate your thesis in the first block on your graphic organizer Hint: look at your original thesis on your introduction graphic organizer Summarize your key points (one sentence per point) Hint: look at your body paragraph graphic organizers

The Clincher/The Extension The clincher, also referred to as the closer, is your last opportunity to connect with the reader. One way to make the most of this moment is to return to the technique you used for your grabber. Open it back up to the real world. Show the reader how this can still be true today.

Example These three characters in To Kill a Mockingbird teach the children that there is more to a person than his or her public image. Much like in Maycomb County, people like this exist today. For example, Al Capone was a notorious gangster/mobster who committed multiple crimes and caused the deaths of many. However, he is also noted for his charity—he established soup kitchens for the poor, and he also used his money to help his own community. Al Capone is just one of many who are perceived one dimensionally.

TASK Take TEN minutes In your groups, brainstorm different current events that help prove that these themes are still relevant You only need one example per theme

TASK Write your extension (at least 3 sentences) Make one of your sentences a COMPOUND sentence.