Introductions, Conclusions, & Thesis Statements Writing Wednesday Introductions, Conclusions, & Thesis Statements

Introductions Example: Function/role of myth Heroes in myth & civilization Heroes in Greek mythology Homer’s Odyssey Thesis: Odysseus as a flawed hero in Homer’s Odyssey. GENERAL: society/broad SPECIFIC: thesis statement

Introductions Cont. Roughly 5 - 7 sentences for “healthy” intro. Intro. Checklist: NEVER begin intro. w/mention of text Must include title & author (BEFORE you actually allude to text!) Thesis statement (at end) NOT a book summary! (or essay summary) Avoid cheesy “hooks” (I hate the word “hook…”) No rhetorical questions Avoid quotes Let diction, voice, & purpose be the “hook” “avoid” is different than “never”

Sample Intro. Paragraph Humans are undoubtedly social beings; they depend on one another and thrive upon interaction. People are not meant to be alone, and isolation often leads to negative consequences, ranging from depression and anger, to desperation and even violence. This was particularly true during the Depression plagued 1930s, an era author John Steinbeck analyzes in his many novels. In his short but striking novella, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck reveals the dreadful effects of loneliness on the human condition through his flawed and rejected characters.

Conclusions Converse of Intro: Like intro, healthy conclusions are roughly 5 - 7 sentences Leaves readers with your voice & purpose Finish strong! Never write, “In conclusion” or ANYTHING that sounds like it… No quotes; ALL OPINION NOT BOOK REVIEWS!!! NOT ESSAY SUMMARY: STOP LISTING YOUR PARAGRAPHS! NO SQUARES!! (Don’t forget to mention the text! Converse of Intro: Restatement of thesis (in different words) Broad/reference to society; gives essay PURPOSE

Sample Conclusion J.D. Salinger explores the various locations in New York where Holden discovers refuge, revealing Holden’s desperation to live in an idealistic world full of innocence and virtue. While the security of these places comforts Holden, he fails to comprehend that reality cannot mirror the assurance of immobility that these treasured memories possess. Holden’s valiant attempt to combat the maturation process only leaves him disappointed with the shortcomings of reality. Despite Holden’s effort to resist, progress is inevitable and the world will continue to change with time. As an adolescent learns how to weather this progress with grace and perseverance, he truly grows into a man.

Thesis Statements Sentence (or two) that tells the reader what the essay is about/what to expect (WITHOUT EVER SAYING, “THIS ESSAY…”) “Tip of triangle” because it is specific! Last sentence(s) of intro. ¶ Theses need “prewriting” Start basic so you have a clear idea what your paper will be about Then re-word it and formalize it; adding details if necessary Does more than tell what the paper will be about; it reveals how well it will be written

Elements of a Thesis 3 Main Components: 1: Subject 2: Commentary Very important & often left out Theses lacking commentary usually precede entire essays lacking commentary 3: Proof you plan to use to prove thesis Not always necessary, but helps you stay organized. Include WITHOUT “essay mapping” e.g.- DO NOT “list” paragraph topics; instead, find a phrase or term than unifies them all: Don’t have one? That’s a problem….

Sample Theses In his novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck reveals the dreadful effects of loneliness on the human condition through his socially rejected, flawed characters. In the enthralling epic, The Iliad, Homer exposes the struggles Achilles faces as the warrior battles his inner demons and raging emotions. When Achilles experiences the humanizing effects of love, he realizes fame and glory are not as important as he once believed. Note: do not need to include title & author in thesis, as the above theses do.

Flawed Thesis Example: In his novel, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck’s characters are extremely lonely. Does not go beyond stating the obvious Lacks insightful commentary; thus, it lacks PURPOSE Will lead to a paper that lacks commentary and leans heavily on summary & states the obvious.