Opening Paragraphs

Opening Paragraphs First paragraph in an essay One paragraph only Introduces the topic or subject Creates reader interest Last sentence is the thesis, or main idea of the essay

Structure of an Introduction Begin broad with a topic and narrow it down. Grab the readers attention. This is a good place for an anecdote or facts. Include any interesting background information. Thesis statement is the last sentence. For this paper it needs to be underlined.

There are many great novels to choose from in American literature There are many great novels to choose from in American literature. They cover topics from early America in James Fennimore Cooper’s, The Last of the Mohicans, to the great depression in John Steinbeck’s, Of Mice and Men. But one of the best novels is one that covers the civil rights movement in America, To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel shows reader’s both the best and worst of America. It is through the use of vivid characters and engaging conflict that Harper Lee’s novel is an American classic.

Visualize the Structure GRAB THE READER’S ATTENTION! INCLUDE ITEMS OF INTEREST OR FACTS ABOUT THE SUBJECT. THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO DRAW YOUR READER INTO THE PAPER. THE THESIS STATEMENT. THE FOCUS OF THE PAPER IS THE LAST SENTENCE. EVERYTHING IN THE PAPER CONNECTS BACK TO THE THESIS STATEMENT. IF YOU CAN’T CONNECT IT TO YOUR THESIS, IT DOESN’T BELONG IN YOUR PAPER.

SOURCES http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/conclusions.html http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/endings.htm http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/concl.html http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/concl.htm