How to write awesome introductions and conclusions Lasting Impressions How to write awesome introductions and conclusions

Why write an introduction? Grab a reader's interest Introduce the subject Create your paper's "first impression"

The Target: W1a Introduction 4 I can write a hook that connects to all humanity, define my topic and give appropriate background information, and make a claim. I can write an engaging hook, define my topic and give appropriate background information, and make a claim. I can hook my reader, define my topic, and make a claim.

Formula for Success General opening Background of book Claim

General Opening Basic statement of the theme of your essay Begin with a quotation. Just make sure you explain its relevance Begin with a question Begin with an acknowledgment of an opinion opposite to the one you plan to take Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper

General Opening cont. Begin with an interesting fact Begin with a definition or explanation of a term relevant to your paper Begin with irony or paradox Begin with an analogy. Make sure it's original but not too far-fetched

Background Information If a book: Author’s name Book title Date of publication Brief (1-2 sentences) mention of plot If a general topic: Who is involved What the issue is

Claim Your very specific claim Last sentence of introduction

A Model General Opening: connect to the power of elective courses (art, music, activity) Electives: to some, they may appear to be easy courses, good choices for senior year; the truth, though, is that elective courses have the power to engage our creative side and mold us into well-rounded citizens. Background: state the issue before the school board Claim: The school board should extend the school day to give students more opportunities for elective courses.

The Target: W1j Conclusion I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what that connects to all humanity, using strong rhetoric and expanding on consequences. I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what that connects to all humanity. 2 I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what.

Conclusions Matter, Too Begin with a reworded claim Briefly synthesize (combine together) your points (1-2 sentences) “So what?” Why does this topic even matter to anyone? Connect to all people Hook methods apply here, too Give multiple so whats for a 4 (expand on the consequences)

A Model Reworded claim: In order to encourage more elective participation, the school board should extend the school day. Synthesis: When combined with core classes, elective courses motivate students to achieve at higher rates while still allowing for college preparation. So what: The success of each student in our schools is important; if extending the school day to offer more electives will help students succeed, it is the right step for the school board. Who knows—failure to do so may not just take away our future engineers and doctors, but perhaps our next Picasso and Mozart, too.