IntrosConcls.pptx

Introductions and Conclusions Bookends to a well-organized bookshelf See: Strategies for Successful Writing. 6: Canadian Edition. pp. 68-69,95-98. and pp. 99-101

Don’t let this happen to your reader. Introductions pp. 68-69, 95-98 Don’t let this happen to your reader.

Hint: Write your introduction AFTER you have written your essay, You can’t introduce something until you know what that is.

Structure * Illustration, Evidence, Reasons, Argument Sentence Content Paragraph Essay 1 Subject What’s your point? Topic Sentence What to tell Introduction 2 Verb Prove it to me. Do something. Body Sentences Tell Body* 3 Completion So what? Conclusion/Transition Why told Conclusion

Functions See pp. 96 – 98. Acquaints, interests the reader Announces topic May state thesis Sets tone Gives background Blueprints or shows plan Creates unity Create a context - prepares the reader

Introductions to avoid “In this paper I intend to …” “I have always been interested in …” “Wars have always afflicted mankind.” “As you may know …” “In the modern world of today…” The topic I have chosen to …”

Hooks Say something related to the topic. Thesis Definition Quotation Anecdote or personal experience Arresting statement Interesting detail(s) Question Historical review

Conclusions pp. 99-101

Purpose Signal completion of discussion Reinforce purpose of the paper

Reinforce purpose To inform: Give a summary. To illustrate: End with a thought or question. To persuade: Could include * Warnings * Recommendations * Hopes

Cautions No new material. Don’t start in a new direction. Don’t tack on an ending because it’s late and the paper is due. Leave yourself time. Don’t apologize. Remain confident and assured. Don’t moralize.

Cautions (cont’d) Don’t simply restate your introduction. Don’t conclude more than you reasonably can from the evidence.

Types of Conclusions See pp. 99- 101. Restatement of thesis Summary Question Quotation Ironic twist or surprising observation Clever or lighthearted ending

Suggestions (cont’d.) Personal challenge Recommendation or hope Personal reaction Suggest future study or research. Discuss the paper’s significance. Echo the introduction in format or shape. Avoid qualifiers.