Finishing Touches Introduction and Conclusion Paragraph Examples

Writing an introduction paragraph Capture the reader’s attention with… 1.Setting the scene (description or snapshot) 2.Using dialogue 3.Using a powerful quote 4.Including a surprising statistic or fact AND Your position statement 2

INTRODUCTION #1: Setting the scene (description or snapshot) Sweating and panting from the day’s heat, Anthony pushes the lawnmower in his grandmother’s front yard. The sun beats down on his back while thoughts of his best friend’s relaxing, cool pool enter his mind. Taking a swig of his cold, orange Powerade, he washes away the dust from his throat and seems, also, to wash away the thought of the pool. Anthony loves helping his grandmother and her friends take care of their lawns. He knows they need him. Anthony’s care for others is not uncommon among teenagers. Many teenagers today devote themselves to others and to their community. 3

INTRODUCTION #2: Using dialogue “Sammy,” Mom screams, “get down here and help me carry in the groceries.” Pretending not to hear her, Sammy continues to play “Super Mario Galaxy” on his Wii. “Did you hear me? I need help.” “I’m coming,” Sammy finally says, but he never makes it downstairs. He is glued to his game. Mom carries in the monthly groceries for their family of seven all alone. Sammy’s actions represent the actions of teenagers throughout our country. Teenagers today focus only on themselves and do not know how to devote themselves to their community or to others. 4

INTRODUCTION #3: Using a powerful quote In 1961, President John F. Kennedy gave his Inaugural Address. The famous words of the speech will live forever in our minds: “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” These lines urge Americans to devote themselves to others and to their communities. On a daily basis, teenagers are examples of American citizens who devote themselves to others and to their communities. 5

INTRODUCTION #4: Surprising Statistic or Fact 9 of 10 American teenagers interviewed for a Newsweek magazine article admit they would rather spend their free-time on MySpace and Facebook than with a family member (Thomas 20). Anyone who avoids an opportunity to interact personally with a loved one seems selfish to me. My experience and research suggest teenagers are unable to devote themselves to others and tend to focus solely on themselves. 6

Writing an conclusion paragraph Create a powerful, memorable conclusion by… Restating your position statement in other words and 1.Circling back to the introduction 2.Summarizing your main reasons 3.Calling the reader to action 4.Acknowledging the opposing argument and refuting it 7

CONCLUSION #1: Circling back to the introduction Today’s teenagers do not devote themselves to others and their community, focusing only on their own wants and needs. The next time you enjoy a meal at a family restaurant, look at the family in the next booth. Chances are, you will not see the family’s teenager. She probably opted to stay home and chat with friends on MySpace or Facebook, like 9 of 10 American teenagers today. 8

CONCLUSION #2: Summarizing the Main Ideas The lives of many teenagers today locally and nationally prove they can and do devote themselves to their communities and to others. The desire to feel good inside and the extra time in their schedules are reasons to believe they are good volunteers. These along with a teenager’s need to have companions prove teenagers generally have good hearts and want to help others. 9

CONCLUSION #3 Calling the reader to action Today’s teenagers do not devote themselves to others and their community, focusing only on their own wants and needs. Their lives are consumed with technology, school, work, and their friends. Help teenagers break their selfish habits. Invite them to go join in raking the neighbor’s leaves or baby-sitting for the single mother next door. 10

CONCLUSION #4 Acknowledging the opposing argument and refuting it The lives of many teenagers today prove they can and do devote themselves to their communities and to others. Some people may believe teenagers are too selfish to devote themselves to others. These opponents argue teenagers are too materialistic and work, so they can have cars, clothes, and game systems. This may be the case for some teenagers, but teenagers are people, too they long to be loved and accepted by others. Giving their time and talent helps them to feel needed and provides them with something money cannot buy. 11