The first impression of your paper Introduction: The first impression of your paper

GOALS * Attract the interest of the reader * Establish the tone of your paper * Introduce the subject

ESSENTIALS An introduction can be 1-2 paragraphs and should include necessary background to understand the topic. * HOOK You want the reader to have the urge to keep reading! * THESIS STATEMENT Remember that your thesis will be the final sentence in your introduction.

Use the inverted triangle method. How do I construct my introduction? Use the inverted triangle method. Broad Slightly less broad Specific (Thesis)

How do I start my introduction? * Question Give your reader an opportunity to think about or relate to your topic with by asking them a thought-provoking question. Avoid asking your reader a very general question, such as, “What is global warming?” or “Where is Area 51?” * Quotation It must pertain to your topic and have an explanation of how this relates to your topic.

Additional introduction ideas: * Short Story Something compelling and relevant that will interest the reader. * Definition Do not use a definition that everyone knows (common knowledge). Instead, these are examples: Euthanasia or Poaching * Fact or Statistic It must be accurate, relevant, and verifiable.

At the end of your introduction. Where does my thesis fit in? At the end of your introduction.

Introduction Example In a survey of 2,000 high school students in single-sex classrooms, 67% said it increased their self-esteem. 72% reported an increased desire to learn and participate in class. It is therefore unfortunate that out of over 98,000 public schools in the United States, only 540 offer single-sex classes. Even though single-sex classrooms have benefits for students, many schools are still not adopting them for various reasons. Boys and girls learn differently, therefore they should be taught differently. More schools in the United States should move toward single-sex classrooms because they increase student achievement. Source: 8th grade student, AGW, 2010.

What should be in my conclusion? *Summary of the main points you discussed in your paper *THESIS – This should be restated (in different words) and be the FIRST sentence in your conclusion.

How do I construct my conclusion? Specific (Thesis) Slightly less broad (summarize key points) Broad (State what should be done)

Leave your readers satisfied that you have covered your subject well. Conclusion Can be 1-2 paragraphs long Includes REWORDED thesis as the first sentence Summarizes key points Call to action Leave your readers satisfied that you have covered your subject well.

Example Conclusion Single-sex classrooms are better for boys and girls academically, therefore more schools in the U.S. should use them as a model. Students in these classes have significantly raised their test scores and performed better with their school work. The benefits to the students and teachers, including being able to adjust teaching styles to how the different gender’s learn best, far outweigh the obstacles to instituting single-sex classrooms. Overall, single- sex classrooms are an incredibly smart option for schooling and should be adopted in more schools throughout the country.

Transitions Glue ideas together within the paper so it flows Establish logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of the paper Organize information so the reader can see the relationship between ideas

Transitions between Paragraphs Organize so content flows logically from one topic to another Can be 1 or 2 words, a phrase or a complete sentence Examples: To show contrast: however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless To show similarity: in the same way, just as To show sequence: first, second, third,…finally To show time: currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently

Examples: To show examples: for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate To show additional support or evidence: additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover To conclude: finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize

Student Example (paragraph began with) The benefits of single-sex classrooms go beyond academics…(ended with) Single-sex classrooms are leading the way to producing more well-rounded, self- confident students. Even though single-sex classrooms are very beneficial, many parents don’t think it is the best option for their children… Pg. 4 ex. paper