The Writing Process Strategies for Effective Introductions & Conclusions

Introductions  Shorter than body paragraphs  Consists of an attention getter, link sentence and thesis statement  Placed just before first body paragraph  Put thesis statement last in introduction

Keystoning Introductions Shaped like an inverted trapezoid Start with some general ideas Narrow down to more specific ideas Then present your thesis

Techniques for Attention-Getters  Make a dramatic or surprising statement  Ask a rhetorical question  Tell brief anecdote (personal experience)  Give an intriguing definition  Use a figure of speech (simile or metaphor)  Begin with a startling quotation or statistic  Refer to a current event, situation, or controversy

Conclusions  Immediately follows last body paragraph  Also shorter than body paragraphs  Avoid getting “chatty” or casual with reader; don’t use “you”  Avoid switching topics  Don’t undercut or belittle your thesis

Keystoning Conclusions Imagine an upright trapezoid Start with a specific idea but don’t just repeat your thesis Broaden somewhat to more general point End with broad idea or universal concept related to topic

Techniques for Conclusions  Restate thesis in different words  Refer to attention-getter used in introduction  Use any attention-getter technique  Call for action (suggesting response)  Indicate significance of topic to reader’s life  Forecast the future as it relates to topic