Research Introductory Paragraph and Concluding Paragraph Do we know where to begin? How about end?

What is an introduction? The first paragraph of the paper describes the focus of your argument and your reason for making it. What must it always include? – A – B – C – D All introductions must include these 4 elements…

A – Audience Attractor Attracts the audience. Pulls the reader in! Try one of these ways: – Strong statement – Fact – Quote – Anecdote – Any other ideas?

B – Background Information Provide background information. Must include title and author, unless they appear in your thesis statement. Main points from Wonder – Themes? – Symbols? – Settings? – Events?

C – Central Thesis Argument plus your position. You have already written this! This is what you are proving in your paper!

D - Divisions The support (research) you will discuss in your paper. Basically a breakdown of your paragraphs in a sentence or two.

Idea Examples – SAMPLE! A: Quote from Natalie Merchant’s song, “Wonder”. B: Discuss how the quote is exemplified in the in the novel through specific literary elements. C: Statement about Wonder not being restricted or banned. D: Introduce the ways that this research will be proven.

Complete Introduction Example “Doctors have come from distant cities/ Just to see me/ Stand over my bed/ Disbelieving what they're seeing/ They say I must be one of the wonders Of god's own creation” ("Natalie Merchant – Wonder”). Auggie Pullman, the protagonist of the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, exemplifies these lyrics through both his physical and emotional traits. Although the appearance of bullying, underage smoking, transitioning to a school setting and mild violence can be considered disturbing, Auggie overcomes these obstacles in an amazing show of heroism. Therefore, the novel should not be banned or restricted for any age group. Judy Blume’s Blubber, Kevin Henke’s Chrysanthemum, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, and Chris Crutcher’s Athletic Shorts have all been challenged for one or more of the attributes Wonder contains. These texts teach valuable lessons in the way kids should live life and Wonder does the same.

Conclusion A conclusion is not the same as an introduction. It is the summation of your argument. How is it different?

It must include… Restatement of thesis (in different words). Review of main points (main is the key word!). End with a strong statement. THIS IS WHAT THE READER WILL REMEMBER! Make it memorable.

Sample Concluding Paragraph Even though Wonder contains various negative aspects including bullying and fighting, it should not be banned because it teaches the reader to stand up for yourself no matter how you are being treated. All readers can benefit from reading this book, as they have from many other books aimed at the elementary age group. Everyone should be free to read what he or she wants. Books make people think; no one should take away that privilege.