Writing Wednesday Introductions, Conclusions, & Thesis Statements

Introductions SPECIFIC: thesis statement GENERAL: society/broad Example: Function of myth in society Heroes in myth & society Heroes in Greek mythology Homer’s Odyssey Thesis: Odysseus as a flawed hero in Homer’s Odyssey.

Introductions Cont. Roughly sentences for “healthy” intro. Intro. Checklist: Must include title & author Essay’s purpose Thesis statement Avoid trite “hooks” (not no hooks at all, just not cliched hooks) Rhetorical questions Quotes Let your diction, voice, and purpose be the “hook” “avoid” is different than “never” Roughly sentences for “healthy” intro. Intro. Checklist: Must include title & author Essay’s purpose Thesis statement Avoid trite “hooks” (not no hooks at all, just not cliched hooks) Rhetorical questions Quotes Let your diction, voice, and purpose be the “hook” “avoid” is different than “never”

Sample Intro. Paragraph Humans are undoubtedly social beings; they depend on one another and thrive upon interaction. People are not meant to be alone, and isolation often leads to negative consequences, ranging from depression and anger, to desperation and even violence. Certain members of society are forced into isolation due to discrimination. This was particularly true during the Depression plagued 1930 ’ s, an era author John Steinbeck analyzes in his many novels. In his short but striking novella, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck reveals the dreadful effects of loneliness on the human condition through the flawed and rejected characters of Crooks and Curley ’ s Wife.

Conclusions Converse of Intro: Restatement of thesis (in different words) Broad/reference to society; gives essay PURPOSE Akin to intro, healthy conclusions are roughly sentences Leaves readers with your voice & purpose Finish strong! Never write, “In conclusion” or ANYTHING that sounds like it… No quotes; ALL OPINION

Thesis Statements Sentence (or two) that tells the reader what the essay is about/what to expect “Tip of triangle” because it is specific! Should be last sentence(s) of intro. ¶ Theses need “prewriting” Start basic so you have a clear idea what your paper will be about Then re-word it and formalize it; adding details if necessary Does more than tell what the paper will be about; it reveals how well it will be written Sentence (or two) that tells the reader what the essay is about/what to expect “Tip of triangle” because it is specific! Should be last sentence(s) of intro. ¶ Theses need “prewriting” Start basic so you have a clear idea what your paper will be about Then re-word it and formalize it; adding details if necessary Does more than tell what the paper will be about; it reveals how well it will be written

Elements of a Thesis 3 Main Components: 1: Subject 2: Commentary Very important & often left out Theses lacking commentary usually precede entire essays lacking commentary 3: Proof you plan to use to prove thesis Not always necessary, but helps you stay organized. Can include without ‘essay mapping’ e.g.- no need to list paragraph topics 3 Main Components: 1: Subject 2: Commentary Very important & often left out Theses lacking commentary usually precede entire essays lacking commentary 3: Proof you plan to use to prove thesis Not always necessary, but helps you stay organized. Can include without ‘essay mapping’ e.g.- no need to list paragraph topics

Sample Theses In his novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck reveals the dreadful effects of loneliness on the human condition through his socially rejected, flawed characters. In the enthralling epic, The Iliad, Homer exposes the struggles Achilles faces as the warrior battles his inner demons and raging emotions. When Achilles is devastated over the loss of Patroclus and finds empathy in Berseus, Achilles realizes that fame is not as important as he once believed. Note: do not need to include title & author in thesis, as the above theses do. In his novel, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck reveals the dreadful effects of loneliness on the human condition through his socially rejected, flawed characters. In the enthralling epic, The Iliad, Homer exposes the struggles Achilles faces as the warrior battles his inner demons and raging emotions. When Achilles is devastated over the loss of Patroclus and finds empathy in Berseus, Achilles realizes that fame is not as important as he once believed. Note: do not need to include title & author in thesis, as the above theses do.

Flawed Thesis Example: In his novel, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck’s characters are extremely lonely. Does not go beyond stating the obvious Lacks commentary; thus, it lacks PURPOSE Will likely lead to a paper that lacks commentary and leans heavily on summary. Example: In his novel, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck’s characters are extremely lonely. Does not go beyond stating the obvious Lacks commentary; thus, it lacks PURPOSE Will likely lead to a paper that lacks commentary and leans heavily on summary.