Introductions & Conclusions

Warm-Up Activity

5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint Introduction Hook Background Thesis Statement Body Paragraph Topic Sentence Supports x3 Concluding Sentence Conclusion Restate Thesis Summarize Lasting Impression: Universal Truth

Parts of the Introduction Paragraph Hook Background Information Thesis

Part One: The Hook It should grab your reader’s attention. Quote Vivid description Story Definition Question Must transition into the paper’s topic

Hook: Quote A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history. Make sure to include author/speaker. Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Hook: Vivid Description A vivid description is like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action. Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

Hook: Story A story or anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic. Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

Hook: Definition Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know. Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

Hook: Question Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper. Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

Part 2: Background Information Assume that your reader knows nothing about the topic Give important information. For example, explain what the reservation system is! For example, explain you have just finished reading Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

The Thesis Statement

The Thesis Statement A starving dog craves a juicy cheeseburger because his master croaked, he lives on the street, and he loves to eat meat

The Roadmap for Your Essay Main argument of your paper It introduces the reader to the rest of your paper Gives three reasons

So What’s the Formula?

Recipe for a Good Thesis Arguable Point Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3 _______________ because ________________ , ________________ , and ________________ .

Examples 1. Based on research, The Absolutely Trues Diary of a Part Time Indian should / should not be banned because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three). 2. Based on research, Indian casinos are/ are not helpful because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three). 3. Based on research, Native American mascots should / should not be used because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three). 4. Based on research, alcohol and drug use on reservations has / has not become an issue because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three). 5. Based on research, Native American stereotypes are / are not harmful to Indians because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).

Conclusions Re-Statement of Thesis Re-Connect to Attention-Grabbing Hook Speak to the Implied Meaning So What? Statement Universal Truths Elixir of Life Type Stuff

And That is How you Write an Introduction & Conclusion! …Now go off and “Ace” it!