Introductions and Conclusions Let’s get to the point. Let’s get to the point.

Intros and conclusions The following is from a handbook I have used in many composition classes: "The introduction and conclusion to a paper can be understood as a type of transition... At the beginning of a paper, the introduction serves as a transition by moving the reader from the world outside of your paper to the world within. At the end of the paper, the conclusion works in the opposite direction by moving readers from the world of your paper back to their own world..." (Allyn and Bacon Handbook 151) The following is from a handbook I have used in many composition classes: "The introduction and conclusion to a paper can be understood as a type of transition... At the beginning of a paper, the introduction serves as a transition by moving the reader from the world outside of your paper to the world within. At the end of the paper, the conclusion works in the opposite direction by moving readers from the world of your paper back to their own world..." (Allyn and Bacon Handbook 151)

More Info I would add to this that a conclusion should leave your readers thinking. Think about when you see a really good movie…maybe hours or days later, you still can't shake it. A good conclusion should be like this. The other good way to think about a conclusion is that it could be the introduction to another paper, where you would explore the topic further. But more on that later. First, introductions. I would add to this that a conclusion should leave your readers thinking. Think about when you see a really good movie…maybe hours or days later, you still can't shake it. A good conclusion should be like this. The other good way to think about a conclusion is that it could be the introduction to another paper, where you would explore the topic further. But more on that later. First, introductions.

Concepts of Introductions Some of you were probably taught (as was I) that an introduction is an inverted triangle, and a conclusion is really just an intro in reverse. The idea is that in an introduction, you start with a very broad statement and narrow down to your thesis. That is one way to do them, but really the most basic way. After reading your drafts, I think you are all ready to move beyond that system. Some of you were probably taught (as was I) that an introduction is an inverted triangle, and a conclusion is really just an intro in reverse. The idea is that in an introduction, you start with a very broad statement and narrow down to your thesis. That is one way to do them, but really the most basic way. After reading your drafts, I think you are all ready to move beyond that system.

What is an introduction? What is its purpose? It is a paragraph (or two) that introduces your paper's topic to your readers and grabs their attention and interest so they will want to read the rest of your paper. So there are two things here: establish the topic AND make it interesting. Let's look at these one at a time. It is a paragraph (or two) that introduces your paper's topic to your readers and grabs their attention and interest so they will want to read the rest of your paper. So there are two things here: establish the topic AND make it interesting. Let's look at these one at a time.

Establish the topic: Provide any necessary background information. Define terms if necessary. Give a historical overview, or tell the reader what the controversy is. State your thesis. Provide any necessary background information. Define terms if necessary. Give a historical overview, or tell the reader what the controversy is. State your thesis. Here’s an example… Here’s an example…

Example 4 A.M., March 28, 1979 and the floor of the control room just jumped. The two control room operators are stirred from their mid- shift doldrums as alarms begin to sound and the pounding in the auxiliary room is deafening. "The worst crisis yet experienced by the nation's nuclear power industry" (Kemeny, 1979, p. 37) had just begun, and its impact wouldn't be realized for years to come, if ever. Three Mile Island nuclear power station was located on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, PA. It contained two separate nuclear power plants, TMI 1 and TMI 2. TMI 1 had been shut down for maintenance, but TMI 2 was operating at 97% of rated power providing electrical power to the area. Within seconds, a chain of events would commence to destroy the nuclear reactor and with it, the future of the nuclear power industry in this country. 4 A.M., March 28, 1979 and the floor of the control room just jumped. The two control room operators are stirred from their mid- shift doldrums as alarms begin to sound and the pounding in the auxiliary room is deafening. "The worst crisis yet experienced by the nation's nuclear power industry" (Kemeny, 1979, p. 37) had just begun, and its impact wouldn't be realized for years to come, if ever. Three Mile Island nuclear power station was located on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, PA. It contained two separate nuclear power plants, TMI 1 and TMI 2. TMI 1 had been shut down for maintenance, but TMI 2 was operating at 97% of rated power providing electrical power to the area. Within seconds, a chain of events would commence to destroy the nuclear reactor and with it, the future of the nuclear power industry in this country.

Clarification I should tell you that this paper was not about the incident itself. It was about how the incident led to a societal fear of nuclear power not based on science. It is attention-grabbing, but it also gave the necessary background on the incident, so that's good. I should tell you that this paper was not about the incident itself. It was about how the incident led to a societal fear of nuclear power not based on science. It is attention-grabbing, but it also gave the necessary background on the incident, so that's good.

Getting the Intro to Work What are some techniques you can use to make your introduction "attention- grabbing"? What are some techniques you can use to make your introduction "attention- grabbing"? First off, the "introductions must begin with a general statement" guideline is not a rule. Here are some other starting ideas, most with examples: First off, the "introductions must begin with a general statement" guideline is not a rule. Here are some other starting ideas, most with examples:

Quotation Start with a quotation, but make sure to explain its relevance! Start with a quotation, but make sure to explain its relevance!

Start with a definition: 1) Euthanasia is "the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment" (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th edition). 1) Euthanasia is "the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment" (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th edition). 2) Euthanasia is death control for any individual that feels life in their present condition is not worth continuing 2) Euthanasia is death control for any individual that feels life in their present condition is not worth continuing

Clarification This second one is an interesting definition because it is not one we would find in a dictionary... It's a stipulative definition...part of the author's job is to support this definition of euthanasia. Why do you think the author gave this definition of euthanasia rather than a dictionary definition? What is euthanasia in the legal world? Suicide or murder, at this point. Stipulative definitions define concepts and arguments in such a way as to lead the reader, convince the reader, that the point the author is trying to make is reasonable and correct. So the author is saying that euthanasia allows people to control their own deaths. The author wants you to see it in a positive way. This second one is an interesting definition because it is not one we would find in a dictionary... It's a stipulative definition...part of the author's job is to support this definition of euthanasia. Why do you think the author gave this definition of euthanasia rather than a dictionary definition? What is euthanasia in the legal world? Suicide or murder, at this point. Stipulative definitions define concepts and arguments in such a way as to lead the reader, convince the reader, that the point the author is trying to make is reasonable and correct. So the author is saying that euthanasia allows people to control their own deaths. The author wants you to see it in a positive way.

Start with a question. An example: Do all students deserve an opportunity to learn to read? Does our educational system provide all students this opportunity? Our educational system should produce students with an education so they may lead a productive and rewarding life. Unfortunately, students who suffer from the learning disability known as dyslexia who do not learn in what is considered the "normal" way often do not receive this opportunity. Do all students deserve an opportunity to learn to read? Does our educational system provide all students this opportunity? Our educational system should produce students with an education so they may lead a productive and rewarding life. Unfortunately, students who suffer from the learning disability known as dyslexia who do not learn in what is considered the "normal" way often do not receive this opportunity.

Clarification Many students say past teachers said to stay away from introductions full of questions. Why? What do you think about this one? For me, the question-filled intro teachers want to avoid is one like this—"What is global warming? Why is it important? This paper will tell you why." What is effective about the questions in the dyslexia example is that they get you immediately upset that children aren't getting these opportunities. What is the answer to the first question (to you)? Do all students deserve an opportunity to learn to read? OF COURSE! Do they all get it? No. Many students say past teachers said to stay away from introductions full of questions. Why? What do you think about this one? For me, the question-filled intro teachers want to avoid is one like this—"What is global warming? Why is it important? This paper will tell you why." What is effective about the questions in the dyslexia example is that they get you immediately upset that children aren't getting these opportunities. What is the answer to the first question (to you)? Do all students deserve an opportunity to learn to read? OF COURSE! Do they all get it? No.

Opinion Start with an opinion opposite to the one you are taking in your paper. Here's an example of this: Start with an opinion opposite to the one you are taking in your paper. Here's an example of this: Some children cannot sit still. They appear distracted by every little thing and do not seem to learn from their mistakes. These children disregard rules, even when they are punished repeatedly. It's simple—their parents must not know how to control them. Some children cannot sit still. They appear distracted by every little thing and do not seem to learn from their mistakes. These children disregard rules, even when they are punished repeatedly. It's simple—their parents must not know how to control them.

Clarification This is from a paper on ADHD and its goal is to show the perspective of outsiders who do not understand ADHD. The paper will explain why this view is incorrect, why ADHD is not a result of bad parenting, and why these children in fact ARE trying to control their own behavior but are unable to because of a chemical imbalance in their brains. This is from a paper on ADHD and its goal is to show the perspective of outsiders who do not understand ADHD. The paper will explain why this view is incorrect, why ADHD is not a result of bad parenting, and why these children in fact ARE trying to control their own behavior but are unable to because of a chemical imbalance in their brains.

Anecdote Start with an anecdote (a short story). Make sure it is short and relevant. This can be a v17ery effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully. If it is too long, or its reason for being there is not clear, it will distract your readers, not make them interested in reading more. The Three-Mile Island example above is an anecdote. Start with an anecdote (a short story). Make sure it is short and relevant. This can be a v17ery effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully. If it is too long, or its reason for being there is not clear, it will distract your readers, not make them interested in reading more. The Three-Mile Island example above is an anecdote.

Interesting Facts Start with an interesting fact or startling information. This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. Here's an example from a student draft (since this is not common knowledge, the student would need to include the source of this information): Start with an interesting fact or startling information. This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. Here's an example from a student draft (since this is not common knowledge, the student would need to include the source of this information):

Example While water conservation efforts almost always focus on reducing domestic use, such as lawn watering, washing machines, and long showers, more than half of all water used in the United States is devoted to meat production. While water conservation efforts almost always focus on reducing domestic use, such as lawn watering, washing machines, and long showers, more than half of all water used in the United States is devoted to meat production.

Analogy Start with an analogy. I began this class with one when I told you to think of your conclusions as the endings to great movies that you cannot shake. Start with an analogy. I began this class with one when I told you to think of your conclusions as the endings to great movies that you cannot shake.

Dialogue Start with dialogue. You don't have to clearly identify the speakers. Here's an example: Start with dialogue. You don't have to clearly identify the speakers. Here's an example: I said, "please stop doing this." I said, "please stop doing this." "You're fat and ugly," he screamed as he yanked my hair, and pushed me into the wall. "You're fat and ugly," he screamed as he yanked my hair, and pushed me into the wall. "Why are you always hurting me? How can you do this to someone that you say you love? I don't understand!" Domestic Violence takes different forms, though the most commonly thought of form of domestic violence is physical abuse. "Why are you always hurting me? How can you do this to someone that you say you love? I don't understand!" Domestic Violence takes different forms, though the most commonly thought of form of domestic violence is physical abuse.

Now… Onto conclusions! Onto conclusions!

Conclusions A conclusion provides a thoughtful end to a piece of writing; unfortunately, many conclusions in college-level papers are little more than summaries of what has already been said. A conclusion provides a thoughtful end to a piece of writing; unfortunately, many conclusions in college-level papers are little more than summaries of what has already been said.

Avoid: Ending with a rephrased thesis statement that contains no substantive changes. Ending with a rephrased thesis statement that contains no substantive changes. Introducing a new idea or subtopic (although you may end with a provocative question; more on that later). Introducing a new idea or subtopic (although you may end with a provocative question; more on that later). Focusing on a minor point in the essay. Focusing on a minor point in the essay. Concluding with a sentence tacked on to your final point. Concluding with a sentence tacked on to your final point. Apologizing for your view by saying such things as "I may not be an expert" or "At least this is my opinion." Apologizing for your view by saying such things as "I may not be an expert" or "At least this is my opinion." Attempting to make up for an incomplete structure. (If you say you will discuss four books, attempt a complete discussion of two books, do not try to cover the remaining texts in a concluding paragraph. In such a situation, it's best to limit your paper to topics you can realistically cover.) Attempting to make up for an incomplete structure. (If you say you will discuss four books, attempt a complete discussion of two books, do not try to cover the remaining texts in a concluding paragraph. In such a situation, it's best to limit your paper to topics you can realistically cover.)

Strategies for Writing a Conclusion Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper. A writer needs to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper. Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper. A writer needs to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper.

Conclusions should… stress the importance of the thesis statement, stress the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader. leave a final impression on the reader.

Suggestions Answer the question "So What?"---Show your readers why this paper was important. Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful. Answer the question "So What?"---Show your readers why this paper was important. Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful. Synthesize, don't summarize---Don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. They have read it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together. Synthesize, don't summarize---Don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. They have read it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together. Redirect your readers---Give your reader something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world. If your introduction went from general to specific, make your conclusion go from specific to general. Think globally. Redirect your readers---Give your reader something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world. If your introduction went from general to specific, make your conclusion go from specific to general. Think globally. Create a new meaning--You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts. Create a new meaning--You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts.

Strategy  Echoing the introduction: Echoing your introduction can be a good strategy if it is meant to bring the reader full-circle. If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay was helpful in creating a new understanding.

Example of this… Intro: From the parking lot, I could see the towers of the castle of the Magic Kingdom standing stately against the blue sky. To the right, the tall peak of The Matterhorn rose even higher. From the left, I could hear the jungle sounds of Adventureland. As I entered the gate, Main Street stretched before me with its quaint shops evoking an old-fashioned small town so charming it could never have existed. I was entranced. Disneyland may have been built for children, but it brings out the child in adults. Intro: From the parking lot, I could see the towers of the castle of the Magic Kingdom standing stately against the blue sky. To the right, the tall peak of The Matterhorn rose even higher. From the left, I could hear the jungle sounds of Adventureland. As I entered the gate, Main Street stretched before me with its quaint shops evoking an old-fashioned small town so charming it could never have existed. I was entranced. Disneyland may have been built for children, but it brings out the child in adults.

Example con’t… Conclusion: I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, but here I was at 1:00 A.M., closing time, leaving the front gates with the now dark towers of the Magic Kingdom behind me. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents' arms as we waited for the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. My forty-year-old feet ached, and I felt a bit sad to think that in a couple of days I would be leaving California, my vacation over, to go back to my desk. But then I smiled to think that for at least a day I felt ten years old again. Conclusion: I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, but here I was at 1:00 A.M., closing time, leaving the front gates with the now dark towers of the Magic Kingdom behind me. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents' arms as we waited for the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. My forty-year-old feet ached, and I felt a bit sad to think that in a couple of days I would be leaving California, my vacation over, to go back to my desk. But then I smiled to think that for at least a day I felt ten years old again.

Challenging the reader  Challenging the reader: By issuing a challenge to your readers, you are helping them to redirect the information in the paper, and they may apply it to their own lives.

Example Though serving on a jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting experience, many people still view jury duty as a chore that interrupts their jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, juries are part of America's attempt to be a free and just society. Thus, jury duty challenges us to be interested and responsible citizens. Though serving on a jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting experience, many people still view jury duty as a chore that interrupts their jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, juries are part of America's attempt to be a free and just society. Thus, jury duty challenges us to be interested and responsible citizens.

Looking to the future  Looking to the future: Looking to the future can emphasize the importance of your paper or redirect the readers' thought process. It may help them apply the new information to their lives or see things more globally.

Example Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and equipment. If higher-paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers, the future suffers. Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and equipment. If higher-paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers, the future suffers.

Posing Questions  Posing questions: Posing questions, either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion. It may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning.

Example Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidate's qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us what a boob or knave the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap? Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidate's qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us what a boob or knave the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap?

Questions OK, now time for some discussion questions. Are you ready? OK, now time for some discussion questions. Are you ready?

Question 1 What are some effective introduction techniques you think you might want to use in your essay? Why do you think that concept would be useful? What are some effective introduction techniques you think you might want to use in your essay? Why do you think that concept would be useful?

Question 2 What are some effective conclusion techniques you might want to use in your essay? Why do you like that technique? What are some effective conclusion techniques you might want to use in your essay? Why do you like that technique?

Question 3 Why do you think an effective introduction paragraph is important? What is the purspose of the introduction paragraph? Why do you think an effective introduction paragraph is important? What is the purspose of the introduction paragraph?

Question 4 Why do you think an effective conclusion is important? What is the purpose of an effective conclusion? Why do you think an effective conclusion is important? What is the purpose of an effective conclusion?

Question 5 Share any helpful tips and pointers with the class that you have about writing introductions and conclusions. Share any helpful tips and pointers with the class that you have about writing introductions and conclusions.

The End That concludes our seminar! That concludes our seminar!