Beginnings & Endings Techniques for crafting effective Introductions and Conclusions for essays

The Introduction The introduction to any essay serves two purposes: It gains the reader’s attention It reveals the theme of the essay to the reader; (the thesis statement does this.)

Attention Grabbers There are several ways to grab the readers attention, but some of the most effective techniques are: Contrary Opinion Striking Statement Anecdote Quote Any of these techniques can be used to open up an essay, and successfully draw in the reader.

Contrary Opinion One way to begin a paper is to state the opposing opinion and then transition to your thesis statement. You state what the “misguided fools” believe, but then you state your opinion in the form of your thesis statement. Example: Contrary Opinion Transition Thesis Some people think smoking makes them appear sophisticated and mysterious, maybe even sexy. They see their favorite star smoking in a movie, and they become a “star wanna be.” Those people, however, are wrong and foolish. Smoking is a disgusting habit, messy, irritating to others, and harmful to everyone within range of the second-hand smoke.

Striking Statement Acting as though you are disturbed about something is another way to hook your reader. Example: Striking Statement Transition Thesis Smokers are so inconsiderate. Their eagerness to stain their teeth, coat their lungs with tar, and their willingness to harm others around them with their second-hand smoke, just proves their lack of consideration. Smoking is a harmful habit. Let’s face the facts: Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to others, and definitely harmful to the nonsmoker within range on the smoke.

Anecdote Another way to lure your readers into your writing is by telling an anecdote. Example: Anecdote Transition Thesis He turned on the television. He settled back comfortably in his recliner, and was instantly drawn to the sensuous woman in the black and white movie. She batted her eyelashes at her leading man, and then slowly lifted a lit cigarette to her lipsticked lips. She whispered, provocatively, “ I like a Marlboro man.” For a few seconds the man watching was tempted to start smoking again, but he quickly snapped back into reality, realizing the absolute foolishness of his momentary lapse of reason. Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to others, and definitely harmful to the nonsmoker within range on the smoke.

Quote Using a quote from a notable source is an effective way to draw in your readers, and a valid way to give strength and credibility to your thesis. Make sure to cite correctly. Example: Quote Transition Thesis “A cigarette is the only consumer product which, when used as directed, kills its consumer,” says Dr. Greg Harlem Brundtland. (cite here). The fact that smoking kills people, is public knowledge; there are still millions of people that consciously choose to do this everyday. Let’s face the facts: Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to others, and definitely harmful to the nonsmoker within range on the smoke.

A To your success: * Keep audience and purpose in mind when choosing a technique of introduction. Provide appropriate background information to contextualize your thesis for your audience.

The Conclusion A conclusion should bring your writing to a logical and memorable close, leaving your readers with something to think about.

Your conclusion must: Restate the theme/thesis without repeating it word for word. Create a new summary weaving together your main ideas from your essay. End on a powerful note: the last statement in your essay should be powerful. . .It’s the last thing the reader will remember, and it is what they will take from your writing.

A To your success: Remember when revising that your conclusion and introduction should match. Your ideas may change as you revise your essay, so make sure the beginnings and endings still fit.

Some ways to successfully end your essay include: Make a prediction. Ask a question that provokes more thought about your topic. Use a quote.