Writing Successful Introductions and Conclusions in Papers of Literary Analysis; or, All I Need to Know about Essays I Learned in Kubus English M. Kubus

-Introductions and Conclusions can be the hardest things to write in papers -Why do we need them? -The Introduction acts as a bridge that transports your reader from his own thoughts and opinions on a text to the world of YOUR thoughts and ideas -When should you write your introduction?

First Impressions… How important are they to you in your everyday life? The same principles apply to your introductions… what kind of a first impression do you want to leave? “If, at the very outset, a writer shows himself to be bored with his subject, unwilling to use his imagination, indifferent to his reader, and unclear in his thinking, he’s likely to remain that way.”

The Doctor’s Office Test The Channel Surfer Test Does this story attract me? Enough to read on? Is the writing easy, or will I have to work here? Is the style fresh or just so-so? Does the writer seem smart? Spirited? Like he knows what he’s talking about?

What gets my interest is the sense that a writer is speaking honestly and fully of what he knows well. Wendell Berry

-Provides the reader with an initial impression of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work (a vague, disorganized, error-filled intro will probably leave a negative impression on your reader) -Road map for the rest of your paper -They should make your reader want to read your paper

Strategies: -Start with the thesis statement and work around that -Write your introduction last! -If you feel as though you NEED to write some sort of introduction first, don’t be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later -Pay special attention to your first sentence -Be straightforward and confident (Front-door approach)

The front-door approach vs. the back- door approach… how are they different? If you have something worth arguing, you will inevitably want to come right to the point! Back-door intro writers are afraid of their reader… why? Prince Hal example

The Art of Saying Nothing Profoundly Hamlet examples

Crutches to avoid: -The place holder introduction -The Webster’s dictionary introduction -The dawn of man introduction -The book report introduction

Examples of Good Openers Have fun.

Conclusions -The bridge back to your readers daily lives -I really need a systematic wrap-up of your ideas! -Your chance to have the last word on your subject, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view on the subject -End on a positive note -Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment!! (Pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider the larger issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings)

Strategies for Writing Conclusions -If the conclusion isn’t saying anything new or interesting, play the “So What?” game. Ask yourself why the essay matters. -Come full circle (If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding) -Propose a course of action or questions of further study

What to avoid: -“In conclusion,” “In summary” (These come across as wooden in writing.) -Stating the thesis for the very first time! -Ending with a rephrased thesis statement

Four Ineffective Conclusions: -That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It -Sherlock Holmes -We Shall Overcome -Grab Bag

Examples of Good Closers