Introductions & Conclusions English 12: Research Writing Mr. Ehrlichmann

The Introduction Paragraph

What is the Purpose? Engage the reader 20 papers to read! (or 120 in my case…) Demonstrate that you are reasonable Give necessary scope to the paper Lead the reader directly to the argument State the argument Give a preview of how the paper will be organized Should be ONE paragraph Should not be too long

The Hook Typical hooks: Paradoxical or intriguing statement Shocking statement or statistic Anecdote Statement of the problem Proverb or maxim DON’T use: Random quotes (a la “Brainyquote”) Overly dramatic quotes from important people (MLK, Gandhi, Copernicus, Jesus) Something that isn’t ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL to the scope of the essay DON’T LEAVE IT HANGING! The reader must be able to follow the hook into the next part of the introduction A SUGGESTION: Can you return to this in the essay?

The “Background” I don’t like this label… “Narrowing” is better provide background information explain underlying information highlight the complexity of the issue (counterclaim?) introduce various layers of the subject help transition from broader ideas to the narrow thesis. Do not… Make any arguments Give too many specific details Try to cheaply delegitimize opposing viewpoints ABOVE ALL, maintain the logical flow of ideas USE TRANSITIONAL PHRASES!

The Thesis Statement ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS… LAST sentence ONE sentence Clear Direct Concise Logical preview Topic sentences come from it The “build-up” – the reader should already know it

The Conclusion Paragraph

What is the Purpose? Close out the essay Close out the issue Convince the reader that with all the evidence, your position is the most convincing Raise questions that Have no answer Require further study Call to action What will happen if no action? DON’T be overdramatic (unless…) Drop the mic

Restate the Thesis Restate the general topic and the overall claim of the paper Use NEW language Shorten it Remember the LOGICAL FLOW OF IDEAS in transitioning to the next piece of the conclusion

Quick Review & Questions This is the part when you remind the reader how you have won the argument CONCISELY revisit the points you argued But NOT simply to review them! Review to reiterate WHY the reader should agree with you CONCISELY revisit the strongest counterarguments and say why they fail to defeat your argument What questions remain… Unanswered/unanswerable Require further study (this could lead into the final conclusion…) Again, ALWAYS remember to maintain the LOGICAL FLOW OF IDEAS that lead into this review from the restatement of topic & claim and into the next section—the Call to Action

Call to Action What happens if your argument doesn’t win? What are the consequences if this injustice is not addressed? What do _____ need to do??? voters, taxpayers, Congress, the EPA, schools, the Pentagon, city/state government departments, the police, the ASPCA, men, women, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, White/Black/Asian/Latino-a, etc. etc. etc. DO NOT use “society” or “community” Back to that SUGGESTION from the intro paragraph—can you tie it all back together??? Drop the mic…