1. What is a thesis? -Idea-driven, arguable statement that is insightful, oftentimes not obvious (counter-intuitive, and thought-provoking). Answers: so what? Why is this important? By looking at __________, we can see ________, which most readers don’t see; this is important because ___________. Cause -  Effect Problem/Dilemma  Solution Weak Thesis Statement: Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is about failed love between Romeo and Juliet, and demonstrates the destructive effects of family pride. Strong Thesis Statement: The failed love between Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” illustrates how one’s family can destroy a loving relationship, and how one should choose romantic love over one’s family.

2. Opening Paragraph The opening: A strong opening paragraph has several different aims: The first sentence catches reader's interest (hook/grabber) establishes voice reveals central matter you will address clarifies the question you were asked to write on sketches the context/begins on general level (introduces general subject matter) tells the author, title of the text moves more and more specifically towards thesis sentence looks like a funnel has thesis as its final sentence

3. The first line of the opening paragraph: usually names the author and the title of the work (or the second or third sentence will do this) AND it may also pose a question and address it use a baited opener (something odd or curious that delays the "real" beginning of the intro) begin on an opposite tack—show how your argument differs from the norm begin with a quotation a note of caution: quotation should not be analyzed here; save those "meaty" quotations for body paragraphs another note of caution: you can use a quotation from an outside source in your opening or closing but not in your body paragraphs Note: Generally, for short papers, it's better not to try for a first sentence that's too fancy or complicated. Avoid the deadly opener: solemn platitude (e.g. “Everything happens for a reason”, “Just be yourself”, “God works in mysterious ways”) unneeded dictionary definition restatement of assignment, with an unenthusiastic interest bald statement of thesis: "In this essay, I will" etc. intro should be shorter than the other paragraphs—no more than half a page long, if that!

4. Closing paragraphs: don't repeat the argument verbatim (word for word) don't start a new argument "reverse funnel" – start narrow & end broad end with a bang: quotation, pun, striking excerpt, detail from work, question, striking image, emphatic and memorable sentence try recalling your opening paragraph in your closing one: re-read opener and see whether it contains some hint that you can now develop more fully – “so what if my thesis is true?” answer opening question definitively look beyond your thesis in the closing paragraph (but do not embark on new topic) – “what does my thesis now help us understand better?” provoke thought by looking further in a direction already taken if your readers had only your first and last paragraphs, would they understand your subject and the way you’ve developed it? avoid: ”In conclusion”, That's my story and I'm sticking to it!" avoid "I am a Woman/We Shall Overcome" avoid the grab-bag conclusion with an assortment of possible ideas that don't really relate to one another, or that aren't thought through carefully.