1. WRITING INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
Karen Silvestri, Instructor
ENG 90

2. The introduction prepares the reader your topic.
Introductions
The introduction prepares the reader your topic.

3. Introduction Starters
Tell a story: a short 3-4 sentence story that helps prepare the reader for the topic of the essay.
Use an attention grabber: any statement that makes the reader want to read more (sad, gross, scary, exciting)
Strong opinion: give an opinion that leads into your thesis statement. Your goal is to make your reader want to respond.

4. Introduction Starters
Ask a Question: ask a question that will make the reader want to read on to find the answer.
State a Fact: state a fact relating to the topic that shows the importance of your thesis statement.
Give a Statistic: give information meant to prove that the thesis statement is correct

5. Examples of Introduction Starters
I will never forget when… (tell a story)
Many people would be shocked to learn that… (state a fact)
If I could go back in time, I never would have… (attention grabber)
Statistics show that… (state a statistic)
You might be surprised to learn that… (state a statistic)
There is only one opinion an intelligent person can conclude when… (strong opinion.
Did you know that….? Or Have you ever….? (ask a question)

6. Conclusions
The conclusion does the same thing as the introduction, but rather than PREPARING the reader for the topic, it REVIEWS the topic.

7. Parts of a Conclusion Summarize and restate the thesis statement.
Review the 3 primary supporting details in your essay.
Give final thoughts and opinions about the topic.
Close the essay with a challenge to the reader.

8. Conclusion starters Surely…. As you can see… It is clear that…
Without a doubt…
Most would agree that…
Certainly…
Clearly…
Obviously…
indeed

9. Putting it all together
Determine your topic and main idea.
Brainstorm at least 3 primary supporting details for the main idea.
Write a strong thesis statement.
Write the body paragraphs (3 primary supports with secondary support details)
Write the introduction AFTER you write your body paragraphs!
Write the conclusion.
PROOFREAD for mechanics and MLA format!