1. Introductions and Conclusions
Argumentative Essay

2. First Period
I mistakenly told ya’ll that you needed evidence in each paragraph (including intro and conclusion)- This is incorrect!!
Sorry!

3. Format of your introduction
Hook: Can be several sentences long. You are allowed to use pronouns like “I” and “You” to engage with the reader. Use your hook to get your reader to connect with the topic personally.
*You will refer back to this hook in your conclusion*
Link: Use the connection that you made with the reader to introduce the topic on a deeper level.
Context: Briefly reference any major text, ideas or themes that will be explored. DON’T GIVE AWAY EVIDENCE THAT WILL BE EXPLAINED IN BODY PARAGRAPHS!
Thesis: Briefly explain your opinion on the topic and provide short (1-phrase) reference to the claims that you will be exploring.

4. Ways to hook your reader
1.) Statement that allows the reader to connect personally with the topic
In the media today, gender stereotypes and equality are hot topics.
Humans are known for… We all have experienced…
2.) Questions that allow the reader to connect personally with the topic OR ask the reader their opinion on the topic
*Questions can be combined with other sentences to form a hook that is several sentences long*
3.) Begin with an anecdote, or short story, that paints a clear picture of the topic you will explore
Imagine a man so desperate for power that he is consumed by his desire.
Picture this:_____________________
*Remember! You will begin your conclusion with a “clincher” (also called a “tie-in”) to your hook!**

5. Why do you want to tie-in your hook and conclusion?
Conclusions are usually the hardest part because you do not want to repeat VERBATIM ideas already stated.
This gives you an easy way to come “full circle” with your essay.
Tie-ins show that you have planned your essay well- all ideas are discussed completely and have meaning. (It isn’t fun to read a great, thought-provoking hook and then never see that idea mentioned again)
If your conclusion contains a reasonable “ending” to the idea in the hook, readers feel satisfied.
Your hook is usually the part that readers connect with personally. It helps to remind readers of that personal connection to the topic.

6. Format of your Conclusion
1.) “Clincher” or “Tie-In” to hook. Ask another question or clearly answer a question asked in hook; finish the anecdote or tell a different anecdote that “connects the dots;” have readers consider own experience with the topic
2.) Provide any last context to connect your tie-in to the text
3.) Clearly rephrase your thesis and briefly explain (Try to lump claims in order to summarize).
4.) End with a transition and a concluding thought on the topic that clearly states your opinion; a call to action (I can’t think of a reason to do this for a literary opinion piece); reasoning why your opinion is relevant or important
Conclusion is last chance to show logical thinking
*DO NOT END WITH ANY VERSION OF, “WHAT DO YOU THINK?”*