1. Introductions and Conclusions
For Grades 3-5

2. Introductions An effective introduction needs to:
***Hook the reader and suggest/state the main
idea
***Set up or imply an organizational structure
Note: the introduction may be as short as two sentences, or it may be one paragraph

3. Power/Number Sentence
Use a number word to help you focus your topic. Some words you might want to use include:
two several a number
some four various
numerous many plenty

4. Power/Number Sentence Examples
Three cities in the United States have serious pollution problems.
In the winter I enjoy watching several high school sports.
Tourists traveling to Australia will want to visit three spectacular sights.
Junior high students need to learn a number of organizational strategies.

5. Occasion/Position Statements
An Occasion/Position Statement is a two-part sentence that begins with one of these words or phrases:
After As soon as Even though
In order to While As long as
Until Since Although

6. Occasion/Position Statement Examples
Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable, all cyclists should wear them.
Although my family and I have taken many wonderful vacations, none was more exciting than our Grand Canyon trip.
After I tried out for competitive soccer, I learned there were several things I had to improve on.

7. To, Plus a Verb
Try using an “infinitive” to start your paper. An infinitive is the main verb preceded by the word to. This type of sentence is clear and direct for your reader. Some examples of infinitives are:
To succeed
To accomplish
To finish
To win
To teach

8. To, Plus a Verb Examples
To win at chess, players need to master three skills.
To accomplish good grades, students need to do these three tasks.
To succeed in Mr./Mrs. ________room, 6th grade students need to remember these key ideas.

9. Using a Quotation
Using a quotation in the topic sentence is an easy, yet powerful, way to start a paper. To use a quotation, start with a word from the Occasion/Position list:
After As soon as Even though
In order to While As long as
Until Since Although

10. Using a Quotation Examples
Although I usually appreciate advice I get from my grandma, I wish she would follow the suggestion of , “Whatever advice you give, be short.”
As long as I live, I will always remember my 2nd grade teacher’s advice, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

11. On Your Own
Using the prompt below, choose ONE of the techniques to write an introductory paragraph.
Your principal has asked for suggestions for an end of the year field trip. Explain to your principal what you think would be the best idea for this field trip.

12. Conclusions An effective conclusion needs to:
Restate your position; remind your readers of your topic.
Satisfy the reader by not only wrapping up the essay, but also giving the reader something to think about.
Link the body (middle) of the writing to the introduction.

13. Focus Your Conclusion Summarize your paragraph
Convince the reader of your position
Challenge them to think about the issue
Encourage them to take action

14. Summarize
Remember what I said? Remind the readers of your topic and your key points.

15. Convince
Believe my position! My information makes sense and this is why……

16. Challenge
Think about the issue! How does what you said make them think more deeply?

17. Encourage
Take Action! What could YOU, as a reader, do about this? How could this information help you in the future?

18. “No-No’s” “As I have said” “As I have proved” “As you can see”
Copying the first paragraph over

19. Conclusion Starter Statements
All in all To sum up In fact
Obviously Surely Truly
Although In the future When

20. Try It Out!
Using the following prompt, work with your partner/s to write a conclusion using 4 parts:
1) Summarize
2) Convince
3) Challenge
4) Encourage

21. Prompt
Your principal has asked for suggestions for an end of the year field trip. Explain to your principal what you think would be the best idea for this field trip.

22. On Your Own
Using the prompt below, choose ONE of the techniques to write a conclusion using all four parts— summarize, convince, challenge, encourage
Your principal has asked for suggestions for an end of the year field trip. Explain to your principal what you think would be the best idea for this field trip.