1. Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs

2. The Introduction Paragraph
The first paragraph in a paper that introduces your topic and thesis statement
Contains 3 main parts:
Attention-Getter / Hook
Lead-in
Claim/Thesis statement

3. A Visual
Think of the introduction paragraph as an upside down triangle.
General
Attention Getter
Lead-in
Thesis Statement
Specific

4. Attention Getter / Hook
The very first sentence(s) that gets the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more
VERY general introduction of the topic
Some options:
Shocking statistic
Startling story
Quotation
Setting the scene
Description
NO QUESTIONS

5. The Lead-in
The sentences between the attention-getter and thesis statement
Helps narrow the topic from general to specific
Acts as a transition between attention-getter and thesis statement

6. Claim/Thesis Statement
The most important sentence in the paper
Last sentence of introduction paragraph
Tells exactly what the paper will be about
Sometimes, it will present the order of the supporting material that will be in the paper

7. The Conclusion Paragraph
The last paragraph in an essay that neatly wraps up the paper
Contains 3 main parts
Restate the thesis
Lead-out
Clincher

8. A Visual Think of the Conclusion as a triangle. Specific
Restatement of Thesis
Lead-out
Clincher
General

9. Restate the thesis Summarize the thesis without repeating yourself
The most specific part of the conclusion
Should include a transition to indicate that this is your concluding paragraph

10. The Lead-out Just like the lead-in only backwards
Makes the topic larger to become more general and less specific
Smoothes out the conclusion paragraph

11. The Clincher Last sentence of the last paragraph
Give the paper finality
Similar to an attention getter because it should make the reader think and leave an impression
Most general part of the conclusion paragraph

12. Example Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar depicts an animalistic rage from Antony after the bloody murder of his dear friend. During Act 2 scene 2 Antony takes to the pulpit and moves the crowd to riot. Antony is able to accomplish this through his use of powerful rhetoric to appeal emotionally to the citizens.

13. Example Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar depicts an animalistic rage from Antony after the bloody murder of his dear friend. During Act 2 scene 2 Antony takes to the pulpit and moves the crowd to riot. Antony is able to accomplish this through his use of powerful rhetoric to appeal emotionally to the citizens.

14. Example Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar depicts an animalistic rage from Antony after the bloody murder of his dear friend. During Act 2 scene 2 Antony takes to the pulpit and moves the crowd to riot. Antony is able to accomplish this through his use of powerful rhetoric to appeal emotionally to the citizens.

15. Sample Conclusion
By using strong emotional descriptions, Antony is able to move the crowd to violence through his his use of rhetoric. Antony’s funeral speech during Act 2 scene 2 exemplifies his rage toward the conspirators. It is in this time that Antony, despite Cassius’ warnings, demonstrates that it is not to be trifled with.

16. Sample Conclusion
By using strong emotional descriptions, Antony is able to move the crowd to violence through his his use of rhetoric. Antony’s funeral speech during Act 2 scene 2 exemplifies his rage toward the conspirators. It is in this time that Antony, despite Cassius’ warnings, demonstrates that it is not to be trifled with.

17. Sample Conclusion
By using strong emotional descriptions, Antony is able to move the crowd to violence through his his use of rhetoric. Antony’s funeral speech during Act 2 scene 2 exemplifies his rage toward the conspirators. It is in this time that Antony, despite Cassius’ warnings, demonstrates that it is not to be trifled with and Rome will never be the same.