1. Beginnings and Endings Make a Good Impression

2. Read Me, Read Me, Read Me!  Share a personal narrative or other story > draws readers in  Ask a question > readers instinctively begin to answer  Relate a startling fact > shock appeal  Share intriguing background history of topic > tell readers something they don’t already know  Delay revelation of the topic > get readers to want to know the topic

3. Read Me, Read Me, Read Me!  Explain the larger context of topic > where does your argument fit in  State your thesis from the start > especially if your claim is highly controversial or powerful  Forecast your organization (for academic or technical papers only!) > helps to guide readers  Define key terms or concepts > helps readers understand

4. Read Me, Read Me, Read Me!  Connect your subject to your readers > indicates why should they care  See Norton Field Guide to Writing for examples of each method.  http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/write/fieldg uide/writing_toolbar.asp?pgname=strategies.asp&number =28&title=Strategies&title01=BEGINNING%20AND% 20ENDING

5. Last Chance to Impress  Restate your main point in a more conclusive way > reserve for longer essays  Discuss implications of your argument > answer the big “SO WHAT?”  End with an anecdote > a continuation of one from intro or one that demonstrates implications

6. Last Chance to Impress  Refer to beginning > adds sense of closure  Propose some action > helps readers know what to do with information  See Norton Field Guide to Writing for examples of each method.  http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/write/fieldg uide/writing_toolbar.asp?pgname=strategies.asp&number =28&title=Strategies&title01=BEGINNING%20AND% 20ENDING