1. Introductions & Conclusions

2. Warm-Up Activity

3. 5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint
Introduction
Hook
Background
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supports x3
Concluding Sentence
Conclusion
Restate Thesis
Summarize
Lasting Impression: Universal Truth

4. Parts of the Introduction Paragraph
Hook
Background Information
Thesis

5. Part One: The Hook It should grab your reader’s attention. Quote
Vivid description
Story
Definition
Question
Must transition into the paper’s topic

6. Hook: Quote
A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history.
Make sure to include author/speaker.
Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

7. Hook: Vivid Description
A vivid description is like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action.
Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

8. Hook: Story
A story or anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic.
Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

9. Hook: Definition
Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know.
Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

10. Hook: Question Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper.
Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

11. Part 2: Background Information
Assume that your reader knows nothing about the topic
Give important information.
For example, explain what the reservation system is!
For example, explain you have just finished reading Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

12. The Thesis Statement

13. The Thesis Statement
A starving dog craves a juicy cheeseburger because his master
croaked, he lives on the street, and he loves to eat meat

14. The Roadmap for Your Essay
Main argument of your paper
It introduces the reader to the rest of your paper
Gives three reasons

15. So What’s the Formula?

16. Recipe for a Good Thesis
Arguable Point Reason #1
Reason # Reason #3
_______________ because ________________ , ________________ , and ________________ .

17. Examples
1. Based on research, The Absolutely Trues Diary of a Part Time Indian should / should not be banned because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).
2. Based on research, Indian casinos are/ are not helpful because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).
3. Based on research, Native American mascots should / should not be used because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).
4. Based on research, alcohol and drug use on reservations has / has not become an issue because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).
5. Based on research, Native American stereotypes are / are not harmful to Indians because (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three).

18. Conclusions Re-Statement of Thesis
Re-Connect to Attention-Grabbing Hook
Speak to the Implied Meaning
So What? Statement
Universal Truths
Elixir of Life Type Stuff

19. And That is How you Write an Introduction & Conclusion!
…Now go off and “Ace” it!