1. The Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs Course Target: I will understand and apply the 6+1 Traits of Writing to my writing. Informative Research Paper Write down whatever is in GREEN!

2. Introduction Paragraph: Purpose The purpose of the introduction paragraph is to capture your audience’s attention by providing background information about your topic and “introduce” your subject matter. Begin broad or general and become more specific. It should be at least 5 sentences long including your thesis statement which is the last sentence(s) of your introduction. Remember the triangle?

3. Rubric Requirements: Writer captures the audience’s attention by providing important background/detail sentences that introduce the hero’s relevance.

4. What resources will help me write an introduction? Biography notes on your hero-introduce your readers to your topic! Concepts of what a hero is…. Good beginnings and endings hand-out on the wiki

5. Example Introduction Paragraph Notice that the thesis is at the bottom?! The thesis includes a definition of a hero, the subject, and how that person is a hero! Growing up in a poor family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bill Cosby maintained a busy schedule mixed with academics and sports while at the same time working two jobs before and after school to help support his family (Gale). He continued working hard in life and became a famous successful comedian and actor who truly made a difference in this world. A hero is someone who can defeat all odds and take risks, sacrificing something in order to stand up for what they believe in. Famous actor and comedian, Bill Cosby shows heroism by breaking racial barriers and risking failure by expressing his beliefs on race.

6. Conclusion Paragraph: Purpose The purpose of the conclusion paragraph is to sum up your evidence or claims. It’s a brief overview of the material you described in detail in your body paragraphs. It is 4-6 sentences long It restates your thesis argument! This time it’s this type of triangle!

7. Rubric Requirements: The conclusion restates the thesis and raises issues to a greater whole. It contains no distracting information that strays from the focus of the thesis.

8. Example Conclusion Paragraph Notice the unique way in which I reworded the thesis and brought the topic to a greater whole?! Bill Cosby’s ability to bring a smile to every face and experience success amidst all kinds of adversity make him an obvious hero that many feel naturally connected to. He broke many racial barriers and faced criticism on what he believed were the racial barriers facing America in his time. Criticism did not stop him, but only encouraged him to stand up to his beliefs, “Civilization had too many rules for me,” he said, “so I did my best to rewrite them” (Cosby). Because of Cosby’s success and achievements, America has a role model to look back on.

9. Introduction Paragraph Rough Draft On a half-sheet of paper, write a draft introduction paragraph for your paper. Turn this in on the way out today so Mrs. Moll can give you feedback.

10. Additional Introduction Paragraph Examples from Honors Students of Old

11. “Oh I’m rich, I’m rich!” Carnegie exclaimed one day during the 1860s when a fiend asked how he was doing (Heilbroner 63). At first glance, the statement sounds greedy, selfish and cocky; a phrase that would seem to come out of someone who avariciously sought money. Yet, unexpectedly, the same man grew to be one of the most notable philanthropists of his time, donating millions of dollars to aid the general public. Andrew Carnegie, the industrialist that rose from poverty to prosperity, was a man that not only gained a massive amount of wealth, but gave away the majority of his fortune to the needy. He was a man who acknowledged the need for change in order to advance, both economically and educationally. The steel magnate changed the industrializing period of the United States, attempting to make it for the better. Not all heroes need a super power, a secret identity or the strength to overcome malicious evil forces. In fact, heroes could simply be human beings who strive to benefit others in the world. Andrew Carnegie was such as he gave away an unbelievable amount of money to assist many populations in both the new and old worlds.

12. In the world today, there are many different kinds of heroes: people who accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, people who discover life-saving breakthroughs, or fictional people who save the world everyday. Lewis and Clark were not fictional, but were actual people who traveled thousands of miles to the Pacific and back to further inform people all over the world about what was in the unknown. Heroes like them touch lives in varieties of ways, and give rise to heroes of the future. Lewis and Clark proved themselves as heroes by furthering the expansion and knowledge of Western America.

13. Sandra Day O’Connor is a very powerful and outstanding woman of the United States. Sandra Day O’Connor’s early life, school years, law work, volunteer work and retirement have all influenced her actions and thoughts. A hero is someone who has made a difference and has accomplished something extraordinary. Sandra Day O’Connor is a hero and she has achieved an astonishing accomplishment as one of the few women Supreme Court justices.

14. Additional Conclusion Paragraph Examples from Honors Students of Old

15. A hero is someone who benefits society in some way and leaves an impact for the better. Dr. Seuss is a hero because he taught and continues to teach children and adults important morals through his innovative novels and illustrations, so that they can lead more responsible lives. He has been a leader in social issues throughout his life and continues to be now even though he has passed away. To honor his passing a sculpture garden and museum were built in his hometown of Springfield, and it includes some of his most popular characters that have endeared the hearts of millions and encouraged people to care for all things on the earth despite their differences. He was the first to combine the elements of humor with serious to create literature where children have fun and learn. Seuss has become so cherished that he was admitted to the California Hall of Fame in 2008 (Reading Today). Dr. Seuss is the creator of creatures, the inventor of imagination, the manger of orals, the redeemer of reading, the izard of words, or more simply: He is a hero.

16. Heroes stand up for what they believe to be right; they endure hardships and criticism all in a hope to achieve a selfless and honorable mission. Wilberforce might not have been an accomplished warrior hero like George Washington or Napoleon, but he was still a type of warrior. He fought for twenty years against the British government in order to see the downfall of the slave trade. When he started out he was a vibrant young man who set out on a quest to end some of the injustice and cruelty he saw in the world. Two decades later, after many trials of faith and conviction, his determination yielded the sweet fruit of victory. However after all those hardships that young man had grown old. He found the courage and risked and sacrificed so much for the sake of his brothers not for his own glory. This is why history honors the name William Wilberforce. For what makes a hero?