1. Introductions and Conclusions How and Why We Write Them

2. Introductions Purpose: Interest your reader Provide focus Ice-breaker

3. Introductions Essay and research paper intros must include a topic sentence and a thesis statement

4. Introductions Thesis: focus of the paper One sentence three point thesis in expository papers Position statement in persuasive essays Located at the end of the introduction

5. Effective Techniques for Introductions Quote Anecdote Interesting fact Define a term (not just dictionary meaning) Background Counter your thesis (persuasive)

6. Effective Techniques for Introductions Riddle or joke An opinion about the topic Figurative language Worst intro: using questions (avoid) Never write, “I’m going to tell you…”

7. Conclusions Purpose to close your writing and leave the reader with a satisfying ending

8. Effective Conclusion Techniques Restate thesis Summarize Quote Allusion —literary or historical reference Call to action (persuasive) Finish the anecdote begun in the intro Personal comment

9. Paragraphs Four reasons to begin a new paragraph

10. Paragraphs Shift in idea or emphasis Shift in time Shift in location New speaker