Ebook 2

Concluding Paragraphs

8th Grade StyleMatt Hilbrich, Kangni Gu, Juliet Kelsten

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What are concluding paragraphs and why are they important?

Chapter 1

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Let’s Get Started With a Video...

Jenny Sawyer: How to Write that A+ Paper

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Definition A concluding paragraph is the last paragraph in your essay intended to sum up your ideas, restate your thoughts, and provide a broader meaning for the reader

Synthesize (or rephrase) your information, DON’T just

summarize your thoughts in the exact same way

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The purpose of conclusions is to:• make a final impression on your readers• summarize your thoughts• demonstrate the importance of your work• propel the reader to look at the issue(s) in a

new way• end on a positive note

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How to write a concluding paragraph

Chapter 2

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There are 3 Parts:Write a sentence that states your main claim, but

do not simply use the same sentence that is in the introduction paragraph.

Summarize your arguments in a new way, but do not be repetitive. Explain your topic in a broader context, without adding new ideas.

End your essay on a positive note.

1. Restate Thesis Statement

2. Summation

3. Concluding Sentence

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(INTRO.)! Technology has changed the world in which we live. In some ways it has made communication better and easier. In other ways, technology has decreased the person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has enhanced our society, even though it has made some negative impacts as well. (BODY) The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for computers, cell phones, software, apps, the Internet, and social media. All of these devices have become accessi-ble for most people and in almost every situation. This has made navigation, work, and communication easier. (BODY)   Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to technology has changed the culture of the world. People are always texting, tweeting, and snapping. This has de-creased the face-to-face contact people have with one another, and it allows for cyber bullying, which is a dangerous and sad reality.(CONCL.) Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Be-cause there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is impor-tant to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technology from being harmful to our society.   

Sample Essay: Technology in the 21st Century

Identifying the three parts of your conclusion paragraph:

Restate ThesisSummation

Concluding Sentence

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1.Restating Your ThesisOriginal Thesis:Overall, technology has enhanced our society, even though it has made some negative impacts as well.

Thesis Restated:Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects.

**The restated thesis should summarize your claim, in a new and interesting way.**

Tips:• Choose powerful words ! (“impossible to ignore”)• Cha!enge readers to develop a ! standpoint• Emphasize the importance of your work

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2. Summation-Mention your arguments in a new way

-Combine your ideas to show connections

-Make your viewpoint on the issue very clear

Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technology from being harmful to our society.  

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3. Concluding Sentence -Finish your essay on a positive note

-Explain your claim in a broader context

-Offer su#estions to readers

-NO CLIFFHANGERS!! Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technology from being harmful to our society.  

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Chapter 3What makes a superb concluding paragraph?

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Contains a reworded thesis statementOnly summarizes informationNever introduces new argumentsCombines all information from essayLets the reader know the broader pointUses proper grammar and organizationShouldn’t be repetitiveIncludes final thoughts on the topicOnly restates ideas in a new wayNicely ends the essay

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(INTRO)! Technology has changed the world in which we live. In some ways it has made communication better and easier. In other ways, technology has decreased the person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has en-hanced our society, even though it has made some negative impacts as well. (BODY) ! ! The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for computers, cell phones, software, apps, the Internet, and social media. All of these de-vices have become accessible for most people and in almost every situation. This has made navigation, work, and communication easier. (BODY)   Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to technology has changed the culture of the world. People are always texting, tweeting, and snapping. This has decreased the face-to-face contact people have with one another, and it allows for cyber bullying, which is a dangerous and sad reality.(CONCLUSION) Although it is obvious that technology has bet-tered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technol-ogy from being harmful to our society.   

What is GOOD and NOT-SO-GOOD about this conclusion?

Good Not-so-good

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Good Not-so-good

-restates the thesis without being repetitive-summarizes points mentioned earlier-comments on the topic in a broader way-ends the essay on a positive note-the author makes her viewpoint clear and remains on topic

-the vocabulary could be stronger-use a thesaurus as to not repeat words-Start sentences in an active voice not passive voice

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What makes a good concluding paragraph in general?

Good Same Not-so-good

-do not repeat your arguments word for word-explain your final thoughts in a different way-end your essay on a positive note-use good grammar-use strong vocabulary words

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What makes a not-so-good con-cluding paragraph in general?

Good Same Not-so-good

-repeats the exact wording of the essay-doesn’t stay on topic-doesn’t explain the essay in a broader context -uses poor vocabulary-contains grammatical errors

-do not repeat your arguments word for word-explain your final thoughts in a different way-end your essay on a positive note-use good grammar-use strong vocabulary words

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What’s the same about good and not-so-good concluding para-

graphs in general?Good Same Not-so-good

-mention your arguments again-explains final thoughts-ends your essay

-do not repeat your argu-ments word for word-explain your final thoughts in a different way-end your essay on a positive note-use good grammar-use strong vocabulary words

-repeats the exact wording of the essay-doesn’t stay on topic-doesn’t explain the essay in a broader context -uses poor vocabulary-contains grammatical errors

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Chapter 4The broader picture: looking

at the essay as a whole

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Your concluding paragraph can only be great if your entire essay is...

List your strengths and weaknesses as a writer...Be honest with yourself, and you wi$ see more

productive results!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Let’s Review Introduction Paragraphs...

DO...-introduce your topic with a hook-mention your arguments-state your thesis-identify your voice and style of essay-be specific -stay on topic

DON’T...-use dictionary definition-use generalizations-waffle back and forth-summarize the plot of a book-announce your intentions (i.e. I am going to write about...)

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Let’s review body paragraphs...

SHOULD...-introduce only one main argument per body paragraph-connect back to your thesis-include transitions between ideas-be on topic-help prove your points-include other sources to back up your opinions

SHOULD NOT...-include slang or casual jargon-be off topic-include grammatical errors-have more than argument per paragraph

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There are 3 main goals in essay writing...

1. introduction paragraph should

explain what your main claim is and preview how you are going to prove it

2. body paragraphs should prove your

points in an organized fashion

3. conclusion paragraph should tie all

the loose ends together

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Use this checklist to “grade” the sample essay:

• Introduction Paragraph• Hook• Short explanation of arguments• Clear, concise, specific thesis statement

• Body Paragraphs• Topic sentence that introduces argument in that paragraph• Specific examples and explanations for each argument• transition sentence to next argument

• Conclusion Paragraph• restate thesis statement• summation• concluding sentence

• Grammar and Vocabulary• essay should be free of grammatical errors and typos• words should not be overly-used (use a thesaurus)• use a dictionary to strengthen your vocabulary

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Chapter 5Practice identifying the parts of the essay

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Key:Hook

ArgumentsThesis Statement

! ! ! Technology has changed the world in which we live. In some ways it has made communication better and easier. In other ways, technology has decreased the person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has enhanced our society, even though it has made some negative impacts as well.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

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SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH #1

Key:topic sentence

supporttransition sentence

! ! ! The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for computers, cell phones, software, apps, the Internet, and social media. All of these devices have become accessible for most people and in almost every situation. This has made navigation, work, and communication easier.

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SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH #2

Key:topic sentence

supporttransition sentence

! ! ! Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to technology has changed the culture of the world. People are always texting, tweeting, and snapping. This has decreased the face-to-face contact people have with one another, and it allows for cyber bullying, which is a dangerous and sad reality.

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SAMPLE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH

! ! ! Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technology from being harmful to our

Key:restate thesissummation

conclusion paragraph

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Chapter 6 Strategies for your

concluding paragraph

Idea One:Start your essay from the middle or end

Sometimes starting at the beginning can be the hardest thing!

Take a different approach and...-sum up your ideas first-expand on your arguments-work on your thesis statement

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Idea Two: Do Research

If you feel stuck, do some research about your topic in order to get your thoughts rolling and to see other people’s ideas....be careful not to plagiarize

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Idea Three: Talk with a friend

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Talk about your essay casually with a friend or teacher to brain-storm. You can even recorder your conversation and try to write from that!

Idea Four:explore the other side

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If your paper is argumentative or persuasive, look at the opposing viewpoint to see how you can structure your comebacks

Idea Five: Refresh your memory on words that signal a “transition” or “conclusion”

Transitions:-moreover-however-oppositely-for example-but-though

Conclusion:-in conclusion-finally-in the end-lastly-eventually-at last

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-the introduction paragraph should catch your reader’s attention, mention your point, and introduce your claim-the body paragraphs should explain your arguments, have support for each point, and provide transitions to other ideas-the conclusion paragraph should tie loose ends together by restating your thesis, sum-ming up your arguments, and closing the es-say on a positive note-remember none of these parts function well without one another

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CREDITS:

PICTURES:hamburgeressay-http://grammarandcomposition.wikispaces.com/file/view/hamburger2.jpg/59346122/hamburger2.jpgblackboard-http://www.wallpapermania.eu/wallpaper/green-blackboard-back-to-school dictionary-http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/d/d1/20130603002655!Dictionary_Icon.pnggot purpose-https://www.outreach.com/media/print/product/product_images/IC1231820_l.jpgwriting-http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/forms%20of%20writing/writing.GIFthesis wordle-http://blogs.msbcollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/thesis_statement.jpgA+-http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83r-7l3MnA4/UYa1PRMRldI/AAAAAAAADNw/UyTXE0ohVw4/s1600/grade-a.jpggoodandbad-http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/coramax/coramax1208/coramax120801690/14815095-3d-people--man-person-presents-good-and-bad-words.jpgvenn diagram-http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/cell/2venn.gifbigger picture-http://www.darcymoore.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/3279873902_9cf69cb55a_z.jpegstrengths and weaknesses-http://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/5/000/228/3fa/39ba681.pngintroduction paragraphs-http://stpaddys.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/6/8/13689605/2277045_orig.jpg?391body paragraph-http://teachers.saschina.org/mbradshaw/files/2013/01/body-paragraph-structure.jpgfive paragraph essay-http://img.ozessay.com.au/content/five-paragraph-essay-structure.pngchecklist-http://www.lymphomaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/mental-strength-checklist-1.jpgintroduction-http://blog.contactually.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/introduction.jpgcontent-http://www.gonetbusiness.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Content-Marketing-Introduction.jpgfinishline-http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/storage/wl_bmtn_finish_line_020313.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1359672027403essay house-http://www.caribexams.org/files/files/essay_structure3.giftakehomepoints-http://eatsleepmove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/take-home-message.pngpen-http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Stipula_fountain_pen.jpgessayorganization-http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow77BN7tPlg/T0PyBCccTMI/AAAAAAAAB4A/8P4i2Led1ig/s1600/IMG_0277.JPGresearch-http://www.vumc.com/27576/7086114/7086164/Homepagecarroussel-research1.jpgtalk about idea-http://lovedelusions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/How_to_Talk_to_Girls.jpgthegrassisgreener-http://www.inboundsales.net/Portals/87880/images/Lead%20Generation%20-%20Is%20he%20grass%20really%20greener%20on%20the%20other%20side%20of%20the%20fence.pngcolorful gear shifts-http://images.colourbox.com/thumb_COLOURBOX3524433.jpg8th grade pencil-http://donnamathgames.pbworks.com/f/1344454753/8th%20grade%20math.jpg

OTHER RESOURCES:http://www.tutorforenglish.com/courses/Essay/Show.aspx?Lesson=Essay_Structure_Checklist

http://www.asdk12.org/Middlelink/LA/writing/StepUp/Transition_Closing_Words.pdf

https://wikis.engrade.com/writingaconclusionparag

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGl4GR5LdmA

User’s Guide:This book is intended for 8th grade English students. It contains information about concluding paragraphs, and thus satisfies standard CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1e. That element of the eighth grade curriculum states that students must be able to provide a concluding statement or section that fo$ows %om and supports the argument(s) presented. This book also reviews essays as a whole and other writing strategies, since these things effect conclusion paragraphs as we$.

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