JANE SCHAFFER HELPS ME WRITE GOOD Introductory Paragraph & Conclusion Paragraph.

JANE SCHAFFER HELPS ME WRITE GOODIntroductory Paragraph & Conclusion Paragraph

How should we organize our ideas?

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraphs

Formula for Intro Paragraphs:1. Attention grabber Needs to grab the reader's attention by

introducing the topic of the thesis (without referring directly to it)

Option: Begin by defining the idea or concept that is the topic of the paper (But do NOT use a question or a direct dictionary definition!)

2. Central Idea Adds information about the topic of the paper Bad Example: "In this paper I will show you the

meaning of friendship“ Good Example: “Friendship is a key ingredient

to a person’s success in accomplishing goals.”

Formula for Intro Paragraphs:

3. Set Up Sentence: Transitions directly to the thesis Connects the idea of the grabber to the point in

thesis Includes title of book (underlined!!) and author’s

name

4. Thesis Statement: Last sentence of intro paragraph Statement that answers the essay prompt Includes argument that your paper will work to prove

Thesis Statements

Thesis statements establish for your reader both the relationship between the ideas and the order in which the material will be presented.

They are written first so that you can organize your essay.

They are the last sentence in your introduction paragraph.

Where does it all go?

general

specific

Central idea

Set up sentence (book title & author)

Thesis statement

Attention grabber

Thesis #1

To help write your thesis statement, answer the following questions:

1. What is the topic of your essay?2. What is the opinion of your topic? In other

words, what are you trying to prove?3. What are your three main points in

support of your opinion?

Thesis #1 cont.

Now, put all of your answers together to create a complete sentence:

_______ can ________ by _______, _______, ______ (topic) (opinion) (point #1) (point #2)

(point #3)

Example: These habits can help me create my destiny of graduating with honors by helping me prioritize my calendar, stay focused on my goals, and be proactive.

Thesis #2

The first thesis works, but could be considered boring.

Change how your phrase your opinion so your word choice is more dynamic.

Example: These habits will lead me to my destiny of graduating with honors by helping me prioritize my calendar, stay focused on my goals, and be proactive.

Thesis #3

Reverse the order of your thesis by putting your reasons first and your opinion second.

Example: Prioritizing my calendar, staying focused on my goal, and being proactive are three habits that will help me create my destiny of graduating with honors.

Strategies for Introductions

• Definition: Define a word that is key to the topic and/or thesis

• Example: Honors is defined as accomplishing the highest rank possible.

• Words you might define:• Destiny

• Habit

• Goal

Strategies for Introductions

• Quote: Use someone’s exact words, but be sure that they are relevant to the thesis

• Example: Thomas Jefferson once said that “nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong”.

Strategies for Introductions

• History/Overview/Context: Briefly provide the background information needed to understand the situation you are writing about

• Example: Every student looks to graduate from high school on time. However, some students aim to graduate with grades high enough to earn them honors status.

Strategies for Introductions

• Description: Give vivid details to help the reader visualize the who, what, where, when of your essay

• Example: Three years from now I will be walking into Showare Center with colored cords draped around my neck. My family and friends will be cheering me on as I walk across the stage and receive my diploma.

Conclusion Paragraph

Your conclusion paragraph will do the opposite, going from

specific general

Specific

General

Formula for Conclusion Paragraphs:1. Restatement thesis: Reflects the

knowledge learned in essay.

2. Two Implication Sentences: Answer the questions “so what?” and “who cares?" to help the reader realize the significance of the thesis.

3. Culminating Sentence: Final sentence of essay that leaves the reader with a powerful thought using strong words.

Strategies for Conclusions• Echo: Connect to the introduction, but do

not repeat key words and phrases• Prediction: State what may result, or has

resulted from the situation discussed in the essay

• Self-Reflection: Think about yourself in relation to the ideas you presented; what did you learn?

• Reach Out: Encourage the reader to connect to the ideas you presented or to take action; what can other people learn from your essay?

• REMEMBER: Your thesis is the FIRST SENTENCE of the concluding paragraph. Ask yourself: What WAS the POINT of your essay?

Transition Sentences

A transition sentence improves the fluidity of your essay by creating a bridge between your body paragraphs (in the CS or TS)

Try starting your transition sentences with in addition, in conjunction, despite, although, even though, or another transition word/phrase. This forces the sentences to contain two ideas!

Transition Sentence Example TS #1 Paul tries many times to

forget about Billy’s death. CS #1 (functions as the transition to

body paragraph #2) Although Paul attempts to conquer his fear, he still cannot forget the horrors of death and war.

TS #2 Paul is traumatized by Billy’s unexpected death.