Introduction and Conclusions

Introduction & Thesis Statement

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Introduction: Requirements

• Hook Statement

• Background on the texts

• Thesis Statement

Multiple Choice

Which of the following should NOT be in your introduction paragraph?

• Thesis Statement

• Topic Sentence

• Hook Statement

• Background on the texts

Hook Statements

A sentence which sparks interest in the reader to read what you have written.

There are a number of different options for a good hook statement:

- State a fact

- Ask a Question

- A brief quote from one of the texts

- A definition of a word*

*Make sure the word you choose relates to the one or both of the texts you are writing about.

Background on the texts

• For background information, introduce the titles of both passages along with the author’s names. 

• You need to briefly explain the main ideas of the texts you will be writing about. No more than two sentences per text.

• This will help establish context to your reader so you do not have to explain everything as you write your essay. Get the main points out in the beginning. 

Thesis Statements - Requirements

•Tells your reader what to expect

•Restricted, precisely worded, narrow view

•Declarative sentence that states the essay’s purpose

•Focus on the theme or something in common that both passages share. 

Thesis Statements - Basic Outline

Topic + Position (Opinion) + Main Claims

Ex: State your position on the topic because claim #1, claim #2, and claim #3.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a proper thesis statement?

Format: State your position on the topic because claim #1, claim #2, and claim #3.

• Reading is beneficial because it builds empathy, increases intelligence, and strengthens writing skills.

• School should start later because it will improve academic performance, physical health, and mental health.

• All countries should have freedom of speech

Thesis Statements - Freestyle

• There is nothing wrong with the basic format: State your position on the topic because claim #1, claim #2, and claim #3.

• However, you are allowed to be more creative with your thesis statement.

• As long as you have your Topic + Position (Opinion) + Main claims, you are free to break away from this basic format.

Sample Introduction Paragraph

In William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, the story is presented in a polyphonic style where each character's thoughts are revealed by their own descriptions. Whereas in the play,  A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, the thoughts and ideas of each character are conveyed through their actions and words. These two great American stories, although different in structure, both focus on the inner feelings and thoughts of the characters presented. Despite their differences, each story is able to effectively offer access into the character's way of thinking. Though the form of the play and the polyphonic novel are quite distinct and focus on separate styles of character development, each method is equally able to reveal the thoughts and true nature of each character.

​Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

​Two Parts

1. Topic Sentence

2. Textual Evidence

   (Optional) - Transition​ word/phrase

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT in your body paragraphs

• Topic Sentence

• Textual Evidence

• Hook Statement

• Transition word

​Body Paragraphs - Topic Sentences

The purposes of having topic sentences for each body paragraph are​:

• To relate the details of the paragraph to your thesis statement.

• To tie the details of the paragraph together.

• To introduce the element you will be examining (character, theme, POV, setting, imagery, etc).​

​Body Paragraphs - Textual Evidence/Transitions

Textual Evidence - Direct quotations from the text w/ an explanation on how it relates to the topic sentence

Transitions - Includes one of the following:  For example, For instance, In addition, Additionally.​

Body Paragraph Example

The Super Bowl is such an important game that it should be played under the best conditions without possible effects from the weather.​ In the text it stated, “within one week in 1981, the Chargers went from playing an overtime game in Miami in 88 degree, high-humidity weather to playing in –37 degree wind chill in Cincinnati, an effective temperature difference of 125 degrees!” (1-2). To have players compete against one another in those harsh conditions is dangerous. In addition, playing in such vast different weather conditions is less about how well the players can play the sport, but more how well they can adapt to the weather change.

Fill in the Blank

Includes one of the following: For example, For instance, In addition, Additionally.

​Conclusion Paragraph

​Conclusion Paragraphs

1. Restate the thesis in different words

2. Connect the ideas expressed in the essay

3. Closing sentence

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Note: Do not introduce a new topic in your conclusion.

Multiple Choice

What does it mean to "connect the ideas expressed in the essay"?

• Re-write everything you already mentioned

• Summarize the main points

• Connect ideas mentioned to new ideas

Poll

I understand the format for introduction, body, & conclusion paragraphs

• Yes, definitely

• Sort of, I could use more help

• No, not really