INTRODUCING…

…your report

To begin a great report you need a great “hook.” This is usually the first sentence of the first paragraph, also known as the introduction.

As you did your research, you probably came up with some interesting information, stories, quotes or facts. You may have something that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere else in your report. This is the type thing that can be used to “hook” your reader.

Like any great fisherman, a good writer knows how to get the reader interested in what they have to offer. The “hook” for a writer can be many things but some ideas might include

*a surprising fact*a funny story*a riddle*an interesting quote

A Surprising Fact: The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary.

A Surprising Fact: The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary. This famous government building was constructed in the 1940s, when segregation laws required that separate bathrooms be installed for people of African descent. This building isn’t the only American icon that harkens back to this embarrassing and hurtful time in our history. Across the United States there are many examples of leftover laws and customs that reflect the racism that once permeated American society.

A Funny Story: When my older brother substituted fresh eggs for our hard-boiled Easter eggs, he didn’t realize our father would take the first crack at hiding them.

A Funny Story: When my older brother substituted fresh eggs for our hard-boiled Easter eggs, he didn’t realize our father would take the first crack at hiding them. My brother’s holiday ended early that particular day in 2011, but the rest of the family enjoyed the warm April weather, outside on the lawn, until late in to the evening. Perhaps it was the warmth of the day and the joy of eating Easter ham while my brother thought about his actions that make my memories of Easter so sweet. Whatever the true reason, thefact is that my favorite holiday of the year is Easter Sunday.

A Quote: Barbara Jordan once said, “I never intended to become a run-of-the-mill person,” and indeed she did not!

A Quote: Barbara Jordan once said, “I never intended to become a run-of-the-mill person,” and indeed she did not! Born in 1936 she grew up as the daughter of a minister. She graduated with honors from Texas Southern University at the age of 20 and Boston University Law School at 23. She became a state senator in Texas in 1966 and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1972. Barbara Jordan, like many other women of the 20th century, made a difference in herworld by daring to do things that other women had not attempted before.

A Riddle: George is a pretty presidential name. After all there have been three presidents named George in our history: George Washington, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, but Can you guess the 2 names that are more common among presidents than George?

A Riddle:George is a pretty presidential name. After all there have been three presidents named George in our history: George Washington, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, but Can you guess the 2 names that are more common among presidents than George? That’s right, John comes up five times and James six times as presidents’ first names. It takes more than a great name to be a great president. One of my favorite presidents in American history didnot have any of the names mentioned. His name was Theodore, and he was affectionately called “Teddy.”

completing your report with a strong…

…CONCLUSION

Letting your fish off the hook:A clear an “catchy” introduction is important, but so is a clear ending. This is your conclusion and it is your last chance to connect with your reader. The best conclusions usually have two parts:

the summary statement – which is 1-2 sentences

in length, restating the main idea of your report

the clincher-is a final thought which will create a lasting impression on the reader

The Clincher…also known as the “closer” is part of your report and can be one more way to make your report memorable. You should use this part to:

*Stress the importance of your intro*give the report a sense of

completion*leave a final impression on

the reader

The Do’s and Don’ts of conclusions:It isn’t necessary to do all of these things, but your should consider them when completing your conclusion:

Do answer the question “So what?”Do show how the information given fits togetherDo give them something to think aboutDo challenge the readerDo help them to look into the futureDo pose a question

Don’t just repeat what you’ve already said. They have already read it.

Quote: “a man’s best friend is his dog.”

Quote: Nothing can compare to a dog’s dedication, intelligence, loyalty,

and friendship. Because a dog offers all these wonderful qualities and more, I realize once again why

people say, “a man’s best friend is his dog.”I feel fortunate to have a

dog as a companion and friend.

Question:

Nothing can compare to a dog’s dedication, intelligence, loyalty,

and friendship. Because a dog offers all these wonderful qualities

and more, who wouldn’t want one?

Look Into the Future:

Nothing can compare to a dog’s dedication, intelligence, loyalty,

and friendship. Because a dog offers all these wonderful qualities and more, dogs will continue to be

a highly prized pet for years to come.

So What?:

Since no other can compare to a dog’s dedication, intelligence, loyalty, and friendship, dogs will

continue to be highly prized pets for years to come.

As you write your conclusion, try to avoid the "so-as-you-can-see" ending and the "in conclusion my thesis statement proves that" or "states that" ending. All of these are overused and worn out. You've already made your main idea and reasoning clear. You don't need to tell us that you've just told us something.Try writing a summary statement for your essay. Add a thought-provoking clincher.