Introductions and Conclusions

We’re going to give you a basic formula for introductions and conclusions

As you become a stronger writer, you can play around with this structure—but you should still include the three basic elements of an intro and conclusion in any paper.

Introduction

A good introduction should have 3 parts.

A hook. 2-4 main points that

are sub-arguments of the thesis statement.

A thesis statement, or main argument.

Hook: Here are some options.

1.       Use a contrast.

2.       Use an interesting observation.

3.       Make an interesting comparison.

4. Use a personal anecdote or experience

Main points

Main Points: The second part of your introduction should be your 2-4 main points.

Main points: a few notes

Note: In a shorter paper (i.e., one to two pages), you may skip this step and move directly into the thesis statement.

Note: Your main points can come before or after the thesis statement.

Main points: a couple of tips

Relationship to Thesis: The main points should all be sup-points of the thesis. If, for example, my thesis is that Karl is a big pansy—then my sup-points could be the various subtle ways in which Karl is a big pansy.

                                                   

Parallel Construction: Use the same grammatical construction for all three points. For example:

"During the summer I love to go hiking, surfing, and soccer is also one of my loves" becomes "During the summer I love to hike, surf, or play soccer."

Thesis Statement

The third part of your introduction is the thesis statement: a strong argument that will unify your paper.

Common problems with thesis statements: Too general or

broad.             Lacks an argument

(offer facts and not ideas).              

Lacks supporting evidence.

Too obvious.

Conclusions

Conclusions also have three parts to them.

Three parts of a Conclusion

Restate the thesis. Restate the 2-4

main points. Give us a “Why

should we care?”

Options for the “Why should we Care?” a.      Reach Beyond the

Text: Move beyond close textual analysis to consider this: What does it all mean in the larger world?

Close with an effective quotation. (Be careful here: Dave Matthews Band is not a good source for a formal essay).

More options for the “Why should we care?”

-Compare the past to the present.

-Come full circle. One of the most effective ways of concluding a paper is to reflect back on something in the introduction.

Common Conclusion Hazards

1. 1. Avoid using transitional words such as "Thus," "In Conclusion" and "Finally" at the beginning of the last paragraph when readers can plainly see the end of the paper.2. Avoid asking any new questions or introducing textual data.

Any questions?

Come see Reynolds or Katie!