EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR WRITING POWERFUL

INTRODUCTIONS & CONCLUSIONS

Western Literature & Composition I

PURPOSES OF THE INTRODUCTION

Establish a contract with the reader

Include a clear statement of purpose (thesis statement).

Grab or hook the reader’s attention

INTRODUCTION DO’S

Write your body paragraphs first.

Consider using the funnel approach

Begin with an insightful questions (Be careful here. Do not write a question in 2nd person).

Begin with an anecdote

Begin with a relevant quotation

Begin with an interesting fact

INTRODUCTION DON’TS

Avoid writing directly about the assignment.

Avoid the “dictionary definition” opening.

Avoid asking generic questions like “What is anger?” or “What is a leader?”

Avoid sweeping generalizations like “Since the beginning of time education has played an important role?”

PURPOSES OF THE CONCLUSION

Reinforce information at the beginning of the paper.

Provides a “sense of scope.”

Leaves the reader with a final, lasting impression.

CONCLUSION DO’S

Return to a technique you used in the introduction.

Restate (using different words) your thesis.

Stretch your paper beyond the boundaries of your discussion.

CONCLUSIONS DON’T

Avoid mechanical reproduction of the introduction and thesis.

Avoid cramming new content into your paper.