Introductions �and �

Conclusions 7th Grade English

Introductions have 3 elements

!   Attention Getter

!   General statement (bridge to thesis)

!   Thesis

Attention Getter

!   Attention getters should really catch reader’s attention, and make them want to continue reading your paper

Sample Attention G’s

!   “Ninety-nine percent of all people consider committing suicide at some point in their lifetimes” (Smith).

!   “Jimmy, a four year old, picked up the gun and shot his mother” (Anderson).

!   Imagine going into a store for a gallon of milk, and ending up in a hostage situation.

Attention no-nos

!   Don’t use “you”

!   Don’t ask a question:

!   Have you ever wondered how stars are created?

!   Do you ever feel the need to start a fire?

Thesis statements !   Thesis statements tell the reader exactly

what the paper will be about, and the end conclusion that readers should come to

!   In the research paper instance--almost everyone will write a similar thesis.

!   The sinking of the Titanic has many causes and effects, but the most interesting outcome are the laws that came out concerning lifeboats.

General Statements

!   General statements bridge the gap between the attention getter and the thesis.

General Statement needed: !   Jimmy, a four year old, picked up the gun

and shot his mother” (Anderson). There are many causes and effects for the columbine school shooting, but the most important effect was an increase in security in schools across the nation.

Samples !   Jimmy, a four year old, picked up the gun and shot his mother” (Anderson). The tragedy of gun violence can be seen in many instances all over the country, and not just in homes. Schools, businesses, and public gathering areas have all seen an increase in gun related deaths. There are many causes and effects for the columbine school shooting, but the most important effect was an increase in security in schools across the nation.

Conclusions

!   Conclusions should emphasize the main point(s) of the paper and leave the reader with something to think about

!   Conclusions must NEVER repeat what the writer has said.

Conclusion hints:

!   Think about finishing the story that you started in your introduction.

!   Give the reader an action to do

!   Use a final quote that really cements your point.

Conclusion Don’ts !   Don’t give your personal feelings on the

assignment or topic: “This paper has really taken me a long time and I think the assignment is stupid.” Or, “I love this topic and I’m going to get a lifeboat of my own.”

!   Don’t Repeat something you have already said.

!   Don’t end with, “The end.”

!   Also avoid “In conclusion. . .”

Conclusion Sample !   Luckily for four-year-old Jimmy who shot

his mother, the gun was just a paint ball gun, and she was okay. But Jimmy’s parents had a real gun in the house also, and realized that all guns should be kept under lock and key. They also talked to all of their children about the danger of guns. Most incidents of gun deaths could be avoided if people followed the rule of locking all personal guns and going over dangers with their children.