The Writing Process

Strategies for Effective Introductions &

Conclusions

Introductions

Shorter than body paragraphsConsists of an attention getter, link

sentence and thesis statementPlaced just before first

body paragraph Put thesis

statement last in introduction

Keystoning Introductions

Shaped like an inverted trapezoid Start with some general ideas Narrow down to more specific ideas Then present your thesis

Techniques for Attention-Getters

Make a dramatic or surprising statement Ask a rhetorical question Tell brief anecdote (personal experience) Give an intriguing definition Use a figure of speech (simile or metaphor) Begin with a startling quotation or statistic Refer to a current event, situation, or

controversy

Conclusions

Immediately follows last body paragraph

Also shorter than body paragraphs

Avoid getting “chatty” or casual with reader; don’t use “you”

Avoid switching topicsDon’t undercut or belittle your thesis

Keystoning Conclusions Imagine an upright trapezoid

Start with a

specific idea but don’t

just repeat your thesis

Broaden somewhat

to more general point

End with broad idea or universal concept related to topic

Techniques for Conclusions

Restate thesis in different words

Refer to attention-getter used in introduction

Use any attention-getter technique Call for action (suggesting response) Indicate significance of topic to reader’s

life Forecast the future as it relates to topic