The Introduction & ConclusionAloha and Adios

The Purpose

To grab the reader's attention, raise his level of interest

This is often called "the hook”

To introduce the reader to the topic and prepare him for what follows in the body of the paper.

Easy Checklist

Mention the title and author of the piece of literature

Ex: In James Hurst's short story, The Scarlet Ibis". .

Provide necessary or helpful background information

Introduce your topic explicitly with a thesis statement

Subject + OpinionFor this class, this will always be the

last sentence of the Introduction

The Hook

Use a shocking statement or use a series of shocking statistics that are relevant to your topic.

"Four of ten people you pass in the hall each day will be killed in a car accident before they are thirty.

Use a short appropriate quote from any published source (identify source)

"Ernest Hemingway writes that his father's love is like an erupting volcano."

The Conclusion: Purpose

Leave the reader with a sense of completion

It is OK to assert broad claims in your conclusion, similar to those in your introduction.

(However, it your job to be as specific as possible in your body paragraphs)

The Steps

Use all commentary. . . do not mention new concrete details from the story

Do not repeat key words from anywhere in the essay, especially from your thesis

Leave the reader with a profound thought to remember. You may use methods similar to the "hooks" used in the introduction.

Huh? Profound What?

A.End with a humorous, sad, or startling closing line

B. Use a quotation from a published source that summarizes your feelings on the topic

C. End with a powerful phrase or question that invites the reader to think beyond your specific topic