Introductions Conclusions
Published on Sep 02, 2016
ENG-105 Composition I
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Academic Essays
- Most important to have a point or main claim about a topic or issue within the topic
- Includes analyzing or interpreting an issue within the topic
The focus of an academic essay is for the writer to have a point and a main claim about a topic or issue. This would include also analyzing and interpreting that issue within that topic. After doing some research and brainstorming, you can begin working on creating an effective introductory paragraph.
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Three parts of the Introduction
- a hook
- a background summary
- a thesis statement
Your introduction paragraph will be made up of three parts. You will need a hook, a background summary, and a thesis statement.
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Hook
- first or second sentence
- includes an attention-capturing and engaging statement that is relevant to the subject
Your hook is the first thing that your audience will read, so you must include a surprising statistic or statement that is relevant to your subject.
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For example
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood” (CDC, 2020a).
For example, if you were writing a rhetorical analysis to examine a webpage, you might choose a surprising statistic or statement from the webpage to get the audience's attention. Remember, if you use a statistic, you must include your own signal phrase or integration of your own words at the beginning.
summary
- includes background information or important facts on the subject
After the hook, In your own words, you will need to include a summary describing some background information or important facts about the subject.
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Example
The CDC’s “What is ADHD?” webpage provides an explanation of ADHD for parents and adults. It provides treatments, diagnosis, behaviors, signs, and symptoms. It also includes a variety of links that lead to supportive material for those who are suffering from ADHD.
For example, in your analysis of a webpage, you might include a summary of what it is about, it could be around 3-5 sentences. This way your audience understands what you will be analyzing. What does it have on the webpage?
Thesis statement
- Develop your thesis after deciding the claim you would like to make about the topic
- Must contain an opinion which cannot be a factual
- The last sentence of your introduction paragraph
After doing preliminary research, reading, and brainstorming has been done, you will work on creating a thesis statement. Once you know what claim you would like to make about your topic, you will want to develop one that expresses your opinion rather than factual information. It will also be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.
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For example
- Opinion: The CDC's webpage effectively uses ethos, pathos, and logos to convince parents and adults that their information on ADHD is credibly and trustworthy.
- Fact: The CDC uses ethos, pathos, and logos on their webpage.
For example, as you see here in these two examples, the first one expresses an opinion about how well the CDC uses the rhetorical appeals on their webpage. It also includes the intentions of the webpage. However, the second statement only expresses that they use the appeal, but does not include an opinion or any other information.
The first example, clearly and directly issues a judgment, while the second one simply states a fact.
The first example, clearly and directly issues a judgment, while the second one simply states a fact.
Effective Introduction
- Gets the audiences attention
- Introduces the topic, the issue, or focus
- Opinion on the issue
In other words, an effective introduction paragraph captures the attention of the audience, introduces the topic, issue, or focus, and expresses an opinion on the issue.
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Writing Conclusions
- Wrap up the essay by closing up the thesis argument and points
- Relate to the introduction whenever possible
- Reiterate your thesis statement and supporting points differently
- Avoid including new information or adding evidence from your sources
After you have included points and support for your argument in your body paragraphs, following the introduction, you will want to create an effective conclusion.
The focus is to close up the thesis argument and points you made in your topic sentences.
The conclusion is just as important as the introduction because it leaves your audience with a lasting impression. It contains no new information, so you will want to avoid mentioning any new ideas or topics or evidence from your sources in the conclusion.
The focus is to close up the thesis argument and points you made in your topic sentences.
The conclusion is just as important as the introduction because it leaves your audience with a lasting impression. It contains no new information, so you will want to avoid mentioning any new ideas or topics or evidence from your sources in the conclusion.
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Example
In conclusion, the CDC webpage has made effective use of ethos, pathos, and logos regarding ADHD. It provides trustworthy information for parents or adults concerning ADHD treatments and symptoms. Also, it establishes credibility to help ease the concerns of those who might not know the symptoms of ADHD. Therefore, this webpage includes reliable evidence and accurate information that will help its audience understand the disorder easily.
For example, as you see here in this conclusion, it closes up the thesis argument and points from the essay, using only some of the keywords from the introduction paragraph. It provides a transition and closure to the essay that finalizes the opinion without mentioning anything new. The conclusion is the last chance to establish credibility.
Critique exercise
- Go to padlet.com/mry160/crit
- Review the sample introduction paragraph and conclusion
- Briefly answer the questions by double clicking on the Padlet board
- Then we will discuss your ideas
