Unit 6

1. Unit 6 Introductions and Conclusions

2. Agenda Introductions Thesis Statements Conclusions Questions, comments, suggestions?

3. INTRODUCTIONSand CONCLUSIONS Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of papers to write. While the body is often easier to write, it needs a frame around it. An introduction and conclusion frame your thoughts and bridge your ideas for the reader.

4. INTROS First impression of essay. Road map for the rest of your paper. Will make your readers want to read your paper.

5. Examples One point that the introduction needs to do is invite the reader to keep reading. One way to do this is by “hooking” the reader’s interest with an attention grabber. Let’s look at an introduction I have written: When I was a child, I often got chided for daydreaming in school. It wasn’t when I had work to do, but after I completed anything I needed to for homework, I would sit at my desk and dream up stories. In kindergarten, I tried to think of what it would be like if the old, gnarled oak that spread its branches out like waiting arms on the west side of the playground were to really come alive. Even as I grew older and more sociable, my parents could still here me creating fanciful plots aloud in the seemingly private confines of my bedroom. Imagination was something I had no problem generating in my writing. In fact, it seemed to be a natural part of my psyche. However, this is not so with all those trying to practice good writing, and natural talent or tendency toward imaginative processes is not the end all and be all of using one’s imagination. Activating the imagination does not have to be reserved for the elite, born-with-Shakespeare-tattooed-on-his-forehead writer. Writing well is available to anyone willing to take time to think about the why. Imagination is really for those that are ready to explore.

6. Examples I have used vivid details, like “old, gnarled oak that spread its branches out like waiting arms on the west side of the playground ” to draw the reader into the “story”. This was still a short introduction that gets to the point of my essay, but I was able to “hook” the reader in with a few narrative details.

7. Thesis Statement • Next, work on transitioning from the “hook” to a clear thesis statement. • A thesis statement can be implied, like the one in the previous example, or explicit. • I suggest using an explicit thesis statement.

8. Thesis Statement • The purpose of the thesis statement is to let the reader know what the essay is going to be about and how you are going to go about discussing that main idea. • The thesis statement should also happen at the end of the first or second paragraph of an essay.

9. Thesis Statement • Here is what I suggest: combine the main elements of your paper (the main ideas of each supporting paragraph you are going to write) to make one, clear thesis statement. How can you do this? Let’s look at an example. Here are the elements I wanted to cover in my thesis: • The homelessness issue in the United States is something we can tackle as individuals. • The individual can give their time, energy, and money to help those that are homeless. • The individual can also affect change in his/her local, state, and federal government.

10. Thesis Statement Here is the Statement I came up with: • As individuals in the United States, the issue of homelessness stares us in the face through the piercing gazes of people living on the streets of our own towns, cities, and states. It may seem like a problem too large for any one person, but each of us can give, volunteer, and petition our governments to return those gazes with eyes of compassion.

11. Homelessness Example They often congregate outside the big box store where I buy groceries. One older gentleman, graying beard hitting just at his shirt collar, sits in a wheel chair. I always notice that he has no legs. Another young couple walks the parking lot with their dog. The man rests his arm protectively on the shoulder of his partner. I try not to look. I try not to notice. The day I went grocery shopping for my Thanksgiving feast was the day I looked the man in the wheel chair in the eyes. There were smile lines wrinkled at the corners. The blue was nearly the same as my daughter’s. I gave him a gift card to the big box store, and he asked, “Can I buy toilet paper with this?”

12. Continued There are people in our country that struggle to buy toilet paper. There are people that live in the back of their truck with their dogs. There is suffering and loss, and this poverty and homelessness is on the rise all over the United States. But what should we, as fellow human beings, do? Is this problem too large for any of us to undertake? As individuals in the United States, the issue of homelessness stares us in the face through the piercing gazes of people living on the streets of our own towns, cities, and states. It may seem like a problem too large for any one person, but each of us can give, volunteer, and petition our governments to return those gazes with eyes of compassion.

13. TIps Start by thinking about the question. Try writing your introduction last. Open with an attention grabber. Pay special attention to your first sentence. Do not be afraid! Be confident.

14. Con clusIon Have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to summarize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

15. Examples Ultimately in fiction or nonfiction writing, it all starts with an idea. It is the writer’s responsibility to pursue that idea or not, and that is where imagination comes in. Imagination is not genetic or necessarily a gift from above. Imagination is the willingness and drive to follow after questions. What if communism took over the world? Why did women in the sixties feel it was necessary to keep curlers in their hair at all hours of the day? What if Mr. Darcy really loves Elizabeth? What if? Why? These are the questions that spur on imagination. In the concluding paragraph I not only sum up the contents of my essay, but I bring it back to the imagery of the introduction.

16. Homelessness Conclusion Homelessness is a problem that permeates all segments of our society. It transcends climate, population, regions, and backgrounds. Homelessness stares us in the face at exit ramps, at the doors of grocery stores, outside professional sporting events, and in our own consciences. The statistics show growing numbers, and more dire situations. However, we can make a difference. Call your government representatives. Volunteer at your local food bank or homeless shelter. Give what you can. Even the smallest gestures can make a difference. By making little changes everyday, we can battle the epidemic of homelessness in the United States. Return the piercing gaze of those less fortunate with the eyes of compassion.

17. Conclusion • Do not include any new information. • Summarize and/or recap main ideas. • Put the essay to bed, and make reader feel glad that they read your essay.

18. Questions?