WARM-UP
5 minutes finish Elie Wiesel handout!
WRITING AN INTRO
“THE PREACHER’S MAXIM”
 The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective
formulas to follow for argument papers:
1. Tell what you're going to tell them
(introduction).
2. Tell them (body).
3. Tell them what you told them (conclusion).
COMMON ERRORS IN INTRODUCTION
•
WEAK ATTENTION GETTER
•
NO BACKGROUND/TOO SHORT
•
NO THESIS
•
UNCLEAR ARGUMENT
•
“IN THIS PAPER…”
PURPOSE OF INTRODUCTION:
1. Engage the reader
2. Explain the issue at hand
3. Establish your point of view
 You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
 The introduction is the road map for the rest of your paper.
ORGANIZATION
 Attention Getter
 Spotlight on the topic
 Thesis
Example Prompt:
Later start times for schools
ATTENTION GETTER
(MEANT TO ENGAGE YOUR
READER AND MAKE THEM WANT TO CONTINUE READING).
 Anecdote: This is a condensed story that relates to your topic
and will engage your reader emotionally (pathos).
 Questions: Make sure your question is an open-ended
question (not “yes” or “no”).
 A Quotation from an expert or well-known person will
lend credibility to your argument (ethos).
ATTENTION GETTER
 A Shocking Statistic will make your reader more
interested in the topic and will show that you have done
your research (ethos).
Examples using prompt:
Research shows that less than only 20% of adolescents are
getting the necessary amount of sleep each night.
“SPOTLIGHT” ON THE TOPIC
 Provide general information about the main idea so the
reader can understand the topic.
 Explain why this topic is an issue of importance.
 Why should the reader care about the topic and continue
to read your essay? (remember: do this without saying
“you”)
SPOTLIGHT ON THE TOPIC
Example:
The main reason for this alarming fact is that they are
having to get up too early for school. Due to a lack of
sleep, many students have trouble focusing and staying
awake during class. This results in punishment and,
more importantly, missed material covered during
class. Sleep deprivation causes a domino effect that
negatively impacts a student’s overall happiness and
well-being.
THESIS STATEMENT
 Generally the thesis will be the last sentence of your
introduction.
 One or two sentences that states the position you
will support throughout your essay.
 Be specific with your argument.
THESIS STATEMENT
Example of a focused thesis:
Later start times for schools will result in more
efficiency, higher academic success, and overall
happiness of students and teachers.
INTRODUCTION
Research shows that less than 20% of adolescents are getting the
necessary amount of sleep each night. The main reason for this
alarming fact is that they are having to get up too early for school.
Due to a lack of sleep, many students have trouble focusing and
staying awake during class. This results in punishment and, more
importantly, missed material covered during class. Sleep deprivation
causes a domino effect that negatively impacts a student’s overall
happiness and well-being. Later start times for schools will result in
more efficiency, higher academic success, and overall happiness of
students and teachers.
PRACTICE AN INTRODUCTION
Prompts:
1. Should schools put tracking devices on student IDs to track
their whereabouts during the school day?
2. Should schools ban electronics because of distractions?
*You can choose any (school appropriate) controversial issue to
practice.
Remember: No “you” or “I” in formal writing.
WRITING CONCLUSIONS
THE PURDUE OWL FAMILY OF SITES. THE WRITING LAB AND OWL AT PURDUE
AND PURDUE U, 2014. WEB. 17 NOVEMBER 2014.
“THE PREACHER’S MAXIM”
 The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to
follow for argument papers:
1. Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).
2. Tell them (body).
3. Tell them what you told them (conclusion).
PURPOSE OF THE CONCLUSION
 Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in
your paper. After moving from general to specific
information in the introduction and body paragraphs,
your conclusion should begin pulling back into more
general information that restates the main points of your
argument. Conclusions may also call for action.
CONCLUSION OUTLINE
 The following outline may help you conclude your paper:
 Restate your thesis/claim,
 Briefly summarize the main points covered in the essay.
 One last appeal to convince your reader and leave a final impression.
**Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, you’re finished. Don't try to bring
in new points or end with a whiz bang! conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear,
convincing message.**
BRAINSTORM…
 Homework: choose your topic!
o Come to class already having your topic chosen.
o It must be an issue across cultures and something you can
form an argument on.
o Example: “Bullying” would not work.You can’t argue for or
against bullying. “Bullying prevention in schools” would be a
fine topic.