Writing WorkshopIntroduction and Conclusion
Mr. Eleftheriades
The Introduction Paragraph
Introduces the text, author, and topic.
Responds fully to the prompt/question by stating a
narrow and focused argument. (THESIS
STATEMENT!)
Anticipates devices, characters, dynamics, etc. in the
story that will be examined in “proving” the argument.
Might preview some of the logic inherent in developing
argument throughout the body paragraphs.
Takes a firm stand/opinion in relations to the text.
The Purpose
-Helps your reader transition and acclimate to your
topic
-Gives your reader incentive to care about what they
will continue to read in your body paragraphs
-A well written introduction provides readers with a
good first impression of your argument, which makes it
more persuasive
-Provides a road map for the rest of your paper
Strategies
Think about the question you are trying to answer–
your direct answer to this question will turn into your
thesis statement
Decide how broad or narrow your opening or thesis
statement should be (depending on the length of your
assignment)
Always come back to revise your introduction
Be assertive and confident in your writing
Common Pitfalls
Uses the introduction as a place-holder (vague
language, several repetitive sentences that don’t say
much)
Re-states the essay prompt without offering a specific
angle
Poorly written/filled with errors
Starts with a definition from Webster’s Dictionary
Makes broad or sweeping generalizations about the
topic
Summarizes the plot and other basic facts about the
text, offering details that are irrelevant to the reader.
Academic Writing
Written in third person and in present tense (unless
otherwise specified for various forms of writing)
An academic paragraph contains one idea that is
developed through analysis
At no point should there be summarization of the
primary text
At no point should there be definitions of words or
concepts
Assume your audience has already read the text
Example Prompt
William Faulkner uses “A Rose for Emily” to address
themes of change and progress, especially as it relates
to the American South. Write a 500 word essay that
discusses how Faulkner addresses the themes of
progress and change in the South. Is he a
traditionalist, hoping for the South to retain its old
ways? Or is he critical of the South for holding on to
its traditions?
Structure
T+A+G
Main Idea
3 claims of support
So what?
Thesis Statement #1
“A Rose for Emily” is about a woman
who is successful in keeping her life
private, away from the eyes of the
townspeople. She kills her northern
lover, Homer Barron, and it is because of
this that I think that Faulkner is
supporting a traditionalist point of view.
Thesis Statement #2
In this short story, Emily Grierson holds
on to the Old South and resists change,
as evidenced in her desire to hold on to
Homer Barron’s body, the clock piece
that she wears around her neck, and her
obsession with keeping her house from
changing with the times.
Thesis Statement #3
William Faulkner’s short story, “A Rose
for Emily,” is used to comment on how
the South, at its own peril, refuses to
accept the inevitability of historical and
social change. If the South does not
adopt to the changing times, it will die a
lonely, perverse death like Miss Emily.
T+A+G
Structure
In his short story, “A Rose for Emily,” William Faulkner
Main Idea
criticizes the titular character’s inability to change as the world around
her undergoes transformation and progress.
3 claims of support
This failure to move on is illustrated in Miss Emily’s father’s death, the
death of her lover, and ultimately, in her own demise.
So what?
Although Emily Grierson would be considered a traditionalist, holding on
to the Old South, William Faulkner clearly criticizes her stagnation, and
in her death, leaves readers with hope for a new South.
Sample Introduction Paragraph
In his short story, “A Rose for Emily,” William Faulkner
criticizes the titular character’s inability to change as the
world around her undergoes transformation and progress.
This failure to move on is illustrated in Miss Emily’s
father’s death, the death of her lover, and ultimately, in
her own demise. Although Emily Grierson would be
considered a traditionalist, holding on to the Old South,
William Faulkner clearly criticizes her stagnation, and
in her death, leaves readers with hope for a new South.
Prompt
Which character is most responsible for the hardships
endured in Scotland?
Introduction
Set the mood
1. "There are forces in life working for and against
individuals. One must distinguish the beneficial forces
from the malevolent ones and choose correctly between
them.”
2. Reflection: The forces, both natural and
supernatural, are equally as powerful in shaping not
only a persons life, but those around them.
3. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth leads to
the destruction of Scotland and himself.
4. Thesis Statement: Even though Lady Macbeth did
not play a direct role in King Duncan’s murder, it was
her malevolence, lack of consideration of her husband,
and persistent nature that caused the demise of herself,
her husband, and all of Scotland.
Introduction
In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth,
Macbeth leads to the destruction of Scotland and
himself. There are forces in life working for and against
individuals. One must distinguish the beneficial forces
from the malevolent ones and choose correctly between
them. The forces, both natural and supernatural, are
equally as powerful in shaping not only a persons life,
but those around them. Even though Lady Macbeth
did not play a direct role in King Duncan’s murder, it
was her malevolence, lack of consideration of her
husband, and persistent nature that caused the demise
of herself, her husband, and all of Scotland.
Conclusion Paragraph
Demonstrate how your examples support and expand
your thesis.
Explain how your thesis is a way to approach and read
this specific text.
Tell the reader, “SO WHAT?” by indicating the
implications of reading the entire text from the
perspective of the thesis statement.
Connects the prompt/question to the entire text
without directly restating it.