1. Let’s begin with… a Type 2 LIST (Think about your OGT verbs) –List the elements of an introduction. –List the elements of a body paragraph. –List 2 elements that are found in a transitional paragraph. *When you are finished, make sure your name is on your paper and turn it over.

2. Now that you have developed an interesting introduction, provided the reader with background information in your transition paragraph, and supported your thesis in the body paragraphs, it is time to write your conclusion!

3. Step 1: Touch back Touch back to the main idea of your essay, your thesis Do not restate your thesis word for word Rather, restate the idea of your thesis in different words Summarize the main points that supported your thesis statement. –Think back to your blueprint topic sentences

4. Step 2: Look to the future Provide a call to action –The call to action needs to be based on the information provided in your essay –Don’t bring in new ideas / extra material Clearly state what you want the reader to do –How can your reader support your issue? –What actions should the reader take? –What will happen if no action is taken? Use strong, forceful language

5. Step 3: Go to the heart of the matter Refocus the reader on the importance of your topic. –What difference does it all make? –Why should the reader care? Make the reader think about the importance of your viewpoint

6. Step 4: Throw in a zinger! Leave your reader thinking “Wow!” Conclude with a strong sentiment –Quotation –Vivid image –Warning –Statistic Your conclusion should have a profound impact on your reader.

7. Questions to ask yourself: Does the conclusion restate the thesis without repeating it? Does it summarize the main points which support the thesis? Does it provide a sense of completion? Does it convince the reader that this topic is important and that action needs to be taken?

8. Fantastic Student’s Conclusion Prohibition should be reinstated in the United States. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, drunk driving, and abuse are just a few reasons why alcohol should be banned. These reasons deal only with the innocent; imagine the positive effects Prohibition would have on alcoholics. The government must take a stand. Children cannot stand up for themselves, drivers should not have to be in constant fear, and the innocent should not have to continue to be abused. Laws must be enacted to stop alcohol production and consumption. Without alcohol, 2008 could be the year that 1,800,000 more mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and friends live to see another day.

9. Time to practice… You will be working in groups of 2 There are 3 example conclusions on the handout. Read through each conclusion and mark (underline, star, highlight etc.) what category each sentence falls under: Touch back, Call to action, Heart of the matter, and Zinger. When you are finished, please begin working on your own conclusion.