Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs They’re more than just a beginning and an end.

Opening Strong The first line of your essay should be a hook, something that the reader will find interesting. Opening with a bold or provocative statement will draw the reader in, enticing them to read more. Use bold, precise, and stirring language. Be thoughtful, but not pretentious. Be efficient; state everything needed, but don’t make it too long. Compelling thesis statement

Techniques for a Bold Beginning Thought provoking questions are acceptable at the beginning of your essay. Start with a short anecdote (story) related to your topic. Make an unpredictable connection between your topic and something else. Avoid opening sentences that start with It is or There are.

Example: In 1803, Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. In doing so, he nearly doubled the size of the United States for about 4 cents and acre. Some have said that this purchase was one of the three events essential to the creation of the modern United States. The writing of the Declaration of Independence and the writing of the Constitution were the other two.

Ordering Your Thoughts First, read your prompt thoroughly, and write your WORKING THESIS STATEMENT (You can rewrite it later if you need to.) Make every effort to make plain for readers what your essay will cover. Use your prewriting to choose your three supporting details. Use some logic to order your details. Use your most powerful argument to finish your essay. End your introduction with a powerful statement.

Very Basic Example Start your introductory paragraph with a bold statement, question, anecdote, or metaphor. You will then go on to state your reasoning behind your opinion. State your three reasons in a logical sequence. While this section should be brief, it needs to tell the reader what they are going to read about in your essay. To finish your opening paragraph write a bold and provocative thesis statement.

Conclusion This will recap, review, restate, and/or reword your entire essay. Briefly review all your main points (from your body paragraphs). Reword your thesis statement. End with a punch!