1. How to write awesome introductions and conclusions
Lasting Impressions
How to write awesome introductions and conclusions

2. Why write an introduction?
Grab a reader's interest
Introduce the subject
Create your paper's "first impression"

3. The Target: W1a Introduction
4 I can write a hook that connects to all humanity, define my topic and give appropriate background information, and make a claim.
I can write an engaging hook, define my topic and give appropriate background information, and make a claim.
I can hook my reader, define my topic, and make a claim.

4. Formula for Success
General opening
Background of book
Claim

5. General Opening Basic statement of the theme of your essay
Begin with a quotation. Just make sure you explain its relevance
Begin with a question
Begin with an acknowledgment of an opinion opposite to the one you plan to take
Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper

6. General Opening cont. Begin with an interesting fact
Begin with a definition or explanation of a term relevant to your paper
Begin with irony or paradox
Begin with an analogy. Make sure it's original but not too far-fetched

7. Background Information
If a book:
Author’s name
Book title
Date of publication
Brief (1-2 sentences) mention of plot
If a general topic:
Who is involved
What the issue is

8. Claim
Your very specific claim
Last sentence of introduction

9. A Model
General Opening: connect to the power of elective courses (art, music, activity)
Electives: to some, they may appear to be easy courses, good choices for senior year; the truth, though, is that elective courses have the power to engage our creative side and mold us into well-rounded citizens.
Background: state the issue before the school board
Claim: The school board should extend the school day to give students more opportunities for elective courses.

10. The Target: W1j Conclusion
I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what that connects to all humanity, using strong rhetoric and expanding on consequences.
I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what that connects to all humanity.
2 I can reword my claim, synthesize my evidence, and write a so what.

11. Conclusions Matter, Too
Begin with a reworded claim
Briefly synthesize (combine together) your points (1-2 sentences)
“So what?” Why does this topic even matter to anyone?
Connect to all people
Hook methods apply here, too
Give multiple so whats for a 4 (expand on the consequences)

12. A Model
Reworded claim: In order to encourage more elective participation, the school board should extend the school day.
Synthesis: When combined with core classes, elective courses motivate students to achieve at higher rates while still allowing for college preparation.
So what: The success of each student in our schools is important; if extending the school day to offer more electives will help students succeed, it is the right step for the school board. Who knows—failure to do so may not just take away our future engineers and doctors, but perhaps our next Picasso and Mozart, too.