1. Introductions and Conclusions

2. Introductions Do begin your paper with: ◦A quotation ◦A surprising statement ◦A question ◦An anecdote ◦A definition Do orient your reader to your topic and argument and lead your reader to your thesis statement Do include YOUR THESIS in the introduction Do state the title and author of the literary work you are discussing Do not begin with a dictionary definition Do not directly state your intentions (I will write a paper about…) Do not apologize

3. Conclusions Do suggest results, consequences, or directions of future inquiry Do emphasize the purpose and importance of your essay Do connect your paper to the larger world Do end with a call for some sort of action Do use a rhetorical question Do use a quotation or refer back to an opening quotation Don’t just repeat the thesis; show the reader what he or she has learned from your argument Don’t bring up new ideas Don’t try to say too much or be sentimental