Introduction:

The first impression of your paper

* Attract the interest of the reader

* Establish the tone of your paper

* Introduce the subject

GOALS

An introduction can be 1-2 paragraphs and should include necessary background to understand the topic.

* HOOK You want the reader to have the urge to keep reading!

* THESIS STATEMENTRemember that your thesis will be the final sentence in your introduction.

ESSENTIALS

Use the inverted triangle method.

How do I construct my introduction?

Broad

Specific (Thesis)

Slightly less broad

* Question Give your reader an opportunity to think about or relate to your topic with by asking them a thought-provoking question. Avoid asking your reader a very general question, such as, “What is global warming?” or “Where is Area 51?”

* Quotation It must pertain to your topic and have an explanation of how this relates to your topic.

How do I start my introduction?

* Short StorySomething compelling and relevant that will interest the reader.

* Definition Do not use a definition that everyone knows (common knowledge).Instead, these are examples: Euthanasia or Poaching

* Fact or StatisticIt must be accurate, relevant, and verifiable.

Additional introduction ideas:

At the end of your introduction.

Where does my thesis fit in?

Introduction ExampleIn a survey of 2,000 high school students in single-

sex classrooms, 67% said it increased their self-esteem. 72% reported an increased desire to learn and participate in class. It is therefore unfortunate that out of over 98,000 public schools in the United States, only 540 offer single-sex classes. Even though single-sex classrooms have benefits for students, many schools are still not adopting them for various reasons. Boys and girls learn differently, therefore they should be taught differently. More schools in the United States should move toward single-sex classrooms because they increase student achievement.

Source: 8th grade student, AGW, 2010.

*Summary of the main points you discussed in your paper

*THESIS – This should be restated (in different words) and be the FIRST sentence in your conclusion.

What should be in my conclusion?

How do I construct my conclusion?

Specific (Thesis)

Slightly less broad(summarize key points)

Broad(State what should be done)

Conclusion

Can be 1-2 paragraphs longIncludes REWORDED thesis as the first

sentenceSummarizes key pointsCall to action

Leave your readers satisfied that you have covered your subject well.

Example ConclusionSingle-sex classrooms are better for boys

and girls academically, therefore more schools in the U.S. should use them as a model. Students in these classes have significantly raised their test scores and performed better with their school work. The benefits to the students and teachers, including being able to adjust teaching styles to how the different gender’s learn best, far outweigh the obstacles to instituting single-sex classrooms. Overall, single-sex classrooms are an incredibly smart option for schooling and should be adopted in more schools throughout the country.

Transitions

Glue ideas together within the paper so it flows

Establish logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of the paper

Organize information so the reader can see the relationship between ideas

Transitions between Paragraphs

Organize so content flows logically from one topic to another

Can be 1 or 2 words, a phrase or a complete sentence

Examples:To show contrast: however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the

other hand, nevertheless, nonethelessTo show similarity: in the same way, just asTo show sequence: first, second, third,…finallyTo show time: currently, during, earlier, immediately, later,

meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently

Examples:To show examples: for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to

illustrateTo show additional support or evidence: additionally, again, also,

and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover

To conclude: finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize

Student Example

(paragraph began with) The benefits of single-sex classrooms go beyond academics…(ended with) Single-sex classrooms are leading the way to producing more well-rounded, self-confident students.

Even though single-sex classrooms are very beneficial, many parents don’t think it is the best option for their children…

Pg. 4 ex. paper