WARM-UP

5 minutes finish Elie Wiesel handout!

WRITING AN INTRO

“THE PREACHER’S MAXIM”

The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:

1. Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).

2. Tell them (body).

3. Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

COMMON ERRORS IN INTRODUCTION

• WEAK ATTENTION GETTER

• NO BACKGROUND/TOO SHORT

• NO THESIS

• UNCLEAR ARGUMENT

• “IN THIS PAPER…”

PURPOSE OF INTRODUCTION:

1. Engage the reader

2. Explain the issue at hand

3. Establish your point of view

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

The introduction is the road map for the rest of your paper.

ORGANIZATION

Attention GetterSpotlight on the topicThesis

Example Prompt:

Later start times for schools

ATTENTION GETTER (MEANT TO ENGAGE YOUR READER AND MAKE THEM WANT TO CONTINUE READING).

Anecdote: This is a condensed story that relates to your topic and will engage your reader emotionally (pathos).

Questions: Make sure your question is an open-ended question (not “yes” or “no”).

A Quotation from an expert or well-known person will lend credibility to your argument (ethos).

ATTENTION GETTER

A Shocking Statistic will make your reader more interested in the topic and will show that you have done your research (ethos).

Examples using prompt:

Research shows that less than only 20% of adolescents are getting the necessary amount of sleep each night.

“SPOTLIGHT” ON THE TOPIC

Provide general information about the main idea so the reader can understand the topic.

Explain why this topic is an issue of importance.

Why should the reader care about the topic

and continue to read your essay? (remember: do this without saying “you”)

SPOTLIGHT ON THE TOPIC

Example:

The main reason for this alarming fact is that they are having to get up too early for school. Due to a lack of sleep, many students have trouble focusing and staying awake during class. This results in punishment and, more importantly, missed material covered during class. Sleep deprivation causes a domino effect that negatively impacts a student’s overall happiness and well-being.

THESIS STATEMENT

Generally the thesis will be the last sentence of your introduction.

One or two sentences that states the position you will support throughout your essay.

Be specific with your argument.

THESIS STATEMENT

Example of a focused thesis:

Later start times for schools will result in more efficiency, higher academic success, and overall happiness of students and teachers.

INTRODUCTIONResearch shows that less than 20% of

adolescents are getting the necessary amount of sleep each night. The main reason for this alarming fact is that they are having to get up too early for school. Due to a lack of sleep, many students have trouble focusing and staying awake during class. This results in punishment and, more importantly, missed material covered during class. Sleep deprivation causes a domino effect that negatively impacts a student’s overall happiness and well-being. Later start times for schools will result in more efficiency, higher academic success, and overall happiness of students and teachers.

PRACTICE AN INTRODUCTION

Prompts:

1. Should schools put tracking devices on student IDs to track their whereabouts during the school day?

2. Should schools ban electronics because of distractions?

*You can choose any (school appropriate) controversial issue to practice.

Remember: No “you” or “I” in formal writing.

WRITING CONCLUSIONSTHE PURDUE OWL FAMILY OF SITES. THE WRITING LAB AND OWL AT PURDUE

AND PURDUE U, 2014. WEB. 17 NOVEMBER 2014.

“THE PREACHER’S MAXIM”

The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:

1. Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).

2. Tell them (body).

3. Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

PURPOSE OF THE CONCLUSION

Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action.

CONCLUSION OUTLINE

The following outline may help you conclude your

paper: Restate your thesis/claim,Briefly summarize the main points covered in the essay. One last appeal to convince your reader and leave a final

impression.

**Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, you’re finished. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang! conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.**

BRAINSTORM…

Homework: choose your topic!oCome to class already having your topic chosen.o It must be an issue across cultures and

something you can form an argument on. o Example: “Bullying” would not work. You can’t

argue for or against bullying. “Bullying prevention in schools” would be a fine topic.