CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCTIONS, THESES AND CONCLUSIONS

Introduction Techniques (“hooks”)

Quotation Historical review Review of a controversy General to specific (Move from “school” to

“cheating”) Specific to general (Move from “PCC” to “college

life”) Question* “Statement of thesis” should always be part of the

introduction, but you still need a hook!

Writing a thesis statement

Think of it as a preview of your essay, a “mini-outline” of what is to come in the body

MUST do two things:1. State your claim (“What are you trying to persuade the reader to believe?”)

2. Briefly LIST your body paragraph points in the order that they will appear

Conclusions

Briefly LIST those points one last time. Always keep your points in the same order.

Use a closing technique:a) state the subject’s significanceb) call for further researchc) offer a solution or recommendation

d) use a related anecdote (brief story)e) end with a significant quotationf) provide one or several questions to ponderg) speculate (suggest possible future outcomes)