Introductory & Conclusion
Paragraphs
How should we organize our ideas?
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
c
Conclusion
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 1: The Attention Grabber
Introduces the topic of the thesis (without referring directly to it)
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Options include:
Define the idea or concept that is the topic of the paper.
Example: "The word 'punk' no longer just means a form of alternative
music."
Begin with a startling, unusual, or enlightening fact.
Example: “In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell
phones; that is 1.3 million crashes.”
Begin with an interesting or dramatic quotation.
Example: "Nikes 'just do it' slogan has been applied to much more than
running shoes.”
Start with a question or challenge (can be misused/used too often).
Example: "Why do some people wear a mask when they cut their
lawns?"
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 2: The Information Adder
Adds information about the attention grabber
 Still general and not referring to the thesis
 Examples of Attention Grabbers + Info Adders
working together:
" In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell
phones; that is 1.3 million crashes.” This statistic from the
National Safety Council highlights the dangerous effects
of texting and driving.
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Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 3: Background
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Provides more information about
background of topic.
Can be anywhere from 2-3 sentences (one
is not enough)
Just give a general overview about the issue
– the introduction is not the place specifics
such as facts or data – unless you are using
a fact or statistic in your grabber.
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 3: Background
Example:
" In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell
phones; that is 1.3 million crashes.” This statistic from
the National Safety Council highlights the dangerous
effects of texting and driving. With the wide use of
mobile phones, texting while driving is becoming more
commonplace and more dangerous every year. Every
day in the United States, more and more people die
because a driver looks a way from the road for a
“few” seconds to check a text message.
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 4: The Transition Sentence
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Transitions directly to the thesis, connecting the
grabber, information adder, and background directly
to the thesis.
Should go from more general idea of the
grabber/information adder/background to the
specific thesis, or claim, of the paper.
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 4: The Transition Sentence
Example:
"In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell phones; that
is 1.3 million crashes.” This statistic from the National Safety Council
highlights the dangerous effects of texting and driving. With the
wide use of mobile phones, texting while driving is becoming more
commonplace and more dangerous every year. Every day in the
United States, more and more people die because a driver looks a
way from the road for a “few” seconds to check a text message.
Many states have now begun to act on this issue and have created
laws banning texting while driving.
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 5: The Thesis Statement
Last sentence of intro paragraph
 Statement that tells the topic (answers the
prompt) and gives your claim and reasons
There are 3 parts to a thesis statement:
1.) Narrowing phrase (AKA Narrower)
2.) Claim
3.) Reasons
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Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 5: The Thesis Statement
The Narrower
 A limiting or narrowing phrase that begins with words
like “although,” “despite,” or “even though.”
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It acknowledges different possibilities that exist, but at
the same time, begins to limit the forthcoming argument.
Example: Although many people would argue that laws
banning texting while driving would be difficult to enforce,
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 5: The Thesis Statement
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The heart of the thesis statement!!
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Directly uses language from the prompt.
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Reveals your opinion using third person POV. “I think” and “I
feel” are not allowed in your writing.
Is arguable—other audience members might disagree with
your argument, but it’s going to be up to you to provide strong
evidence and be convincing.
Example: these laws should be passed in every state
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 5: The Thesis Statement
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Your reasons or points that link to your.
These will relate to the topic sentences of your body
paragraphs.
If you use prongs, they need to be parallel in structure
(phrasing and syntax).
Example (umbrella): to protect the lives and safety of the
public.
Example: to help prevent accidents, save tax dollars, and
protect innocent lives.
Formula for Intro Paragraphs
Step 5: The Thesis Statement
Although many people would argue that laws banning
texting while driving would be difficult to enforce, these
laws should be passed in every state to protect the lives
and safety of the public.
OR
Although many people would argue that laws banning
texting while driving would be difficult to enforce,
these laws should be passed in every state to help
prevent accidents, save tax dollars, and protect innocent
lives.
Sample Intro Paragraph
"In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell phones; that
is 1.3 million crashes.” This statistic from the National Safety
Council highlights the dangerous effects of texting and driving.
With the wide use of mobile phones, texting while driving is
becoming more commonplace and more dangerous every year.
Every day in the United States, more and more people die
because a driver looks a way from the road for a “few” seconds
to check a text message. Many states have now begun to act on
this issue and have created laws banning texting while driving.
Although many people would argue that laws banning texting
while driving would be difficult to enforce, these laws should be
passed in every state to protect the lives and safety of the public.
Where does it all go?
general
Attention Grabber
Info Adding Sentence
Background
Sentences
Transition Sentence
specific
Thesis statement
Conclusion Paragraph
Specific
General
Your conclusion paragraph will do the opposite,
going from specific  general
Formula for Conclusion Paragraphs
1. Restate Thesis: Reflects the knowledge learned in the essay
using new words.
2. TWO Implication Sentences: Reflect on how your topic relates
to the world, or give your opinion on how your topic is
significant to the world, or connect back to your creative
opening. It should relate to all people and thus, be universal.
3. Clincher Sentence: Final sentence of essay that leaves the
reader with a powerful thought using strong words.
**TIE BACK TO YOUR GRABBER**
Sample Conclusion
Laws banning texting and driving should be
mandatory in each state. Texting is so commonplace
and prevalent that it is up to lawmakers to ensure the
safety of drivers on the road. Many people do not
realize that texting while driving can be just as
dangerous as driving while drunk. It is up to the
lawmakers to help protect that one person out of two
hundred who does not make it home each night.