3. Purpose of Intros &
Conclusions
Introductions
Engage your reader and build interest in your topic.
Provide key background information
Clearly communicate your message outright.
Conclusions
Provide a sense of resolution to your reader
Provide an option for change
Help your argument stick in the minds of your reader
4. Elements of an
Effective Introduction
1. Hook
An interesting sentence that makes your reader
interested or care about your topic.
2. Transition
Sentences that provide additional background
about your topic and links to your thesis
3. Thesis/Claim
The sentence which communicates your claim
and supporting arguments
5. Hook Methods
Short Story/Anecdote
The car sped down the highway just like any other car. It
sped up and slowed with traffic, dodged cones in a
construction zone, and got its passenger from point A to
Point B as any reliable car should. However, this car was
not driven by a human. No, it was a self-driving car.
Specific Detail/Specific Statistic
While self driving cars may seem like a technology more fit
for science fiction, current estimates believe that by 2020,
there will be 10 million self-driving cars on our roadways.
Quotation
In a recent interview, Google Executive Chris Uman
explained “I have a twelve year old son…[and] my goal is
for him not to need a drivers license.” No, Uman is not an
overprotected parent or over zealous supported of public
transportation. He is the head of Google’s project to develop
the world’s first self-driving car.
6. Sample Introduction
In a recent interview, Google Executive Chris Uman
explained “I have a twelve year old son…[and] my goal is
for him not to need a drivers license” (qtd. in Levin). No,
Uman is not an overprotected parent or over zealous
supported of public transportation. He is the head of
Google’s division which is currently developing the world’s
first self-driving car. Google, along with dozens of other
private companies, are developing technology that will
usher in the newest transportation revolution. While there
are still hurdles and challenges to overcome, these
companies are driven, capable, and able to make these
cars a reality. In fact, they are so driven that beta testing is
already underway on streets and highways around the
United States. The innovation and free thinking that is
required to make self-driving cars a reality in the near
future is a result of the United States’ free market economy
that rewards forward thinkers and risk takers like Google.
7. Elements of an
Effective Conclusion
Restate your thesis in a fresh way.
Demonstrate Critical Thinking
Recommend a course of action for the Future.
Warm of Consequences.
Use an expert from the topic to further your
argument.
Return to an anecdote from earlier but build on it.
8. Example Conclusion
While this progress has been remarkable and offers
possibilities change the way we view the daily commute,
it is important that the United States government allows
these companies the freedom to continue to explore the
possibilities. With cooperation, not intervention, these
companies will move us forward in new ways and allow
for today’s tweens, like Uman’s son, to become the world
first generation that will not need to master the art driving.
Instead, perhaps they will be able to master the art of
sitting back, reading an article on a Google powered
device, and enjoying their daily commutes.
9. Your Task
Step 1: Read back over the articles and identify what
strategies they use to introduce their topics.
Which article is most effective? Why?
Step 2: Write a sample Introduction (using your
thesis) and Conclusion.
Try using multiple strategies to see which one you
prefer.
