Due Wednesday, February 17 (Country Reports, All Quotes to date)

A few helpful reminders for your Introductions and Conclusions!

Your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your reader from their own lives into the world of your research paper, Your introduction should announce your topic and provide context and include your thesis statement.

Write your introduction (and conclusion) last. Many times while writing your three body paragraphs you may deviate from your original outline. Writing your three body paragraphs can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through your research paper, and refine your thoughts. It is usually wise to write your three body paragraphs first and write the introduction last—that way you can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the paper.

Some people find that they need to write some kind of tentative introduction in order to get the writing process started. That’s fine, but be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if necessary.

Open with an attention grabber to hook the audience’s interest. Sometimes opening with something catchy can help. Consider these options:

 an intriguing example—
 a provocative quotation—
 a puzzling scenario—.
 a vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote—
 a thought-provoking question—
Pay special attention to your first sentence..

Be straightforward and confident. Avoid statements like “In this paper, I will . . . . “
It is more effective to say what you mean in a declarative sentence. It is much more convincing to do this than to tell us that you are going to say.

Include your thesis statement . . .
It lets your reader know reader about the direction of your paper (what your three topics are).
Your thesis statement is located near the end of the introduction.

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Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on your subject. The conclusion allows you to synthesize your thoughts, and reiterate the importance of your paragraphs, and maybe even propel your reader to a new view of  your country. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

Your conclusion can go a little bit beyond the confines of the assignment. You can elaborate (slightly) on the significance of your findings.

Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. This last paragraph gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your country.

REMEMBER THE REQUIRED SECOND TO LAST OR LAST SENTENCE:
“The most significant thing about (name your country here) is. . . . “ and then pick one of your topics and tell us why. You can use a synonym for “significant” (aspect,  feature,  characteristic,  etc.).

The last sentence must reflect, reiterate, repeat, or restate @ least part of your title.

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We made a list in class of the many ways a writer can spice up a conclusion.
Choose one (two at the very most).

 1. Revisit thesis statement and summarize main point – broaden out

2. Ask or answer a question

3. Benefit

4. Suggested course of action and/or call to action

5. Finish the story

6. End with a quotation or familiar saying

7. End with funny or humorous statement (or  VERY short story)