1. Instructions for the Introduction/Conclusion Assignment
The introduction will be the actual beginning of your paper – one that could be cut and
pasted into the body of the real paper. Your thesis statement must be underlined in your
introductory paragraph. You may also refer to your packet to see an example of an
introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
EXAMPLE: Willa Cather
Introduction:
Willa Cather’s life is one of variety and adventure. As her family headed for the
untamed lands of the West, Cather became stimulated by the tough “life of the soil and
prairie.” Cather became known as a nonconformist, sporting her boyish haircut and
clothes. She traveled to various parts of the country, becoming familiar with the fast pace
of New York and the local ethnic characteristics of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cather
focused on the heroic pioneers who sought to cultivate their new land, thus taking part
what was known as the American dream. The works of Willa Cather show evidence
from her life experience through living the American dream on the prairie, constant travel
throughout the country and a rejection of scientific progress.
2. Finally, you will include the paragraph that will conclude your paper.
EXAMPLE
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Willa Cather’s life was filled with adventure, rebellion and
examples of living the American dream. Cather was constantly involved in social and
political issues of her time. Her focus primarily remained on the hard-working immigrant
families living on the prairie. Her life was not easy, but as an honest writer, she promised
to write about what she experienced, including her disillusions with scientific progress.
Her life examples prove that Cather grasped her own vision of America. She kept true to
her beliefs as a writer and throughout her life, continued to promote her epic vision of a
noble, honest and hardworking society.
If this is done correctly, you can cut and paste the intro and conclusion in to the body of
your paper, thus making your paper more structured and simple to write.
