I have been thinking about this post for two hours. I really don't know how to start it. Perhaps I should begin with the truth: I hate writing conclusion paragraphs. It's one of those things that comes with practice and is hard for me to teach.
But, I'm going to give it a shot through this post, because I know some of you are having trouble doing anything but what you have been taught for years, which is something I DO NOT want you to do...
Conclusion rule #1: DO NOT REPEAT YOUR THESIS. So many people believe that a conclusion paragraph basically paraphrases or flat-out restates your introductory paragraph. WRONG. Couldn't be more wrong. We know you were going to write about that. I'm not looking for a summary or a recap. You need to give me something else...without writing any new ideas. Which brings me to...
Conclusion rule #2: DO NOT WRITE ANY NEW IDEAS. Let me guess - you have this question: "Well, Ms. Bellon, how in the sam-hill are we supposed to write anything down if we don't include new ideas?" Here's the trick; you need to reflect or reveal a bit more of your opinion about Everett's reflection of Odysseus. You have been revealing many facts that help to reinforce your argument, and using this to spark discussion. So, your conversation has been fact driven. But, based on the facts, what is your final opinion? Your conclusion can be a reflection or a response to your thesis, but it shouldn't give the same exact message.
Conclusion rule #3: KEEP IT SHORT. The more you write, the more tempted you will be to add information that has not been discussed prior to the final paragraph...a fatal move. Just don't do it.
Some advice:
1. Depending on what kind of essay you are writing, you can make commentary on the strength of Everett's representation of Odysseus. You have a part of that in your thesis. As long as you bring up no new traits or argumentative elements, you can briefly continue that discussion.
2. You can also reinforce Odysseus as being an embodiment of an epic hero, and whether or not Everett truly qualifies, according to your argument.
3. You can compare historical perspectives (Odysseus and Ancient Greece vs. Everett and Depression-era Mississippi) and discuss how the historical interpretation of the character effects how Everett reflects Odysseus as an epic hero.
That's all I've got. Paraphrasing your thesis simply won't cut it - I need just a little bit more of you in the conclusion. Now that you have finished your argument, reflect. Think about it like a lawyer might at a closing argument - a final, impassioned cry for the jury to believe, sympathize, and understand. You are doing exactly the same thing.
But, I'm going to give it a shot through this post, because I know some of you are having trouble doing anything but what you have been taught for years, which is something I DO NOT want you to do...
Conclusion rule #1: DO NOT REPEAT YOUR THESIS. So many people believe that a conclusion paragraph basically paraphrases or flat-out restates your introductory paragraph. WRONG. Couldn't be more wrong. We know you were going to write about that. I'm not looking for a summary or a recap. You need to give me something else...without writing any new ideas. Which brings me to...
Conclusion rule #2: DO NOT WRITE ANY NEW IDEAS. Let me guess - you have this question: "Well, Ms. Bellon, how in the sam-hill are we supposed to write anything down if we don't include new ideas?" Here's the trick; you need to reflect or reveal a bit more of your opinion about Everett's reflection of Odysseus. You have been revealing many facts that help to reinforce your argument, and using this to spark discussion. So, your conversation has been fact driven. But, based on the facts, what is your final opinion? Your conclusion can be a reflection or a response to your thesis, but it shouldn't give the same exact message.
Conclusion rule #3: KEEP IT SHORT. The more you write, the more tempted you will be to add information that has not been discussed prior to the final paragraph...a fatal move. Just don't do it.
Some advice:
1. Depending on what kind of essay you are writing, you can make commentary on the strength of Everett's representation of Odysseus. You have a part of that in your thesis. As long as you bring up no new traits or argumentative elements, you can briefly continue that discussion.
2. You can also reinforce Odysseus as being an embodiment of an epic hero, and whether or not Everett truly qualifies, according to your argument.
3. You can compare historical perspectives (Odysseus and Ancient Greece vs. Everett and Depression-era Mississippi) and discuss how the historical interpretation of the character effects how Everett reflects Odysseus as an epic hero.
That's all I've got. Paraphrasing your thesis simply won't cut it - I need just a little bit more of you in the conclusion. Now that you have finished your argument, reflect. Think about it like a lawyer might at a closing argument - a final, impassioned cry for the jury to believe, sympathize, and understand. You are doing exactly the same thing.
At last count, 30 of you have submitted your essays. You know how to make me a happy
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