Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org
Tip
If you have trouble coming up with a provocative statement for your opening, it is a
good idea to use a relevant, attention-grabbing quote about your topic. Use a search
engine to find statements made by historical or significant figures about your subject.
Writing at Work
In your job field, you may be required to write a speech for an event, such as an awards
banquet or a dedication ceremony. The introduction of a speech is similar to an essay
because you have a limited amount of space to attract your audience’s attention. Using
the same techniques, such as a provocative quote or an interesting statistic, is an
effective way to engage your listeners. Using the funnel approach also introduces your
audience to your topic and then presents your main idea in a logical manner.
Exercise 2
Reread each sentence in Mariah’s introductory paragraph. Indicate which techniques
she used and comment on how each sentence is designed to attract her readers’ interest.
Writing a Conclusion
It is not unusual to want to rush when you approach your conclusion, and even
experienced writers may fade. But what good writers remember is that it is vital to put
just as much attention into the conclusion as in the rest of the essay. After all, a hasty
ending can undermine an otherwise strong essay.
A conclusion that does not correspond to the rest of your essay, has loose ends, or is
unorganized can unsettle your readers and raise doubts about the entire essay.