The Upside-Down Triangle

How to Write an Introduction

Many writers use the upside-down triangle strategy to write strong introductions.

An Upside-Down Triangle Introduction

PART 1: Partner Discussion

Directions: To prepare to write your introduction, reread your essay prompt. Then discuss each of the partner discussion questions. There is space to jot down notes. 5 minutes

Essay Prompt

Partner Discussion Questions

Notes

Questions:

· What big ideas is your essay about?

· Why do your essay’s big ideas matter in the world?

Questions:

· What texts are you writing about?

· Who are the authors?

· How do the big ideas in your essay appear in the text?

Question:

· What is your thesis?

T: Topic Sentence (Claim: What are you trying to prove?)

D: Detail #1 (Direct quotation from the text that SUPPORTS your claim)

E: Explain HOW your first detail proves your claim.

D: Detail #2 (Direct quotation from the text that SUPPORTS your claim)

E: Explain HOW your second detail proves your claim.

C: Conclusion (Wrap up your response by rewording your claim.)

T: Topic Sentence (Claim: What are you trying to prove?)

D: Detail #1(Direct quotation from the text that SUPPORTS your claim)

E: Explain HOW your first detail proves your claim.

D: Detail #2 (Direct quotation from the text that SUPPORTS your claim)

E: Explain HOW your second detail proves your claim.

C: Conclusion (Wrap up your response by rewording your claim.)

The Triangle Conclusion

Directions: Review the information on conclusions. Then, answer the questions. 5 minutes

How To Write A Conclusion

Many writers use the triangle strategy to write strong conclusions.

PART 1: Partner Discussion

Directions: Turn and talk about each of the questions below. This will help you prepare to write your conclusion. Write your responses in the boxes below. 5 minutes

Partner Discussion Questions

Notes

Question:

· What is your thesis?

Questions:

· What texts are you writing about?

· Who are the authors?

· How do the big ideas in your essay appear in the text?

Questions:

· What big ideas is your essay about?

· Why do your essay’s big ideas matter in the world?

Introductions & Conclusions

The purpose of an introduction is to:

· Hook your reader’s attention

· Clearly introduce your essay topic

An Upside-Down Triangle Introduction Sample Introduction

We hear it over and over again: do the right thing! But what does it actually mean to do the right thing? In “Button, Button” by Richard Matheson, Arthur does not want to push a mysterious red button and have someone killed even if it means he would get $50,000. In “Lather and Nothing Else” by Hernando Téllez, the narrator decides not to kill an evil man even though he has an easy chance to do it. Both texts reveal that people can be motivated to do the right thing by compassion and integrity.

The purpose of a conclusion is to:

· Restate your thesis

· Restate how you supported your argument

· Explain why the essay matters

Sample Conclusion

Compassion and integrity are powerful motivators that help people make the right choices in life. In “Button, Button,” Arthur thinks of others before himself, which is why he won’t push the red button. In “Lather and Nothing Else,” the narrator values his integrity above everything else and decides against murdering someone. It isn’t always easy to do the right thing, but in the end it is always better to make the good and fair choice.