Conclusion Paragraph: The final Gift. In a conclusion paragraph, you should have one or combination of the following final gift(s):

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1 Conclusion Paragraph: The final Gift In a conclusion paragraph, you should have one or combination of the following final gift(s): Call to Action Definition: Clearly states what it is you want the reader to do. Pair with a Now or Never statement to create urgency around the action. Why wear bulky glasses when you can wear modern, attractive contact lenses? Definitely, contact lenses are not only economical, but are comfortable and convenient to wear. And, even more than that, they look fabulous they can even turn your blue eyes a warm, golden brown! So, toss those old-fashioned glasses in the drawer and get yourself some contact lenses! Directions: For the topic, re-write the conclusion paragraph, incorporating a call to action as the final gift. 1. These are the reasons why it s important to keep a daily journal: it s a way to explore your deepest feelings and you get some writing practice at the same time. And, don t forget, someday when you re old, you ll have written a history of your life that you ll have to share with your child and grandchildren. So, now do you agree to write in your journal every day? As you write about your first date and that magical first kiss, pause and think about what you are doing. Through the power of writing, you are exploring your personal feelings, and, you may notice, improving the quality of your penmanship. Most importantly, by recording important events and thoughts in your life you are preserving your stories to share with future generations.

2 Now or Never Statement Definition: Create a sense of urgency and immediacy in order to rouse your reader s attention. This statement pairs well with a call to action! Key Phrases: The time has come Why wait another minute? Don t waste another moment It s now or never! The time has come to decide Let s come to an agreement. Parents, restore your piece of mind. The time has come to require your precious children to wear a helmet. More than giving you back your sanity; helmets are a very fiscal way to ensure the safety of your loved ones. I implore you. Vote yes to Proposition 24, which will require all those who are 16 or younger to wear a helmet. It s now or never. It s your child. It s in your power to make a difference. Directions: For the topic, re-write the conclusion paragraph, incorporating a now or never statement with the call to action as the final gift. 1. Dad, I want you to picture me, bored out of my mind and wasting the summer. I know what you want from me is something more! This summer, let me be a lifeguard. On the beautiful, sunny days while I sit up in the tower watching over the patrons, I could be making money, getting a free tan, and most importantly, learning valuable lessons in safety and responsibility. Dad, would you rather your son waste away this summer or take a job that could aid in his growth and maturity? This summer, let me be a lifeguard. On the beautiful, sunny day, while I watch over the patrons on the beach, I could be making money, getting a free tan, and of most value, learning lesson of responsibility and safety.

3 A question to Ponder Definition: A rhetorical question (does not have a yes or no answer) that leaves the reader wondering about their role in the issue presented. Key Phrases: Why wait Why not What if When will you Have you considered From Timbuktu to Kalamazoo, golf is sweeping the nation and taking the uninspired couch potatoes to prolific players. The next time you re starving for an athletic adventure, think of golf. Golf is a gentlemen s game where manners matter as much as the score, it s costeffective, and for those of you who think you re past your stride, it can be played at any age. Golf has something for everyone. Why not see what the sport has to offer you? Directions: For the topic, re-write the conclusion paragraph, incorporating a question to ponder as the final gift. 1. Mom, the only way travel is by plane. You and your belongings will be incredibly safe, there s a great view to enjoy while you sip on some orange juice and take in a move, and, the best part, it s the fastest mode of transportation. Excuse me, Miss. Can I get you a beverage? Do you need a pillow? Can I do anything to make your flight more comfortable? Mom, you could be the pampered Miss. Flying is incredibly safe, there s a great view to enjoy while you sip on some orange juice and take-in a move, and of most significance, you ll be in sunny Florida in a third of the time it would take to drive there.

4 Make-you-think Statement Definition: A statement used to give the reader pause; the statement often has an incentive attached to it. Key Phrases: Just think Have you thought about Wouldn t you want Dad, picture yourself looking out the city-bus window. As you pass the gas-station on Whalley Avenue, the number 2.39 a gallon whizzes by. You revel at the thought that you just paid 50 cents for the same ride. Taking the city-bus will improve your mental health, allow you the freedom to read the paper or finish that final proposal, and, best of all, you ll be saving money enough in two months to put a down payment of that boat you ve always wanted. Just think, instead of drowning in traffic, you could be sailing across the open sea. Directions: For the topic, re-write the conclusion paragraph, incorporating a make-you-think statement as the final gift. 1. Why not try going vegetarian for a week or two? The delicious, low-fat diet will give you greater energy and it will introduce you to new and interesting foods such as tofu. Going vegetarian is also a way to become enlightened about animal rights. Why not go vegetarian for a week or two? Take a bite of a vegi-burger and you ll feel the energy rush and nutrients flowing into your body enough to give a five foot four individual the ability to slam dunk! Take another bite and taste the foreign, exotic flavors of new foods like soy and tofu. In the last and final bite, savor the fact that not a single thing you are consuming harmed an animal.

5 Big-picture connection/ realization: Definition: A statement showing the greater scope of the issue. I d rather go naked than wear fur, first-ever super-model, Janice Dickinson shouted. Clad only in a barrel she and several protesters picketed outside a local fur-distributor. Each step was a step against the child-labor used to create the coats, the poor role models created, and most importantly, they stomped, jumped up and down, and shouted for the animals the inhumane animal cruelty required to produce the fur. I urge you to join the march. Hold up the sign. This is more than you and me; this is the future of our planet and the status of a moral compass. Directions: For the topic, re-write the conclusion paragraph, incorporating a big-picture connection/realization as the final gift. 1. There are many reasons to cut back on the TV we watch. Less TV viewing means more time for exciting activities like sports: skiing, tennis, or swimming. In addition, it will provide you with time to read a great novel, and of most value, you will have more time talking, laughing, and loving your family and friends. Familiar complaints: Fix the satellite dish. Call the cable company! I say, don t bother. The problem isn t with the TV; the problem is with the viewer. Turn off the TV and turn on the opportunity to join and athletic team like tennis, lacrosse, or field hockey. Turn on your ability to read and be transported to a world you never knew.

6 Most importantly, turn on your ability to communicate and share memories with your friends and family. Relevant Pop-Culture Reference Definition: A quote from a political figure, well-known cartoon character, character from a novel, or celebrity (movie, music, art) that packs a punch and connects to your argument. Look out the closest window to you right now! Chances are you re seeing trash. Now, close your eyes and picture the same view without the trash. Breath in the fresh-air, smog and pesticide-free. Watch as people use a nearby receptacle for their waste instead of the ground. Finally, how could you miss the mother blue-jay singing to her chicks or the two foxes chasing one another around the sprawling oak tree. Change your view. As Captain Planet, a popular cartoon character from the 80s once said, The power is yours! Stop littering! Practice Makes Better. Not perfect, But Better! Directions: For the following topics, craft a conclusion paragraph a gift ready to give with all three parts: Hook, revisit-three arguments, and a final gift! Use the icon next to the topic to inform you what gift you should be using.

7 1. Write a conclusion paragraph for a letter you wrote persuading your parents to let you go skydiving. 2. Write a conclusion paragraph for the essay you wrote the mayor, persuading him to put a public ice-skating rink in the town of New Haven. 3. Write a conclusion paragraph for the letter to your parents, persuading them to let you join the army.

8 4. Write a conclusion paragraph for the letter you wrote your friend, persuading them not to drop out of school. 5. Write a conclusion paragraph for the essay you wrote to the general public, persuading them to support cancer research and join the Walk for Life.

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