3rd Grade Writing Lesson 6: Write clear introductions and conclusions

Objective

I can write clear introductions and conclusions that help the reader understand the start and end of a paragraph.

Materials

Pencil
Eraser
Ruled paper

Mini-lesson — Introductions help the reader get ready

Introductions help the reader get ready. Conclusions help the reader feel finished. A strong paragraph should not just stop suddenly.

Key idea

An introduction tells what the writing will be about.
It helps the reader get ready for the main idea.
A clear opening sentence makes the paragraph easier to follow.

Keep it strong

A conclusion wraps up the paragraph.
It reminds the reader of the main idea.
It should sound finished, not sudden or confusing.

Example

Introduction: Recess is the best part of my school day.
Detail: I can run, talk, and play games with friends.
Conclusion: That is why I always look forward to recess.

Ask yourself: "Did I make my writing clear, organized, and easy to follow?"

Guided Practice — Build stronger writing

Choose 3 sentences from the Trace menu and copy them neatly on paper. Then use the Tracing Pad to practice words, sentences, and marks.

Tracing Pad

Lines Trace

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build writing sentences

Drag the words into the correct order to build each sentence about this writing skill.

Myintroductiontellsthetopic.

Myconclusionendstheparagraph.

Thefirstsentenceshouldbeclear.

Thelastsentenceshouldwrapup.

Mymiddledetailssupportthetopic.

Thereadercanfollowmyideas.

Astrongopeninggrabsattention.

Astrongendingsoundscomplete.

Icanimprovebothparts.

Myparagraphfeelsmoreorganized.

Quick Check

Choose the best answer about this lesson skill.

What does an introduction do?

starts the paragraph and tells the topic adds random details ends the writing

What does a conclusion do?

asks a new question wraps up the paragraph changes the topic

Which sentence sounds like an introduction?

Dogs can be great pets. That is why I love my dog. I have a brown dog and a blue ball.

Which sentence sounds like a conclusion?

My favorite snack is popcorn. I like salty food and movies. That is why popcorn is my favorite snack.

Why should an opening sentence be clear?

so the reader understands the topic so the page looks longer so the paragraph can end quickly

Why should a conclusion sound finished?

so the writing does not stop suddenly so the topic changes so the details disappear

What should the middle details do?

support the main idea start a different paragraph erase the conclusion

Which paragraph part comes first?

conclusion detail introduction

Which paragraph part comes last?

conclusion introduction title

What is the goal of this lesson?

to write stronger beginnings and endings to skip paragraph structure to only use commas

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Writes a clear introduction sentence Adds details that match the topic Ends with a clear conclusion Keeps the paragraph organized from start to finish

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can do this skill well. 🙂 I can do some parts, but I need more practice. 😅 This still feels tricky for me.

I will practice…

Writing a strong introduction Writing a strong conclusion Keeping the paragraph focused