Below lists six common kinds of introductions and three common kinds of conclusions. Read the two sets of introductory and concluding paragraphs that follow. Then, in the space provided, write the number of the kind of introduction or conclusion used in each case.

Question

Introductions Conclusions

1. General to narrow 1. Summary and final thought
2. Starting with an opposite 2. Quotation
3. Stating importance of topic 3. Prediction or recommendation
4. Incident or story
5. Quotation

______ Some of my most successful friends cannot balance a budget. One good friend, an assistant manager at a large store, isn’t able to keep track of how much money is in his own checking account. He often lives right on the edge of overdrafting his funds; in fact, once he did write a check that bounced. He is an intelligent individual, but managing his own finances causes him to sing the blues. Although I am not a whiz at math, I keep my budget in harmony by following a few simple hints. . . .

______ So, by keeping my financial records organized in one place, by using my online account daily to keep track of my income and expenses, and by filling out my check register each time I write a check or make a deposit, I find that balancing my budget can be painless. And knowing how much money I have left at the end of the month makes life a lot easier.

______ Crime is increasing, pollution threatens our planet, and widespread poverty lowers the quality of human life. Surely these are enormous problems that have little to do with fuzzy thinking or imprecise language. George Orwell, however, believes that language does influence events; in his essay, “Politics and the English Language,” he argues that the misuse of language obscures clear thinking. This distorted thinking, in turn, allows political corruption to flourish. If Orwell were to update his essay to our own time, he would see that the state of the English language has declined even further. . . .

______ The use of vague and dishonest language is dangerous. Language is filled with meaning, and its continued abuse and manipulation could have frightening consequences. We are more likely to follow leaders who cloak their real thoughts and use euphemisms than ones who speak openly of war or genocide. The misuse of language could literally kill us.

Answer 1

4 Incident or story
1 Summary and final thought
1 General to narrow
3 Prediction