Writing Introductions and Conclusions

Introduction

Purpose of the Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to grab the reader's attention and provide them with an overview of what to expect in the rest of the document. It sets the tone for the entire piece and helps establish the writer's credibility and authority on the topic.

Components of an Introduction

Hook: The hook is the opening sentence or sentences that grab the reader's attention and make them want to continue reading. It can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, a vivid description, or a compelling anecdote.
Background Information: After the hook, provide some background information on the topic to give the reader context and help them understand the subject matter. This can include historical background, definitions, or relevant statistics.
Thesis Statement: The thesis statement is the main argument or claim of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific, and it sets the tone for the rest of the paper. The thesis statement should be placed at the end of the introduction.

Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction

Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing statement or question that piques the reader's interest.
Provide necessary background information: Give your readers the context they need to understand the topic and the purpose of your writing.
State your thesis: Clearly and concisely state the main argument or point you will be making in your writing.
Keep it concise: Introductions should be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
Consider your audience: Tailor your introduction to the specific needs and interests of your readers. Use language and examples that will resonate with them.
Be clear and specific: Make sure your introduction clearly outlines what your writing will cover and what the reader can expect to learn or gain from reading it.
Revise and edit: Take the time to review and refine your introduction. Make sure it flows smoothly and effectively sets the stage for your writing.

Conclusion

Purpose of the Conclusion

The purpose of the conclusion is to bring closure to your writing and leave a lasting impression on your readers. It is your final opportunity to summarize your main points, restate your thesis or main argument, and provide a sense of completion to your piece.

The conclusion should leave your readers with a sense of satisfaction and understanding. It should tie together all the ideas and arguments presented in your writing and leave a final thought or reflection for your readers to ponder.

Components of a Conclusion

A conclusion should bring closure to your piece of writing and leave a lasting impression on your readers. It is your final opportunity to summarize your main points and reinforce your message. Here are the key components of a conclusion:

Restate the thesis: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement or main argument. This helps remind your readers of the main focus of your writing.
Summarize main points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you discussed in your writing. This helps reinforce the key ideas and arguments you presented.
Leave a final impression: End your conclusion with a strong and memorable statement. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a powerful closing remark that leaves your readers thinking.

By including these components in your conclusion, you can effectively wrap up your writing and leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Writing a strong conclusion is just as important as writing a compelling introduction. The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers and reinforce your main points. Here are some tips to help you write an effective conclusion:

Summarize your main points: Briefly recap the key arguments or ideas you presented in your essay. This helps remind your readers of the main takeaways and reinforces your thesis statement.
Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion should not introduce any new ideas or evidence. Instead, focus on summarizing and synthesizing the information you have already presented.
Provide closure: End your conclusion with a sense of closure and finality. You can do this by restating your thesis statement in a different way or by offering a thought-provoking final statement.
Leave a lasting impression: Consider ending your conclusion with a memorable quote, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question. This can leave your readers with something to think about even after they have finished reading your essay.
Keep it concise: Your conclusion should be concise and to the point. Avoid adding unnecessary information or repeating what you have already said.

Assessment Questions

What is the purpose of an introduction?
List three components of an introduction.
What are some tips for writing an effective introduction?
What is the purpose of a conclusion?
List three components of a conclusion.
What are some tips for writing an effective conclusion?