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Introductions and Conclusions: The Writing Center Bancroft 242 803-323-2138

The introduction should draw readers in and establish the writer's perspective on the topic. Effective openings include asking questions, using vivid quotes, visual imagery, surprising facts, or background information. Introductions should be concise and avoid dictionary definitions, apologies, or outlining the entire argument. Conclusions should either look back at what was covered or look ahead to implications. When looking back, conclusions can restate the thesis, echo the introduction, or amplify key points. When looking forward, conclusions can call for action, speculate about the future, or summarize main ideas. Conclusions should be careful not to simply restate the thesis or assert more than what is supported.

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32 views

Introductions and Conclusions: The Writing Center Bancroft 242 803-323-2138

The introduction should draw readers in and establish the writer's perspective on the topic. Effective openings include asking questions, using vivid quotes, visual imagery, surprising facts, or background information. Introductions should be concise and avoid dictionary definitions, apologies, or outlining the entire argument. Conclusions should either look back at what was covered or look ahead to implications. When looking back, conclusions can restate the thesis, echo the introduction, or amplify key points. When looking forward, conclusions can call for action, speculate about the future, or summarize main ideas. Conclusions should be careful not to simply restate the thesis or assert more than what is supported.

Uploaded by

Amzat Abbas
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Writing Center

Bancroft 242

803-323-2138

Introductions and Conclusions


The introduction draws readers into the writers world and into her or his point of view. The first few sentences are important in creating a strong first impression. Here are several options to try. Be sure that the one you choose is appropriate to your subject: Ask a question or series of related questions. Use a vivid quotation. Use a visual image that represents your subject. Offer a surprising fact. Provide background. Use statistics. Here are some things to avoid. Dont: Reach too far back with generalities: Throughout human history. . ., or In todays society. . . . Refer back to the title of your essay in the first few sentences. Apologize for your opinion or your lack of knowledge. Start with The purpose of my essay is. . . or In this essay, I will . . . . Start with According to Websters. . . or a similar phrase leading to a dictionary definition. This kind of lead is overused. Be too complicated. The introduction should be simple and concise. Relate an incident or anecdote. Outline the argument your thesis refutes. Make an historical comparison or contrast. Outline a problem or dilemma. Define a word central to your thesis. State an opinion related to your thesis.

The conclusion finishes your essay and answers the So what? question. There are two broad types of conclusionsthose that look backward into the paper, and those that look forward. Looking backward: Echo the approach of the introduction or return to the lead sentence. Restate and amplify the thesis. Looking forward: Call for action on your topic. Recommend a specific course of action. Relate the subject to the futurespeculate. Strike a note of hope (perhaps for change). Summarize the key points. Use an especially compelling example.

Be careful to avoid the following in your conclusion. Dont: Simply restate your thesis! Assert more than you reasonably can based on your evidence. Start off in a completely new direction. Apologize for your essay or otherwise cast doubt on the point you are making.

This handout was created by tutor Eric Buswell. For more information, consult The Prentice Hall Reference Guide by Muriel Harris and Jennifer Kunka and The Little, Brown Handbook, 4th edition.

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