Introductions and Conclusions

It is almost impossible to draft a perfect introduction, thesis statement, or conclusion on the first try. Leave time to write, revise, and edit, which will lead to more effective writing. It is also a good idea to get feedback from others and then ensure that the message and tone are clear.

Introductions

An introduction is the writer’s opportunity to make a strong first impression. It should identify what the paper will be about and capture the reader’s attention. An introduction may also include the thesis statement.

An Introduction Should

Focus the reader’s attention on the subject and arouse curiosity
Specify the topic
Provide the thesis statement
Be concise

Writers do not have to draft the introduction first; doing so can make the writing process more difficult. Many writers draft the introduction last to ensure that it accurately reflects the content of the paper.

Getting Started: Effective Introduction Strategies

Good Strategies

Provide relevant background
Ask a question
Relate an interesting story
Use a vivid quotation
Offer a surprising statistic
Outline a problem or dilemma
Define a word central to the subject
Start with a general point and become more specific
Challenge a commonly held idea

Avoid

Purpose statements such as “My paper will…”
Apologies
Clichés (for example, “A day late and a dollar short”)
Disregarding the instructor’s preferences (questions, point of view, tone)
Introductions that are too long or too short
Introductions that do not match the paper

Thesis Statements

According to A Writer’s Reference, “An effective thesis statement is a central idea that conveys your purpose, or reason for writing, and that requires support.” A strong thesis asserts a debatable position, uses clear and specific language, remains focused without being too narrow or too vague, and matters to the audience (the “so what?” test).

A thesis statement often indicates the order in which evidence will appear in the paper.

Writers should begin with a central question about the topic and then answer that question in a single sentence.

Example:

Question: Do violent lyrics cause teenagers to commit violent acts?

Answer: Research shows that most violence among teenagers is caused by home situations or mental and emotional disorders.

Thesis Statement: While many people believe that violent lyrics cause teenagers to act out, research shows that violence is more often caused by living conditions or emotional disorders.

For additional guidance, see A Writer’s Reference (pp. 86–89) and related Writing Center handouts on thesis statements.

Conclusions

A conclusion completes an essay and assures readers that the writer’s purpose and ideas have been clearly communicated. A strong conclusion often restates the thesis in different words or from a fresh perspective. Effective conclusions may echo the introduction but should use a different strategy.

Getting Started: Effective Conclusion Strategies

Good Strategies

Summarize the essay’s main points
Urge awareness or action
Look to future implications of the topic
Conclude an interesting story
Ask a thought-provoking question
Use a quotation to reinforce the thesis
Outline a problem or dilemma
Redefine a key term
Make a recommendation

Avoid

Announcing statements such as “My paper has proven that…”
Repeating the introduction word for word
Clichés
Disregarding the instructor’s preferences
Introducing new ideas not discussed in the paper
Absolutes or sweeping generalizations
Logical fallacies
Apologies

Essay Titles

A strong title helps the writer stay focused while drafting and tells the reader what to expect. Effective titles are both interesting and informative.

Consider using a creative title paired with an informative subtitle (for example, “‘Jive’n and Survivin’: The Poetry of Langston Hughes”).

Draft titles early rather than at the last minute.
Brainstorm key words and ideas from the essay to generate title options.
Decide whether to use a direct title (clearly states the topic), an indirect title (suggests the topic), or a combination of both.
Avoid titles that are too broad or vague to clarify the focus of the essay.