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.