Introductions / Conclusions

Introductions, Conclusions:

Both are incredibly important to your writing.

You might try writing the body of the paper first and then coming back to the intro and conclusion.

What an introduction does it sets the tone of the piece and prepares the reader to enter the writer’s thoughts.

Common Approaches to Introductions:

• Begin with a famous quote.
• Controversial issue or common debate.
• From a general topic to a specific topic.
• Use an anecdote or illustration.  Set the stage with a specific story.
• Ask the reader a question. Be careful to not over use.
• This approach is used most but people do not seem to understand that it throws their credibility out the window. Rather than making convincing statements you are now asking the reader to answer your questions for you.
• Come right out and state your thesis directly to the reader.

A conclusion can be viewed as an introduction in reverse, or a bridge back to reality.

• It will have a summary in addition to:
• A call for action
• A call for further research
• The significance of the topic.
• Dramatic flourish.
• Offers a solution or a recommendation.
• An Anecdote or brief story to paint the picture again for the reader.
• A Quotation to drive your point home with the reader from a person of authority.
• A provocative question that makes the reader leave the writing questioning; this allows the reader to come up with their own answers.
• Speculation of what might happen if issues remain unresolved.

Remember, it is the final thought the reader will be left with from your paper so make it count.

Make your point quick and concise.