Creating Effective Introductions and Conclusions Quick Ideas

From Harbrace College Handbook, 12th ed. pp. 372-75 Introductions From Harbrace College Handbook, 12th ed. pp. 372-75

Effective Introductions Arouse the reader’s interest Indicate the subject and tone of the composition Usually contain a thesis sentence Have no set length (can be as brief as a couple of sentences or as long as a couple of paragraphs determined by the size of the entire essay) Appear first in the essay Can be written anytime during the writing process

How to Arouse the Reader’s Interest Start with an interesting fact or unusual detail or Use an arresting statement or Use an anecdote or Use a question or Start with a quotation or Open with an illustration or Give general information as background or Simply state your thesis

What to Avoid with Introductions No dictonary definitions No “Webster’s defines blank as ….” kind of introductions

Special Tips for You as Writer Present yourself positively by explaining your experience Establish your credibility Establish your good will

Conclusions From Harbrace College Handbook, 12 ed. Pp. 376-77

Effective Conclusions Often summarize the main points May encourage the reader to take action May encourage the reader to further though on the subject

How to Handle Conclusions Conclude with a rephrasing of the thesis or Direct the reader’s interest to larger issues or Encourage readers to change their attitudes or Encourage readers to alter their actions or Conclude with a summary of the main points covered or Refer in some way to the introduction

The Final Word on Conclusions Whatever strategy you choose, bear in mind that readers may be wondering, “So what?” Your conclusion should respond to that concern, even if only in a sentence or two.