1. Creating Effective Introductions and Conclusions
Quick Ideas

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. Conclusions
From Harbrace College Handbook, 12 ed. Pp

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

9. 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

10. 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.