Introductions & Conclusions

The book ends of a paper, the introduction and conclusion should be powerful and effectively written. 

Introductions

Most importantly, introductions should introduce your paper. Sounds simple, right? But often, students will use the introduction to summarize the topics they will expand in the body of their paper. Here are some things to do instead:

Set context:

• give some general background information
• set up a “map” of what the paper will discuss
• include any information a reader might need to know before reading your paper

State importance:

• explain why the topic is important
• create interest in the topic
• compel the audience to read further

State the thesis:

• state your argument/stance
• discuss your research questions

Your introduction should give your reader a clear idea of what to expect from your paper; however, you should not summarize the ideas that you will explain later. Instead, introduce these ideas—give your readers the context and background information they need in order to understand what you will say later.

Conclusions

The conclusion is very similar to the introduction in that it gives a general overview of what has been discussed. This does not mean, however, that you should summarize what was in the rest of the paper.

Your conclusion should:

• tie up any loose ends not confronted in the body of the paper
• provide the reader takeaway (the message you want to leave your readers with)
• provide a larger context for your paper (how does this paper fit into a larger conversation?)
• reinforce the thesis/main purpose of the paper

Contributor: Jessica Ross