This document provides guidance on writing effective introductions and conclusions for essays. It emphasizes that the introduction and conclusion are the "bread slices" that frame the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention without announcing the purpose. It should state the topic and include a clear thesis. The conclusion should restate the thesis and summarize main points while conveying completeness. It should not simply rehash the essay or include weakening language.

1. By: Husain Baaqel
ENC 1102
Kyle Stedman

2. Writing an Essay
The most important factors to consider when writing
an essay are a proper introduction and conclusion.
These two paragraphs are the backbone of the essay.
It’s sort of like a sandwich. The introduction and
conclusion symbolize the bread slices.

3. The Introduction!
First impressions are very important.
The first sentence of a paper sets the stage for a
lasting opinion.1
The start of the introduction should always grab the
reader’s attention.
When starting the introduction, do NOT blatantly
announce the purpose of the essay.2
Example: In this paper, I will….
1: Quoted from Grace Fleming’s “How to Write a Strong Introduction”
2: Adapted from- Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph.

4. Introduction Guidelines
When writing an introduction, important concepts to
keep in mind are:
Clearly state the subject being dealt with
State the narrow topic the paper is focusing on
End the introduction with a clear thesis by mentioning
the position being taken

5. The Dreaded Thesis Statement!
Coming up with a proper thesis statement can be
difficult.
To make this process simpler follow these simple
rules3
:
Make the thesis statement narrow, specific and clear
Do NOT promise any analysis or review on the topic
Try to find a specific argument to defend
Yes!: I will argue that the use of marijuana should be
legalized.
No!!: I wish to review the pros of making marijuana
legal.
3: Quoted from “How to write a structured essay”

7. Wrapping It Up
The conclusion provides the writer one last chance to
persuade the reader.
It should contain the restated thesis and a summary
of the main points.
The most important thing to remember is that the
conclusion should “convey a sense of completeness
and closure as well as a sense of the lingering
possibilities of the topic.”4
4: Harvard’s website on Writing a Conclusion

8. A Conclusion Should NOT…
Be a simple summary of the essay
Contain an apology for your position on the
argument
Allow readers the chance to question your stance on
the topic
Do not undercut your authority by using phrases such
as: “This is just one approach..” “It seems like…”
Begin with: “in conclusion,” “to conclude,” or “in
summary”5
5: Harvard's Website on Writing a Conclusion

9. In the end…
Using these simple
tips will help you
create effective
introduction and
conclusion
paragraphs which
will make your
essay flow.

10. "A Proper Introduction: Things NOT to do in an introductory paragraph." The Guide to
Grammar and Writing. Capital Community College Foundation. 29 Apr 2009
<http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/intros.htm>.
Bellanca, Pat. "Ending The Essay: Conclusions." Writing Center. 1998. Harvard University.
29 Apr 2009
<http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/Conclusions.html>.
Fleming, Grace. "The Introductory Paragraph: Start With a Great First Sentence."
About.com. 29 Apr 2009
<http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/introsentence.htm>.
"How to Write a Structured Essay." EastChance.com. 2000. 29 Apr 2009
<http://www.eastchance.com/howto/struct_es.asp>.