This document provides guidance on writing introductions and conclusions for essays. It discusses using attention-grabbing introduction starters like telling a short story or asking a question to prepare the reader for the topic. Conclusions should summarize the thesis and main supporting points, and can close with final thoughts or a challenge to the reader. Examples of introduction and conclusion starters are provided. The document emphasizes determining the topic, thesis, and supports before writing the introduction and conclusion.

1. WRITING INTRODUCTIONS AND
CONCLUSIONS
Karen Silvestri, Instructor
ENG 90

2. Introductions
The introduction
prepares the reader
your topic.

3. Introduction Starters
Tell a story: a short 3-4 sentence story that helps
prepare the reader for the topic of the essay.
Use an attention grabber: any statement that makes the
reader want to read more (sad, gross, scary, exciting)
Strong opinion: give an opinion that leads into your
thesis statement. Your goal is to make your reader want
to respond.

4. Introduction Starters
Ask a Question: ask a question that will make the
reader want to read on to find the answer.
State a Fact: state a fact relating to the topic that
shows the importance of your thesis statement.
Give a Statistic: give information meant to prove
that the thesis statement is correct

5. Examples of Introduction Starters
I will never forget when… (tell a story)
Many people would be shocked to learn that… (state a fact)
If I could go back in time, I never would have… (attention
grabber)
Statistics show that… (state a statistic)
You might be surprised to learn that… (state a statistic)
There is only one opinion an intelligent person can conclude
when… (strong opinion.
Did you know that….? Or Have you ever….? (ask a
question)

6. Conclusions
The conclusion does the same
thing as the introduction, but
rather than PREPARING the
reader for the topic, it
REVIEWS the topic.

7. Parts of a Conclusion
Summarize and restate the thesis
statement.
Review the 3 primary supporting details in
your essay.
Give final thoughts and opinions about the
topic.
Close the essay with a challenge to the
reader.

8. Conclusion starters
Surely….
As you can see…
It is clear that…
Without a doubt…
Most would agree that…
Certainly…
Clearly…
Obviously…
indeed

9. Putting it all together
Determine your topic and main idea.
Brainstorm at least 3 primary supporting details for the main
idea.
Write a strong thesis statement.
Write the body paragraphs (3 primary supports with
secondary support details)
Write the introduction AFTER you write your body
paragraphs!
Write the conclusion.
PROOFREAD for mechanics and MLA format!