Introduction
And
Conclusion
A
research paper is a
formal academic document
written after spending an extended
amount of time researching a particular
subject.
 Research papers should follow a specific
format, which includes an introduction,
body, conclusion, and works cited page.
 The
research paper introduction is one
of the most important parts of the
research paper because it
• introduces readers to the topic of the paper
• provides background information about the
topic
• The research paper introduction contains the
thesis statement for the entire research paper,
which should be included in the first or last
paragraph of the introduction.
 Effective
introductions are formatted like
an inverted pyramid
• general information at the beginning
• specific information at the end
• In fact, all sections of research papers should be
formatted in the inverted pyramid style in order
to write a paper that flows well.
 Introductions merely introduce the topic
• Do NOT explain your findings in detail
• the body of the paper gives details and explanations
to support the introduction and thesis
 Introductions do not introduce new info
• the body is to introduce new info and ideas
• merely give background information and explain
why the content in the paper is important.
• All ideas presented in the introduction should be
general.
 The
introduction catches the attention of the
reader and gets them "turned on" about the
subject.
 It sets the stage for the paper and puts your
topic in perspective.
 It often contains dramatic and general
statements about the topic.
 It sets the tone for the rest of the paper –
your voice!
 When writing the introduction, put yourself
in your reader's position - would you
continue reading?
 It
is the focal point of your research.
 It is just one sentence (with several paragraphs
of elaboration).
 Example of a Thesis Statement:
"The frequency of job layoffs is creating
fear, anxiety, and a loss of productivity in
middle management workers.”
• The three body sections are clearly introduced
in the Thesis Statement.
 The
conclusion of the research paper is the
most valuable single part of it.
 All the material you have gathered means
nothing to your reader until you present the
conclusion you have reached as a result of
your research.
 Although no actual new information is
usually introduced in the concluding
paragraphs, the conclusion is the only
"original" contribution you offer in your
paper.
 Restate
your thesis and show what the
material you have presented adds up to.
 Analyze and evaluate your main points
for your reader; also consider the
consequences and general implications
of them to your conclusion.
 The conclusion should be a strong
recapitulation of your major ideas.
During the Middle Ages in Europe and
the Middle East there was much armed
conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Christians called these conflicts the
Crusades because they were fighting under
the sign of the cross to save the holy lands of
the Bible from being desecrated by nonChristians. However, the true reason for
fighting for these lands was less than
holy. It was mainly a desire for economic
gain that prompted the Christian leaders
to send soldiers to fight in the Holy Land.
Teenagers in many American cities have been
involved in more gangs in the last five years than
ever before. These gangs of teens have been
committing a lot of violent crimes. The victims of
these crimes are both gang members and people
outside of gangs. Many people do not want to travel
to areas in our cities because of the danger from
this problem. For this terrible situation to stop, it
is going to take a combined effort on the part of
many to end this crisis in our society : excellent,
supervised after-school programs; more jobs
available for teens; and the development of
healthy family relationships.

The problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated,
although it will take time, money, and a combined effort on
the part of many. Organized, free, after-school programs such as:
sports teams and games; art, music, and drama activities;
internships in local area businesses and professional
organizations; and interesting volunteer activities in the
community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits
outside of school hours. More job opportunities for teens,
especially those funded by state and local programs, would offer
income for teens as well as productive work for the community.
Outreach to families through schools, community organizations,
and places of worship would help promote inter-generational
activities that could improve family closeness, helping teens to
work on their problems at the family level, instead of taking them
to the streets. If these programs can be implemented, we will
surely see a decrease in teen gang activity and safer streets and
neighborhoods for us all.