Beginnings & Endings
Techniques for
crafting
effective
Introductions
and
Conclusions for
essays
The Introduction
The introduction to any essay
serves two purposes:
It gains the reader’s attention
It reveals the theme of the essay to the
reader; (the thesis statement does this.)
Attention Grabbers
There are several ways to grab the readers
attention, but some of the most effective
techniques are:
1. Contrary Opinion
2. Striking Statement
3. Anecdote
4. Quote
Any of these techniques can be
used to open up an essay, and
successfully draw in the reader.
Contrary Opinion
One way to begin a paper is to state the opposing
opinion and then transition to your thesis statement.
You state what the “misguided fools” believe, but
then you state your opinion in the form of your thesis
statement.
Example:
Contrary
Opinion
Some people think smoking makes them appear sophisticated
and mysterious, maybe even sexy. They see their favorite star
smoking in a movie, and they become a “star wanna be.” Those
Transition people, however, are wrong and foolish. Smoking is a disgusting
Thesis habit, messy, irritating to others, and harmful to everyone
within range of the second-hand smoke.
Striking Statement
Acting as though you are disturbed about
something is another way to hook your
reader.
Example:
Striking Statement Smokers are so inconsiderate. Their eagerness to
stain their teeth, coat their lungs with tar, and their
willingness to harm others around them with their
second-hand smoke, just proves their lack of
consideration.
Transition Smoking is a harmful habit. Let’s face the facts:
Thesis Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to others,
and definitely harmful to the nonsmoker within
range on the smoke.
Anecdote
Another way to lure your readers into your
writing is by telling an anecdote.
Example:
Anecdote He turned on the television. He settled back comfortably in his
recliner, and was instantly drawn to the sensuous woman in the
black and white movie. She batted her eyelashes at her leading
man, and then slowly lifted a lit cigarette to her lipsticked lips.
She whispered, provocatively, “ I like a Marlboro man.”
Transition For a few seconds the man watching was tempted to start
smoking again, but he quickly snapped back into reality, realizing
the absolute foolishness of his momentary lapse of reason.
Thesis Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to others, and definitely
harmful to the nonsmoker within range on the smoke.
Quote
Using a quote from a notable source is an effective
way to draw in your readers, and a valid way to give
strength and credibility to your thesis. Make sure to
cite correctly.
Example:
Quote “A cigarette is the only consumer product
which, when used as directed, kills its
consumer,” says Dr. Greg Harlem Brundtland.
Transition (cite here).
The fact that smoking kills people, is public
knowledge; there are still millions of people
that consciously choose to do this everyday.
Thesis Let’s face the facts:
Smoking is a disgusting habit, irritating to
others, and definitely harmful to the nonsmoker
within range on the smoke.
A
To your success:
* Keep audience and purpose in
mind when choosing a technique
of introduction. Provide
appropriate background
information to contextualize your
thesis for your audience.
The Conclusion
A conclusion should
bring your writing to
a logical and
memorable close,
leaving your readers
with something to
think about.
Your conclusion must:
Restate the theme/thesis without
repeating it word for word. Create a
new summary weaving together
your main ideas from your essay.
 End on a powerful note: the last
statement in your essay should be
powerful. . .It’s the last thing the
reader will remember, and it is what
they will take from your writing.
A
To your success:
Remember when revising that your
conclusion and introduction should
match. Your ideas may change as
you revise your essay, so make sure
the beginnings and endings still fit.
Some ways to successfully end
your essay include:
 Make a prediction.
 Ask a question
that provokes more
thought about your
topic.
 Use a quote.