Writing Skills: Introductions and Conclusions

Introductions

   •Why are they important?

   •What do they look like?

    Good Introductions :

•Show that you know what you are talking about and that you are going to complete the task.

•Are clear, concise (8-9%of total number of words) and well structured (YOUR PLAN).

•Show evidence that you have carried out some research – refer to at least one of the sources.

Poor introductions:

•Are ‘woolly / flowery’

•Include too much background/ historical information      

•Are too long

•Non existent!

How do write it:

Include a ‘topic sentence’ that shows the main point of your writing

•e.g. “…will examine the arguments for and against Donald Trump as president of the USA”

What is the MAIN AIM of the writing (blog, article, review, guide)?

e.g. to advise, argue ,suggest, inform, compare and contrast, describe, discuss the pros and cons etc.

 Use the same or very similar wording as in the question, do make it clear.

What is the purpose of a conclusion?

A conclusion:

• wraps up your writing, provides the reader with a sense of closure on the topic

• demonstrates to the reader that you accomplished what you set out to do

How to conclude effectively

• Use a linking phrase such as In conclusion or To conclude

        • Never write any new ideas in your conclusion

• Make sure that you answer the question

• Vary your language – just because you are restating the points you have already made in the main text it doesn’t mean you use the same language, paraphrase!

       • Don’t try and include everything, just summarise your main points

• Always write one, even if short on time. Two sentences are enough, make sure you write one.

•A conclusion is the opposite of an introduction

   •An Introduction begins general and ends specific

   •A Conclusion begins specific and moves to the general