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!