Cohesive Introductions and Conclusions

Below are some of the things I like to do to make sure that my introductions and conclusions appear to be a cohesive unit.

1. Repeat key words, phrases, and topics. If I've brought up a point in my introduction, I like to go back to it in the conclusion. In the following example, you can see the key terms of "traditional gender roles" repeated, linking the two together.

• Introduction Sentence: Traditional gender roles seem to be supported by television advertisements.
• Conclusion Sentence: By analyzing, more closely, what we are watching on television, viewers can learn a great deal about modern stereotypes regarding traditional gender roles and the effect of such promotion in our culture.

2. Answer any unanswered questions. If I ask a question in my Introduction, I always refer back to that question and provide the answer in the Conclusion.

• Introduction Sentence: What effect does television advertising have on cultural differences?
• Conclusion Sentence: As exhibited, television advertising has a profound effect on the different perceptions of men and women, which can also effect the way the different sexes interact.

3. Maintain similar lengths. I like to keep my Introductions and Conclusions about the same length. If I have a 10 sentence Introduction, then I like to have a 8-12 sentence Conclusion. This tends to ensure that I am countering or re-stating everything I bring up in my Introduction.

Using a Question as an Attention-Grabber

Many people like to use a question to open their papers. This is one, of many, good ways to focus your introductory paragraph. There are positives and negatives, however, to doing this, so be sure that asking a question is right for your paper and your writing style.

Positive Aspects of Asking a Question:

• Questions engage the audience. They ask the audience members to associate the content of the paper with their own thoughts or personal lives.
• Questions address a controversy surrounding the content that you are going to be discussing.
• Questions acknowledge that there are a variety of viewpoints on your topic, and that it is more complex than the reader may assume.
• Questions allow readers to realize that there are other viewpoints that differ from their pre-existing opinion.

Negative Aspects of Asking Questions:

• Questions are often an overused method of Introduction. People expect them, so they do not actually peak a reader’s interest.
• Questions require you, as the writer, to ANSWER them. So, questions such as “have you tried a fad diet?” are not effective as they are open ended.
• Poorly chosen questions can alienate readers. If you ask, “have you ever considered getting a tattoo,” your reader may answer “no.” If this happens, you have limited who will continue to read your paper.
• Questions can derail you from giving the background information that you need. Your purpose in an Introduction Paragraph is to provide your readers with information that they will need to follow the rest of your essay. Asking a question does not actually provide any information, so you need to be careful not to get so wrapped up in your question that you forget the other purposes of the Introduction.