Introductions & Conclusions

A strong introduction

An introduction usually moves from a broader topic towards a more specific focus.

It can:

• introduce the issue
• provide necessary context
• identify the specific debate or question
• present the thesis

You do not need a dramatic opening for every essay. Clarity is more important than trying to sound impressive.

Avoid empty openings

Sentences such as:

Since the beginning of time, humans have always had different opinions.

sound broad but communicate very little.

It is usually better to begin directly with the actual issue.

A strong conclusion

A conclusion should answer the question:

What does the essay as a whole show?

It can:

• return to the thesis
• synthesise the main arguments
• explain the broader significance
• end with a reasonable final implication

Do not simply repeat yourself

The conclusion should return to your argument without copying the exact sentences from the introduction.

Introduction

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in education, creating both opportunities and concerns. While some schools have responded by trying to restrict AI tools, banning them entirely ignores the role such technology is likely to play in students’ future studies and careers. Schools should therefore teach students how to use AI critically and responsibly rather than attempting to eliminate it from education.

Conclusion

AI creates genuine challenges for assessment and academic honesty, but prohibition alone is unlikely to solve them. By teaching students to evaluate AI-generated information, acknowledge its use and understand its limitations, schools can respond to the technology without ignoring it. Responsible use is therefore a more sustainable goal than a complete ban.

The conclusion returns to the same position but develops it rather than copying the thesis word for word.

Introduction

1. Introduce the specific topic.
2. Give only the context the reader needs.
3. Narrow the discussion towards your focus.
4. End with a clear thesis or central idea.

Conclusion

1. Return to the central argument.
2. Bring the main reasoning together.
3. Explain what follows from the discussion.
4. Finish without adding a major new argument.

Weak opening: “Nowadays, social media is a big thing.”

Better: “Social media platforms have become an important source of news for many young people.”

Weak conclusion: “That is why I think school uniforms are good.”

Better: Bring the major reasons together and explain what they demonstrate.

Weak conclusion: A new statistic appears for the first time.

Better: Important evidence belongs in the body of the essay.

Which sentence works best as the final sentence of an argumentative essay supporting free public transport for young people?

• A. Another issue is that buses sometimes arrive late.
• B. Public transport was invented a long time ago.
• C. Making public transport more accessible to young people would therefore be an investment not only in mobility, but also in greater independence and participation in society.
• D. I have now explained my arguments.

Answer: C. It returns to the argument and ends with its broader significance without introducing an unrelated new point.

• Introductions establish focus and direction.
• Get to the actual topic instead of using empty general statements.
• A thesis often belongs near the end of the introduction.
• Conclusions bring the argument together.
• Do not introduce important new evidence in the conclusion.