Introductions & conclusions

Role of Introductions and Conclusions

  • Introductions and conclusions are key parts of an argumentative paper. They hold your arguments and evidence together to convince the reader.

  • Their aims are to:

    • Clearly state your position.

    • Make sure the reader is convinced.

    • Mark the start and end of your discussion.

Mirror-Image Design

  • Introductions and conclusions share similar information but in reverse order.

  • Introduction: Catchy start (Hook)

    • Background from sources

    • Recognizing other views

    • Your main point (Thesis)

    • Listing your arguments (Criteria Outline).

  • Conclusion: Summary of arguments

    • Main point repeated

    • Ending sentence (showing lasting importance).

  • This reverse order helps strengthen the main ideas so the reader understands them clearly.

Parts of an Introduction

  • Hook Sentence

    • This sentence starts your essay. It ties your topic to your main argument and draws the reader in.

    • Good example: “Media has greatly increased society's familiarity with superheroes since Marvel and DC began.”

    • This connects the topic (superheroes) to its wider cultural importance.

  • Introduction to Literature or Sources

    • Briefly place your topic within what has already been written or discussed.

  • Acknowledging Other Views & Perspectives

    • Shows you are aware of different opinions.

    • This is crucial for showing deep thought and preparing to respond to counter-arguments.

  • Thesis Statement

    • This is your clear, arguable point, built from research evidence.

  • Outline of Criteria

    • Criteria are the main points you will use to prove your thesis; they show how your body paragraphs will be organized.

Parts of a Conclusion

  • Transition Sentence

    • This sentence shows the paper is ending and leads from your last argument back to your main point.

    • Strong example: “Ultimately, superheroes have shown to be very important to society through the positive roles they play.”

  • Restatement of Thesis

    • State your main point again, but use different words; this strengthens your central claim.

  • Reminder of Criteria & How They Support Thesis

    • Briefly summarize how each of your main points helped support your argument.

  • Statement of Ongoing Importance / Broader Implications

    • A final sentence connecting your paper's main idea to its continued importance.

Creating Strong Hook & Transition Sentences

  • Good Hook

    • Guides the reader from a general topic to your specific argument.

  • Bad Hook

    • Avoid vague questions (e.g., “Have you ever thought about why superheroes are popular now?”) These questions can make the reader lose focus on your topic.

  • Good Transition

    • Summarizes previous arguments and reconnects them to your main point.

  • Bad Transition

    • Avoid general, unsupported statements (e.g., “In conclusion, superheroes are good for society.”).

  • The quality of hooks and transitions sets excellent papers apart from average ones.

Things to Avoid in Hooks & Transitions

  1. Quotes: They can distract and need more explanation.

  2. Rhetorical Questions: They let the reader think freely, weakening your argument's authority.

  3. Definitions or Common Knowledge: Your audience likely already knows these basic facts.

  4. First-Person Pronouns (“I”): An argumentative paper should show objective judgment, not personal opinion.

  5. New, Big Ideas: Do not introduce new, unproven ideas in your conclusion; no new information is allowed.

Understanding Different Viewpoints

  • This shows thoughtful analysis (in English) or a full review of groups involved (in Social Studies).

  • Examples of different views on superheroes:

    • Critics: They believe superheroes have flaws or use their powers incorrectly.

    • Those who disagree: They question the heroes' moral choices (challenging Stan Lee's ideas).

    • Bystanders: Property and lives are harmed during hero–villain battles.

  • Benefit: These views can be argued against to make your main point stronger.

Keeping Thesis & Criteria Consistent

  • Your main point and main ideas must exactly match what your teacher approved.

  • They should be clearly placed in both your introduction and conclusion, without big changes.

Writing Style: Stay Objective and Use Third Person

  • Keep a formal, third-person voice throughout your paper.

  • Present your main point as a judgment based on evidence, not just your personal choice.

Key Steps / Checklist

  • Before writing:

    • Decide on your main point (thesis) and 2–4 main ideas (criteria).

    • Collect different viewpoints to mention.

  • Writing the Introduction:

    • Create a strong hook (avoid quotes or questions).

    • Briefly mention related books or background.

    • Recognize opposing views.

    • State your thesis clearly and objectively.

    • Preview your main ideas.

  • Writing the Conclusion:

    • Start by briefly summarizing your main ideas.

    • State your thesis again using new words.

    • End with a sentence showing why your topic is still important—do not use overused phrases or new claims.

  • Final Check:

    • Remove all uses of “I” and questions.

    • Make sure no new evidence appears after the main parts of your paper.

Ethical and Thoughtful Points

  • Your role as the writer: You should guide the reader, not give up control by asking open-ended questions.

  • Academic honesty: Focus on your own analysis, not just on quotes from others.

Real-World Usefulness

  • Good introductions and conclusions influence public opinion, plans for action, and any message designed to persuade.

  • These skills are useful in speeches, reports, and work documents, where first and last impressions significantly affect how trustworthy you appear.