Introductions & Conclusions

Introductions and conclusions are important components of any academic paper. Introductions and conclusions should also be included in non-academic writing, such as emails, webpages, or business and technical documents. 

The following provides information on how to write introductions and conclusions in both academic and non-academic writing. 

Introductions for academic papers

An introduction is the first paragraph of your paper. The goal of your introduction is to let your reader know the topic of the paper and what points will be made about the topic. The thesis statement that is included in the introduction tells your reader the specific purpose or main argument of your paper. These can be achieved by taking your introduction from "general" to "specific."

Think of an introduction paragraph in an academic paper as an upside-down triangle, with the broadest part on top and the sharpest point at the bottom. It should begin by providing your reader a general understanding of the overall topic. The middle of the introduction should narrow down the topic so your reader understands the relevance of the topic and what you plan to accomplish in your paper. Finally, direct your reader to your main point by stating your thesis clearly. 

By moving from general subject to specific thesis, your audience will have a more concrete understanding of what your paper will focus on. 

1. General

   This refers to the broader topic you will address in your paper and its significance for the reader. For example, it might let your reader know you are writing about "climate change." Example: Climate change caused by humans is having a drastic effect on the world. 

2. Narrowing

   This is where you guide your reader to see your purpose for this particular paper. These sentences should give the reader an idea of what the context is for the topic. For example, it's not that you want to merely discuss climate change in general, but instead want to discuss the effects on yearly temperatures and how citizens can act. Example: However, the damage is not only affecting glaciers and rivers. Temperatures are starting to noticeable shift in cities and neighborhoods that have been otherwise consistent for centuries. Addressing the issue may require challenging decisions by individuals who have grown comfortable with their lifestyles and my be unaware of how their choices contribute to climate change. 

3. Specific

   This is where you narrow the focus to your argument, or your Thesis Statement. It is no longer about "climate change" or "human action," for example, but taking the argument all the way to your specific point. Example: While it has long been convenient to ignore how small changes may have a compounding effect on slowing climate change, it is vital to consider the extent to which measures such as eliminating single-use plastics can provide meaningful help. 

Sample Academic Introduction

Introductions for non-academic writing (emails, webpages, business and technical documents, etc.)

Introduction paragraphs are also used in non-academic writing, but these introductions take on a different format. Rather than developing a fully developed paragraph of 5 or more sentences, these introductions are much shorter in length and they go directly to the main point or the specific information or purpose for the written communication.

When writing an introduction for an email, business or technical document, or webpage, keep the following principles in mind:

• State the specific point or purpose as early as possible. In some communications, you may need to introduce the topic in the first sentence, but in others where the topic may be included in the subject line or the title of the document, you may not need to open by presenting the overall topic.
• Keep the paragraph short and direct. It can be a single sentence or just a few but avoid using more than 4 sentences.

Examples of introductions for non-academic writing can be seen in our sample letter or memo, sample business report, and sample online article/webpage.

Conclusions for academic papers

An academic conclusion paragraph reminds your reader of the main points of your paper and summarizes the “take away” or significance of the conversation.

Think of your conclusion as an upside-down introduction paragraph. Returning to the triangle analogy from academic introductions:

1. Specific

   Begin with your rephrased thesis statement to remind your reader of the point of your paper. Since it is the specific point you aimed to support, it is the best way to begin a conclusion. Example: While no single action is going to reverse centuries of unregulated degradation to the atmosphere, something as minor as lessening societal reliance on plastic appears to be a reasonable first step toward progress.

2. Broadening

   Summarize the points you made in your paper and show how they support your argument; tie all the pieces of your paper together. This is how you broaden the scope of your thesis one last time. Example: Reducing the greenhouse emissions will play a huge part in keeping our atmosphere balanced from a climate perspective. The extent to which such factors help will have a direct correlation to the sacrifices citizens of the world are willing – and able – to make. Over time, small changes such as this may add up to a restored consistency in the climate, fewer natural disasters, healthier water, and happier people.

3. General

   Tell your reader what the significance of your argument might be. Why is the discussion important? Do you want your reader to think differently, question something, or perform some action? Make a recommendation of what your reader should "do" with the information you just gave them, or share the importance of the topic. This is where you look into the general future, hoping your reader can take something from your paper. Ex: Whether such seismic shifts in societal behaviors are feasible is a separate discussion, but the evidence suggests that doing so could lead to a future where it can be said that climate change was solved, not made worse, by humans.

Sample Academic Conclusion

Conclusions for non-academic writing (emails, webpages, business and technical documents, etc.)

Similar to introductions for non-academic writing, the conclusion paragraph will be shorter in length and will not include the same content as an academic conclusion paragraph.

When writing a conclusion for an email, business or technical document, or webpage, keep the following principles in mind:

• Do not summarize the points made in the body of the writing unless you have created a lengthy document (more than 3 or 4 pages).
• Keep the paragraph short and direct. It can be a single sentence or just a few but avoid using more than 4 sentences.
• Include any call-to-action for your reader, any next steps for them to take, or any action you plan to take.

Examples of conclusions for non-academic writing can be seen in our sample letter or memo, sample business report, and sample online article/webpage.