AP English Language and Composition Flashcards: Introductions and conclusions that do real work
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the key element in an introduction that establishes the writer's position?
An effective introduction establishes the writer's position through a thesis statement or a claim.
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What is the key element in an introduction that establishes the writer's position?
An effective introduction establishes the writer's position through a thesis statement or a claim.
A writer begins an essay by establishing historical context and ends by stating the modern-day significance of their claim. What two essential functions are being demonstrated?
The introduction is engaging the audience by providing context, and the conclusion is stating the position's significance.
Beyond summarizing, what are two other strategic purposes a conclusion can serve?
A conclusion can serve to issue a call for action to the audience or to state the broader significance of the writer's position.
What is the intended effect on the reader when a conclusion revisits ideas from the introduction?
This technique creates a sense of unity and closure for the reader, making the entire argument feel cohesive and complete.
How can an introduction establish a writer's authority?
An introduction can establish a writer's credibility with the audience, positioning them as a knowledgeable source on the subject.
Identify two ways a conclusion can interact with the argument that has been presented.
A conclusion can either summarize the argument that has been made or it can amplify and comment on it.
What technique can a conclusion use to create a sense of unity for the reader?
An effective conclusion can create a sense of unity or closure by returning to the ideas that were first presented in the introduction.
If a conclusion returns to an idea from the introduction and then issues a call to action, what two key goals is it accomplishing?
The conclusion is creating a sense of unity or closure for the reader while also calling for a specific action based on the argument presented.
How does a thesis statement in the introduction contribute to the argument's line of reasoning?
By establishing the writer's position early on, the thesis statement provides a clear claim that the rest of the argument will logically support and develop.
What are two primary ways an introduction can engage an audience?
An introduction can engage an audience by providing necessary background information or by establishing the context for the topic being discussed.
What is the overall goal of an effective introduction and conclusion within an argument?
Both the introduction and conclusion should be effective on their own while also contributing to the overall line of reasoning of the argument.