Getting Started
A strong argument needs a powerful first and last impression. This chapter focuses on crafting introductions and conclusions that do more than just start and stop your essay. They are the strategic frame for your entire line of reasoning, designed to engage your reader, establish your claim, and leave a lasting impact.
What You Should Be Able to Do
Write a clear, defensible thesis statement that establishes a line of reasoning.
Craft an introduction that provides context for your argument and engages your reader.
Develop a conclusion that synthesizes your argument and provides a sense of finality and importance.
Explain how an introduction and conclusion work together to frame an argument effectively.
Key Moves and Effects
The Introduction: Hooking the Reader and Stating Your Claim
The introduction is your opportunity to orient your reader and establish the foundation of your argument. It moves from a broad context to a specific, focused claim. Its primary goal is to present your thesis statement clearly and persuasively.
Claim and Thesis
Every argument is built upon a claim, which is a statement that requires proof or defense. It is not a fact but an assertion that can be debated. The most important claim in your essay is the thesis statement, the main, overarching claim that governs your entire argument.
A strong thesis must be defensible. This means it is not a simple statement of fact (e.g., "The internet exists") but an arguable position that you will support with evidence and reasoning (e.g., "The internet has made civil discourse more difficult").
Reasoning and Organization
Your thesis statement is also a tool for organization. It can—and often should—preview your line of reasoning, which is the sequence of claims you will use to defend your thesis. By outlining the main points your essay will cover, the thesis acts as a roadmap for your reader, making your argument easier to follow.
For example, a thesis like, "Mandatory community service in high school is beneficial because it builds character, teaches practical skills, and strengthens communities," clearly signals the three main sections of the argument to come.
Commentary
While the introduction doesn't contain the detailed evidence and analysis of your body paragraphs, it sets the stage for your commentary. Commentary is the analysis that explains how your evidence supports your claims and how those claims support your thesis. Your introduction establishes the logical connections that your commentary will later explore in depth.
The Conclusion: Synthesizing and Leaving an Impression
A conclusion is more than a summary; it is your final opportunity to convince the reader of your argument's validity and importance. It should provide a sense of closure while emphasizing the significance of your thesis.
Claim and Thesis
Instead of simply restating your thesis verbatim, a strong conclusion rephrases it with a new sense of authority. Having presented all your evidence, you can now state your main claim with greater confidence and nuance, reflecting the understanding you've built throughout the essay.
Reasoning and Organization
The conclusion's primary organizational task is to synthesize, not just summarize. It should weave together the main points of your line of reasoning, showing the reader how they logically connect and collectively prove your thesis. This reinforces the coherence of your argument.
Commentary
The conclusion is almost entirely commentary. It is where you answer the crucial "So what?" question. Why does your argument matter? What are its broader implications? This is where you explain the significance of your findings, connect your topic to a larger context, or suggest a course of action. This final layer of analysis elevates your argument from a simple academic exercise to a meaningful statement.
Data and Organization Tools
Use this matrix to plan the key components of your introduction and conclusion, ensuring they work together to frame your argument.
Argument Framing Matrix
| Component | Purpose in Introduction | Purpose in Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| The Hook | Grabs the reader's attention and introduces the topic's general scope. | (Not directly applicable; the argument has already been made.) |
| Context | Provides necessary background information to situate the specific argument. | Reconnects the argument to the broader context introduced at the start. |
| Thesis | States the main, defensible claim and often previews the line of reasoning. | Revisits and restates the thesis in a new, more conclusive way. |
| Synthesis & Implication | (Not applicable; the argument has not yet been made.) | Synthesizes the main points and explains the argument's larger significance. |
Introductory and Concluding Strategies
Here are several strategies you can use to make your introductions and conclusions more effective.
Anecdote: A brief, relevant personal story that illustrates a key aspect of the topic and makes it more relatable.
Rhetorical Question: A question posed to the reader not to elicit an answer, but to provoke thought and frame the issue.
Broad Context: Beginning with a general, universal statement about a relevant concept (e.g., "The pursuit of happiness is a foundational human desire...") to situate your specific topic.
Call to Action: A concluding strategy that urges the reader to take a specific action or change their perspective based on the strength of your argument.
Future Implication: A concluding move that speculates on the future consequences or importance of the issue, highlighting why it matters moving forward.
Bookending: A sophisticated technique where you return to an image, idea, or anecdote from the introduction in your conclusion to create a powerful sense of unity and closure.
Skill Snapshots
Here are three examples of how a claim can be developed into a thesis that previews a line of reasoning.
Simple Defensible Claim:
Claim: Uniforms should be required in public schools.
Evidence (Implied): The essay will provide various reasons why this is a good policy.
Commentary (Implied): The commentary will explain how those reasons justify the policy.
Thesis with Previewed Reasoning:
Claim: A mandatory school uniform policy is beneficial for public schools.
Evidence (Previewed): ...because it reduces socioeconomic tensions among students, simplifies morning routines for families, and fosters a more focused academic environment.
Commentary (Implied): The essay will dedicate a section to explaining the logic behind each of these three benefits.
Nuanced Thesis with Counterargument Acknowledgment:
Claim: While some argue that school uniforms stifle individuality, their benefits are more significant.
Evidence (Previewed): By promoting a sense of community and minimizing distractions related to apparel, uniforms ultimately create a more equitable and effective learning environment for all students.
Commentary (Implied): The commentary will not only explain the benefits but also address the potential downside (stifled individuality), showing a more complex understanding of the issue.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Misconception: An introduction is just "fluff" before you get to the thesis.
- Clarification: A strong introduction is a strategic move. It provides essential context and engages the reader, making them more receptive to your argument before you even state it.
Misconception: A conclusion is just a summary that repeats your main points.
- Clarification: A weak conclusion is a summary. A strong conclusion synthesizes your points—showing how they fit together—and explains the argument's broader significance, answering the "So what?" question.
Misconception: The thesis must always be the very last sentence of the introduction.
- Clarification: While placing the thesis at the end of the introduction is a common and effective structure, it is not a rigid rule. The most important thing is that the thesis is stated clearly and serves as the controlling idea for the entire essay.
Misconception: You should always start an essay with a famous quotation.
- Clarification: This can be a cliché if not used thoughtfully. A more effective hook is often one that is directly and originally tied to your specific argument, such as a surprising observation, a relevant anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.
Summary
Your introduction and conclusion are the pillars that support your entire argument. They do more than simply begin and end your essay; they provide a crucial frame that guides your reader's understanding. An effective introduction establishes your credibility and sets a clear direction with a defensible, focused thesis statement. A powerful conclusion synthesizes your line of reasoning and leaves a lasting impression by explaining why your argument matters in a broader context. Mastering these two parts of the essay will make your writing more persuasive, coherent, and memorable.