Writing Introductions and Conclusions

The first and last things a scorer reads carry a lot of weight. A clear introduction tells the reader where you are headed; a clean conclusion leaves them sure of your judgment. Neither needs to be long or fancy — they just need to do their jobs. A few reliable moves make both easy to write under time pressure.

An introduction briefly frames the issue and states your thesis; a conclusion restates your judgment and closes the essay without adding new evidence. Together they are the frame around your argument — short, focused, and pointing at the same conclusion.

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Writing the Introduction

A strong introduction is short — two to four sentences is plenty. Open by naming the issue the two passages argue about, so the reader knows the topic. Then state your thesis: which passage is better supported and why. You do not need a dramatic hook or a dictionary definition; you need clarity. A simple pattern works well: one sentence introducing the debate, then your thesis. For example, “The two passages disagree about whether cities should ban cars downtown. Passage A makes the stronger case because it uses traffic data and expert opinion, while Passage B relies on personal frustration.” That is a complete, effective introduction. It orients the reader and makes a promise your body paragraphs will keep.

Writing the Conclusion

A conclusion wraps up; it does not open new doors. Restate your judgment in fresh words — remind the reader which passage is better supported and briefly why. Then stop. The most common conclusion mistake is introducing a brand-new piece of evidence or a new argument in the final lines; save all evidence for the body. Two or three sentences are enough: sum up your reasoning and give the essay a sense of ending. A pattern that works: restate the winning side, name the main reason it won, and close with a short final thought about why strong evidence matters. Keep it calm and confident. You are not arguing anymore — you are signing your name to the argument you already made.

Watch: A Short Video Lesson

Triple A English gives a clear overview to go with this lesson:

A Routine for Framing the Essay

1. Open by naming the issue the passages debate.
2. End the introduction with your thesis.
3. Restate your judgment in the conclusion using fresh words.
4. Add no new evidence in the conclusion.

Practice

1. What two things should an introduction do?
2. How long should the introduction be?
3. Do you need a dramatic hook? Why or why not?
4. What should a conclusion restate?
5. What is the most common conclusion mistake?
6. How long should a conclusion be?

Answers

1. Name the issue and state the thesis.
2. Two to four sentences.
3. No — clarity matters more than a hook.
4. Your judgment about which passage is better supported.
5. Adding new evidence or a new argument.
6. Two or three sentences.

Where This Fits in Your RLA Prep

Your introduction depends on writing a focused thesis, and the paragraphs between the frame come from strong body paragraphs. See every topic on the Language Arts Prep Hub.

Recommended Prep Books

Keep building momentum with a full study guide and practice tests:

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