Writing introductory, transitional, and concluding paragraphs

Introductory paragraphs, concluding paragraphs, and transitional paragraphs have special roles in an essay/composition. Introductions prepare a reader for the topical paragraphs that follow, conclusions bring the topical paragraphs to a close for a reader, and transitional paragraphs help the reader move through complex material. Generally, special paragraphs are shorter than topical paragraphs.

Introductory paragraphs

In informative and persuasive writing, an introductory paragraph prepares readers for what lies ahead. For this reason, your introduction must relate clearly to the rest of your sentence. If it points in one direction and your essay goes of in another, your reader will be confused—and may even stop reading.

An introductory paragraph often includes an introductory device to lead into the central idea and to stimulate interest. To be effective, an introductory device must relate to the composition’s central idea and to the material in the topical paragraphs.

Here are some devices for introductory paragraphs:

Provide relevant background information.

Tell an interesting brief story or anecdote.

Give a pertinent statistic or statistics.

Make a stimulating statement.

Ask a stimulating question or questions.

Use an appropriate quotation.

Make a useful analogy.

Define a term used throughout the composition.

Here are things to avoid in introductory paragraphs:

Don't be too obvious. Avoid statements like “In this essay I will be talking about the cause and effects of bullying.”

Don't apologize. Avoid self-critical statements such as “I do not have much background in this subject” or “I am not sure if I am right, but here is my opinion.”

Don't use overworn expressions. Avoid empty statements like “All you need is love” or “Haste makes waste.”

Transitional paragraphs

A transitional paragraph usually consists of one or two sentences that help the reader move from one major point to another in long composition.

Concluding paragraphs

In informative and persuasive writing, a conclusion brings discussion to a logical and graceful end. Too abrupt an ending leaves your reader suddenly cut off, and a conclusion that is merely tracked onto an essay does not give a reader a sense of completion. In contrast, an ending that flows gracefully and sensibly from what has come before it reinforces tour ideas and increases the impact of your composition.

Here are common ways to conclude a composition:

Use the devices suggested in writing introductory paragraphs—but avoid using the same device in the introduction and conclusion of an essay.

Summarize the main points of an essay.

Point toward the future.

What to avoid in writing concluding remarks:

Don't go off the track. Avoid introducing an entirely new idea or adding a fact that belongs in the body of a composition.

Do not merely reword your introduction. Also do not simply list the main idea in each topic sentence or restate your main topic. While a summary can refer to those points, it must tie them into what was covered in the composition. If the introduction and conclusion are interchangeable, you need to revise.

Don't announce what you have done. Avoid statements such as “In this paper I have tried to show the main causes for the drop in oil prices.

Don't use absolute claims. Avoid statements such as “This proves that…” or “If we take this action, the problem will be solved.” Always qualify your message with expressions such as “This seems to prove…” or “If we take this action, we will be working toward a solution of the problem.”

Don’t apologize. Avoid casting doubt on your material by making statements such as “I may not have thought of all the arguments, but…”

REFERENCE:

Gordon, Emily R, and Lynn Quitman Troyka. 1993. Simon & Schuster Workbook For Writers. Englewood Cliffs,

N.J.: Prentice Hall.