8.4 Introductions and Conclusions

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Notes

The introduction draws readers in; the conclusion leaves them with a lasting thought.

Introduction: hook (question, surprising fact, short anecdote, vivid image), background (context), thesis.
Avoid weak hooks like dictionary definitions or "Since the beginning of time."
Conclusion: restate the thesis in new words, briefly sum up key points, end with significance ("so what?"), a call to action or a final insight.
Do not add brand-new evidence in the conclusion.
Example hook: "Every year, the average American throws away about 80 pounds of clothing."

Which is the most engaging hook for an essay about ocean plastic?

Which should NOT appear in a conclusion?

What comes between the hook and the thesis in an introduction?