Research Writing: Open and Close With Power

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Start Strong: Writing an Introduction

The introduction is your paper's grand entrance. It sets the tone, captures the reader's attention, and makes them want to keep reading.

A solid introduction includes the following.

The hook is your opening line. It could be a shocking or surprising fact, a brief anecdote or scene, a powerful question, or a relevant quote.

A transition bridges the gap between your hook and your thesis. This gives a little context and starts pointing your reader toward your main idea.

Your thesis statement is the heart of your entire paper. It clearly states your position or claim and often previews the major points you'll cover. It belongs at the end of your introduction.

Sample Introduction

Hook: More than 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year."

Transition: "This ongoing crisis threatens marine life, the environment, and even human health."

Thesis: "Plastic pollution is a global emergency that requires immediate action through policy reform, innovative recycling solutions, and public education."

End Strong: Writing a Conclusion

Think of your conclusion like the final scene in a movie.

• What do you want your audience to walk away thinking or feeling?

A strong conclusion includes the following.

Restate your thesis but in a new way. Remind your reader what your paper has proven.

Briefly summarize your key points to revisit your main ideas quickly, but don't repeat yourself.

Provide a final thought or challenge to leave the reader with something new to consider. You might connect your topic to a broader issue, suggest action or change, offer a powerful quote or statistic, reflect personally, or raise a thought-provoking question.

Sample Conclusion

Restated Thesis: "Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue—it's a human one."

Summary: "Through policy changes, technology, and awareness, we can slow the tide of waste."

Final Thought: "If we act now, future generations might look back and wonder how we ever let plastic rule the seas."

Tips to Keep in Mind

Your introduction and conclusion should reflect each other—start with an idea and bring it full circle.

Avoid phrases like "In this paper I will…" or "To conclude…"—they weaken your writing.

Don't introduce new facts or sources in your conclusion.

Stay original—this is your voice and your moment to shine.

You've made it to the final chapter of your paper's journey.

Now, head to the Got It? section to review what you've learned and practice your new skills before writing your own powerful beginning and end.