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 confusedand 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 compositions 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 paragraphsbut 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.

Dont 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.