How to Write Introductory & Concluding Paragraphs

​Every great piece of writing begins with a strong introduction and ends with a memorable conclusion. These two sections are your chance to grab your reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're crafting an essay, a blog post, or a story, mastering these paragraphs will make your writing shine.

Let’s break down how to write an effective introduction and conclusion, with examples to guide you every step of the way

How to Write an Introductory Paragraph

The introduction is like the opening scene of a movie—it sets the tone and draws your audience in. A good introduction answers these three questions:

• What is this about?
• Why should I care?
• What will I learn or discover?

Here’s the basic structure of an introduction:

1. Start with a Hook: Grab the reader’s attention with something interesting. This could be:

• A question: “Have you ever wondered why some people are natural-born leaders?”
• A surprising fact: “Did you know that honey never spoils, even after thousands of years?”
• A short anecdote: “When I was seven, I learned a powerful lesson from losing my first spelling bee.”
• A bold statement: “Every decision you make shapes your future more than you realize.”

2. Provide Context: Give a brief explanation of the topic to set the stage for your writing.
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3. State Your Main Point (Thesis Statement): Clearly tell the reader what your writing will focus on. This is the roadmap for the rest of your piece.

Example 1: Introductory Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay
Topic: Why recycling should be mandatory.
"Did you know that the average person produces over four pounds of trash every day? With landfills overflowing and natural resources running out, recycling is more important than ever. Recycling helps reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect the planet for future generations. In this essay, I will explain why recycling should be a requirement for everyone."

Example 2: Introductory Paragraph for a Personal Narrative
Topic: A lesson learned from failing a test.
"I'll never forget the day I failed my first math test. My hands were shaking as I looked at the big red 'F' on the paper. It felt like the end of the world, but that failure turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. It taught me the importance of hard work, asking for help, and never giving up. Let me tell you how that one test changed my life."

Example 3: Introductory Paragraph for an Informative Article
Topic: The benefits of exercise for kids.
"Exercise isn't just for adults trying to lose weight. Kids need exercise too, and it’s one of the best ways to stay healthy and happy. Regular physical activity can improve your mood, help you focus better in school, and even make your body stronger. In this article, I'll explain why kids should make exercise a part of their daily routine."

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How to Write a Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion is your final chance to leave an impact. A strong conclusion doesn’t just repeat what you’ve already said—it ties everything together and gives the reader something to think about.
Here’s the basic structure of a conclusion:

1. Restate Your Main Point: Remind the reader of your essay’s purpose, but use different words to avoid sounding repetitive.
2. Summarize Key Ideas: Briefly highlight the main points from your writing.
3. End with a Strong Closing Thought: Leave the reader with a memorable statement, call to action, or a thought-provoking question.

Example 1: Concluding Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay
Topic: Why recycling should be mandatory.
"In conclusion, recycling is not just an option—it’s a responsibility we all share. By reducing waste, saving energy, and protecting our planet, recycling makes a real difference in our world. Imagine how much cleaner and greener our planet could be if everyone committed to this simple act. Let’s start today by making recycling a habit for life."

Example 2: Concluding Paragraph for a Personal Narrative
Topic: A lesson learned from failing a test.
"Looking back, failing that math test was the wake-up call I needed. It showed me that success doesn’t come without effort and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remember that failure is just another step toward learning and growing."

Example 3: Concluding Paragraph for an Informative Article
Topic: The benefits of exercise for kids.
"In summary, exercise is essential for kids to grow up strong, healthy, and happy. It boosts your mood, sharpens your mind, and strengthens your body. So, the next time you feel like sitting on the couch, grab a ball, a bike, or a jump rope, and get moving. Your body will thank you for it!"

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Tips for Writing Strong Introductions & Conclusions

• Make them match: The tone and style of your introduction should flow naturally into your conclusion.
• Avoid clichés: Phrases like “In conclusion” or “To sum up” are overused. Instead, try something fresh or creative.
• Keep it short and focused: Your introduction and conclusion should be about the same length and not too long—usually 3–5 sentences each.
• End with impact: Whether it’s a powerful statement or a thought-provoking question, leave your reader with something to remember.

Remember: the first and last impressions matter the most in writing. Nail these paragraphs, and your audience will be hooked from start to finish!

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See Also:

• How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay