Written Composition: The Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

Abstract

The introductory and concluding paragraphs deserve special attention in written composition classes since the effect of the whole essay depends greatly on the way in which the writer begins and ends it. Apart from stating the main idea of the composition, the introduction should attract the reader’s attention, persuading him or her that the text is worth reading. In a good conclusion the writer reminds the reader of the main idea again, and finishes in a vivid and memorable way. The article discusses problems that occur in introductions and conclusions written by secondary school pupils and students of English. They are classified into three categories: coherence breaks, inappropriate length and inappropriate style. Finally, various types of tasks designed to remedy the difficulties are suggested.