How can you create a captivating intro and conclusion for your writing?

The intro and conclusion of your writing are crucial elements that can make or break your reader's interest and engagement. They are the first and last impressions you leave on your audience, so you want them to be captivating, clear, and relevant. How can you create a captivating intro and conclusion for your writing? Here are some tips and strategies to help you.

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1 Hook your reader

The intro of your writing should hook your reader's attention and curiosity from the start. You can use different types of hooks, such as a surprising fact, a provocative question, a vivid anecdote, a relevant quote, or a startling statistic. The hook should relate to your main topic and purpose, and set the tone and context for your writing. Avoid using clichés, generalizations, or vague statements that don't spark interest or convey your point.

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Bill Heitland

Author of Next Stop Chicago, Adversity's Early Light, Chance Evers and Two for the Seesaw, all getting 5-star reviews
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As a journalist, I understood if you didn't get the reader's attention in the first paragraph, that person would likely move on to the next story. I had to consider what would pull me into the story. It had to be something I could relate to. Something that could affect my daily life. Perhaps it was a way to save on a heating bill. Or an exercise regimen that would help me lose weight. An issue at a city council meeting that would come up for a vote.

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2 Introduce your main idea

After you hook your reader, you need to introduce your main idea or thesis statement. This is the central argument or claim that you will support and develop throughout your writing. Your main idea should be specific, focused, and debatable. It should also indicate the scope and direction of your writing, and how you will address the topic. Your main idea should be clear and concise, and usually placed at the end of your intro.

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Bill Heitland

Author of Next Stop Chicago, Adversity's Early Light, Chance Evers and Two for the Seesaw, all getting 5-star reviews
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Once I felt that I had an interesting intro, I knew I had to keep the reader's interest. If the story was about ways to stay healthy, I would need to cite expert testimony as well as statistics to back up the opening statement. Next there had to be something in the middle of the story that offered additional information to support the opening paragraph.

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3 Preview your structure

The last part of your intro should preview your structure or outline of your writing. This is where you briefly mention the main points or subtopics that you will cover in your body paragraphs. The preview should follow the same order as your main idea, and show how each point relates to your argument or purpose. The preview should also signal the transitions between your points, and help your reader follow your logic and organization.

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Bill Heitland

Author of Next Stop Chicago, Adversity's Early Light, Chance Evers and Two for the Seesaw, all getting 5-star reviews
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When I was finished, I went over the entire story to make sure it had a rhythmic flow. If there is some confusion over what the writer is trying to say, the reader will move on. Don't make the reader work to understand what you're trying to say. If you feel confident that there is a good intro paragraph, a catchy middle and a snappy ending, you're ready to hit the send button.

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4 Summarize your main points

The conclusion of your writing should summarize your main points or subtopics that you discussed in your body paragraphs. The summary should restate your main idea or thesis statement, and show how you supported and proved it with evidence and analysis. The summary should also synthesize your points, and highlight the main implications or contributions of your writing. The summary should not introduce new information, contradict your main idea, or repeat your intro.

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5 End with a strong closing

The final part of your conclusion should end with a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. You can use different types of closings, such as a call to action, a recommendation, a prediction, a question, a quote, or a personal reflection. The closing should relate to your main idea and purpose, and provide a sense of closure and completeness. The closing should also inspire your reader to think further, act differently, or feel something about your topic.

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6 Revise and edit

The last step to create a captivating intro and conclusion for your writing is to revise and edit them. You should check your intro and conclusion for clarity, coherence, accuracy, and relevance. You should also make sure they match the tone, style, and format of your writing, and address the expectations and needs of your audience. You should also proofread your intro and conclusion for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice errors.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you create a captivating intro and conclusion for your writing?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Hook your reader

2 Introduce your main idea

3 Preview your structure

4 Summarize your main points

5 End with a strong closing

6 Revise and edit

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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How can you create a captivating intro and conclusion for your writing?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Hook your reader

2 Introduce your main idea

3 Preview your structure

4 Summarize your main points

5 End with a strong closing

6 Revise and edit

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

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