The Conclusion Is Often The Most Difficult Portion Of Any Paper To Write, And The Introduction Is Often The Easiest.A. True B. False

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 134 views

The Art of Writing: Understanding the Introduction and Conclusion of a Paper

Introduction

Writing a paper can be a daunting task, and one of the most challenging aspects of this process is crafting a well-structured introduction and conclusion. While many students find it easy to write the introduction, the conclusion often proves to be the most difficult portion of the paper to write. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide tips on how to write effective introductions and conclusions.

The Introduction: A Gateway to the Paper

The introduction is often considered the easiest part of the paper to write, and for good reason. It serves as a gateway to the paper, providing the reader with a brief overview of the topic, its significance, and the main arguments that will be presented. A well-written introduction should be engaging, informative, and concise, setting the tone for the rest of the paper.

The Conclusion: A Summary of the Main Points

On the other hand, the conclusion is often the most difficult portion of the paper to write. This is because it requires the writer to summarize the main points of the paper, reiterate the thesis statement, and provide a final thought or call to action. The conclusion should leave the reader with a lasting impression, and it is often the last thing the reader will remember about the paper.

Why the Conclusion is Often the Most Difficult to Write

There are several reasons why the conclusion is often the most difficult portion of the paper to write. One reason is that it requires the writer to condense the main points of the paper into a few sentences, which can be a challenging task. Another reason is that the conclusion should provide a sense of closure, and it is often difficult to find the right words to convey this sense of closure.

Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion

So, how can you write an effective conclusion? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Restate the thesis statement: The conclusion should reiterate the thesis statement, providing a final summary of the main arguments.
Summarize the main points: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the paper, highlighting the key findings and insights.
Provide a final thought or call to action: The conclusion should leave the reader with a lasting impression, and it is often the last thing the reader will remember about the paper.
Use transitional phrases: Transitional phrases can help to connect the conclusion to the rest of the paper, providing a sense of continuity and flow.
Avoid introducing new information: The conclusion should not introduce new information, but rather summarize the main points of the paper.

The Importance of a Well-Written Conclusion

A well-written conclusion is essential for a paper, as it provides a sense of closure and leaves the reader with a lasting impression. A poorly written conclusion, on the other hand, can leave the reader feeling confused and unsatisfied. By following the tips outlined above, you can write an effective conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conclusion is often the most difficult portion of the paper to write, and the introduction is often the easiest. However, by following the tips outlined above, you can write an effective conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to restate the thesis statement, summarize the main points, provide a final thought or call to action, use transitional phrases, and avoid introducing new information. With practice and patience, you can master the art of writing a well-structured introduction and conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the conclusion often the most difficult portion of the paper to write? A: The conclusion is often the most difficult portion of the paper to write because it requires the writer to condense the main points of the paper into a few sentences, and it should provide a sense of closure.
Q: What are some tips for writing an effective conclusion? A: Some tips for writing an effective conclusion include restating the thesis statement, summarizing the main points, providing a final thought or call to action, using transitional phrases, and avoiding introducing new information.
Q: Why is a well-written conclusion important? A: A well-written conclusion is essential for a paper, as it provides a sense of closure and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

References

Strunk, W., Jr., & White, E. B. (1959). The elements of style. Macmillan.
Lunsford, A. A., & Connors, R. J. (2003). The everyday writer. Bedford/St. Martin's.
Hacker, D. G. (2007). A writer's reference. Bedford/St. Martin's.
The Art of Writing: Understanding the Introduction and Conclusion of a Paper

Q&A: Introduction and Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of an introduction in a paper? A: The purpose of an introduction in a paper is to provide a brief overview of the topic, its significance, and the main arguments that will be presented. It serves as a gateway to the paper, setting the tone for the rest of the content.

Q: What are some tips for writing a good introduction? A: Some tips for writing a good introduction include:

Start with a hook: Begin the introduction with a hook that grabs the reader's attention.
Provide background information: Provide background information on the topic, including its significance and relevance.
State the thesis statement: State the thesis statement, which should be a clear and concise statement of the main argument.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to connect the introduction to the rest of the paper.

Q: What is the purpose of a conclusion in a paper? A: The purpose of a conclusion in a paper is to summarize the main points, reiterate the thesis statement, and provide a final thought or call to action. It serves as a final impression on the reader, leaving them with a lasting impression.

Q: What are some tips for writing a good conclusion? A: Some tips for writing a good conclusion include:

Restate the thesis statement: Restate the thesis statement, providing a final summary of the main arguments.
Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points of the paper, highlighting the key findings and insights.
Provide a final thought or call to action: Provide a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to connect the conclusion to the rest of the paper.

Q: Why is it difficult to write a conclusion? A: It can be difficult to write a conclusion because it requires the writer to condense the main points of the paper into a few sentences, and it should provide a sense of closure. Additionally, the conclusion should leave the reader with a lasting impression, which can be a challenging task.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion? A: Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion include:

Introducing new information: Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, as it can confuse the reader.
Repeating the introduction: Avoid repeating the introduction in the conclusion, as it can be redundant.
Not summarizing the main points: Avoid not summarizing the main points of the paper, as it can leave the reader feeling confused.

Q: How can I make my conclusion more effective? A: To make your conclusion more effective, try the following:

Use a clear and concise thesis statement: Use a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main arguments.
Provide a final thought or call to action: Provide a final thought or call to action that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to connect the conclusion to the rest of the paper.
Edit and revise: Edit and revise the conclusion to ensure it is clear, concise, and effective.

Q: What are some common types of conclusions? A: Some common types of conclusions include:

Restatement conclusion: A restatement conclusion restates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points.
Summary conclusion: A summary conclusion summarizes the main points and highlights the key findings and insights.
Call to action conclusion: A call to action conclusion provides a final thought or call to action that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

Q: How can I make my introduction and conclusion more effective? A: To make your introduction and conclusion more effective, try the following:

Use a clear and concise thesis statement: Use a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main arguments.
Provide a final thought or call to action: Provide a final thought or call to action that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.
Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to connect the introduction and conclusion to the rest of the paper.
Edit and revise: Edit and revise the introduction and conclusion to ensure they are clear, concise, and effective.

References

Strunk, W., Jr., & White, E. B. (1959). The elements of style. Macmillan.
Lunsford, A. A., & Connors, R. J. (2003). The everyday writer. Bedford/St. Martin's.
Hacker, D. G. (2007). A writer's reference. Bedford/St. Martin's.