The hook: You can start your introduction with a hook to grab your readers’ attention and draw them into your argument. This can take the form of an interesting fact, statistic, quote, or even a story. You should also provide context for your argument so that your readers will understand your argument. When writing about academic research, for example, you might lay out the research question, scope, and how your research fits into the larger discussion. Remember to keep your audience in mind. For example, when writing an essay for your English class, you likely do not need to summarize a novel that you’re writing about. You can assume that your instructor and classmates are familiar with the novel. You can also set up your argument, but be sure not to simply state, “In this essay, I will discuss…”. Rather, speak in broad strokes about the purpose and objective of your essay. As you write your introduction, transition to your thesis. Typically, your introductory paragraph will end with your thesis statement. You may find it helpful to go back once your paper is finished to review your introduction to ensure that it still fits with your finalized paper.

No matter the length of your project, whether you’re writing a short essay for an introductory History class or a lengthy, peer-reviewed academic article on the efficacy of a vaccine, you need a thesis. Essentially, a thesis is the signpost for your reader about what your paper will be about, what you will discuss, and what you will prove. Having a strong thesis is essential for a successful writing project. When possible, you should have a counterargument in your thesis. You could use the template: Despite [counterargument], [argument] is true because of A and B. Or [Argument] is true because of A and B, although/despite [Counterargument]. 

Your thesis should meet the following criteria (From: Hall & Wallace,  2018):

Specific: Your thesis should not be too broad or far-reaching. Rather, it should be specific within a larger topic. For example, you wouldn’t want to have a thesis statement that deals broadly with the benefits of healthy eating; rather, you could focus on how free school lunch programs improve student wellbeing or the links between nutrition and mental health.

Precise: Similar to a specific thesis, you also want to ensure that your thesis is precise, which will help you make an exact argument about your topic. For the example of school lunch programs, think about what kind of schools, in what county, and in what socio-economic area. Also, how do you define student wellbeing? For our example of nutrition and mental health, what demographic will you discuss? How do you define mental health? A precise thesis not only helps you make a specific claim, but it can also help you narrow your area of research.

Can be Argued: You need to ensure that your thesis can be argued with evidence. This also means that your argument should have a counterargument. You cannot just state a fact, such as “Obesity rates in America are on the rise,” or “Human trafficking is wrong.” You need to find a statement that a reasonable person could argue on either side.

Can be Demonstrated: Along with your thesis needing to be arguable, you also need a thesis that can be demonstrated. You can, for example, demonstrate an opinion that cannot be proved, such as “Vanilla ice cream is the best!” or “Disneyland is fun!” You need to find a thesis that can be supported and backed by research and factual evidence.

Forceful: You need to be assertive in your claim. A thesis should not try to be diplomatic or argue both sides of the argument. Although it is a very good idea to include a counterargument, it should be clear to the reader which side you’re arguing. For example, you would not say, “While some people think the United States was correct to drop the atomic bomb in WW2, others disagree.” Rather, a strong thesis would say: “Despite the destruction and devastating loss of life that occurred in Japan, the United States had no choice but to drop atomic bombs in WW2 because X and Y.” 

Confident: You also need to be confident in your thesis. If you really want to see X movie with your friends, you would not say, “Well, I guess we could see X movie, but only if you guys really want to.” Similarly, you would not say, “I think that the United States was probably correct in their decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan in WW2.”

The topic sentence is the main, controlling idea for your paragraph. It sets the direction, tells your readers what to expect, and keeps your writing focused. Essentially, it's a one-sentence summary of the main idea you'll be discussing in the paragraph.

A well-crafted topic sentence should be:

• Clear and concise: It should be easy to understand and avoid unnecessary jargon.

• Specific: It should clearly state the main point of the paragraph, rather than being too broad or vague.

• Relevant: It should directly relate to the overall argument or thesis of your paper.

• Controlling: The rest of the paragraph should provide evidence and details to support the topic sentence.

Examples:

• Weak: Social media has many effects.

• Strong: Social media has significantly impacted the way young people communicate, form relationships, and consume information.

• Weak: The book was interesting.

• Strong: The novel's complex characters and intricate plot contribute to its enduring popularity.

Why are topic sentences important?

• They help your readers follow your argument.

• They keep your writing organized and focused.

• They make your writing easier to understand.

By crafting strong topic sentences, you'll improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.

A conclusion is your opportunity to draw your essay to a close and tie your argument together. It’s more than just a summary of your essay; it's an opportunity to elevate your argument and leave your reader thinking.

Your conclusion should:

• Restate the thesis: Remind your reader of the main argument, but don't simply repeat it verbatim.

• Synthesize main points: Briefly summarize your key points, showing how they connect to support your thesis.

• Provide a sense of closure: Give your reader a feeling of completion and satisfaction.

• Offer a final thought: Leave your reader with something to ponder, a new perspective, or a call to action.

A strong conclusion goes beyond simply rehashing your introduction. It should offer fresh insights and demonstrate a deeper understanding of your topic.

Example:

Let's say you wrote an essay arguing that social media has a negative impact on mental health.

• Weak conclusion: In conclusion, social media can be harmful to mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

• Strong conclusion: While social media offers undeniable benefits, its detrimental effects on mental health cannot be ignored. The constant comparison, cyberbullying, and misinformation contribute to a toxic online environment. It is imperative that individuals become more mindful of their social media consumption and that platforms implement measures to prioritize user well-being.

Notice the difference? The strong conclusion not only summarizes the main points but also offers a call to action, suggesting potential solutions to the problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t introduce new information: Your conclusion is not the place to bring up new points or evidence.

• Don’t overuse clichés: Avoid phrases like "in conclusion" or "to sum up." They can sound generic and dull.

• Don’t make overly emotional appeals: While passion is important, your conclusion should be grounded in logic and evidence.

• Don’t simply repeat the introduction: This can make your essay feel repetitive and lack depth.

Remember: A well-crafted conclusion can elevate your entire essay. Take the time to write a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.