Writing introductions and conclusions
Every piece of coursework requires an introduction (generally 10% of word count) and a conclusion (generally around 5-10% of word count)
In an essay, you don’t need to use the headings introduction and conclusion – you do in a report. Note that “Main body” is not a heading – where you are using headings and sub-headings in the main body of your coursework, these should reflect the content of the sections. Check your module handbook or assessment guidelines for this.
The introduction
- Presents relevant background information that provides a rationale for this piece of writing. This can be research findings and/or real-world information that shows why the issue is important.
- Outlines the aim and scope of the essay.
- Often indicates the writer’s position or line of argument
Main Body (not a heading)
Identifies and develops main themes and issues in paragraphs and sections. In a report, you use headings and sub-headings to identify different sections. It is not unusual to find headings in essays nowadays – there isn’t a hard and fast rule. It will often depend on the preference of the marker – check with your lecturer if you’re not sure.
Read more about the differences between essays and reports
You’ll find a typical Essay Structure here and a typical report layout here
The conclusion
- Restates the main argument made in the essay.
- Refers back to the issue raised in the introduction
- Do not provide a summary of the structure of the essay – focus on issues, not structure.
- Considers future implications or possibly recommendations
- Why the issue is important
- What the main arguments are; what the writer’s position is
The above provides an overview on essay content. Further information on structuring an essay can be found here.
You can have a look at sample introductions and conclusions for different disciplines at these links: