Intros, Conclusions

The introduction and conclusion of an essay can make or break an essay. Because of this, it's very important that you know how to write a good intro and a good conclusion. Here are a few things that will help:

Introduction

1. Hook
The hook is something that gets the audiences attention. It's the thing that pulls them in and makes them want to keep reading. In order to have a good hook, you need to know your audience.
2. Background info/content
This is where you set up your essay. You let your audience know what you're talking about and where you are coming from. This way they won't be completely lost.
3. Thesis
This is the most important part of your introduction. This is where you state your main argument and let your audience know your opinion.

Conclusion

1. Restate/summarize argument
It's important that you restate your main argument and summarize your arguments. This pulls your essay together and helps to solidify your argument.
2. Sense of closure
You need to make sure that you provide a sense of closure for your audience. You need to finish every though and argument, and tie it into your thesis. This will bring your essay together and not leave the audience wondering what your essay was really all about.
3. "so what?" question
The "so what?" question is your call to action. You can't just state your opinion, you need to convince your audience to do something about it. Convince them that they should change their behavior or thinking patterns, or do something different because of your essay.