How to start and end an essay
by Rose
In the first paragraph, you should state the topic and/or your opinion, and you may include one or more of the following techniques.
- Make reference to an unusual or striking idea/scene/situation
- Address the reader directly and/or ask a rhetorical question.
- Start with a quotation or thought provoking statement.
In the last paragraph, you should state your opinion and/or give a balanced consideration of the topic, and you may include one or more of the following techniques.
- Finish with a quotation
- Ask a rhetorical question
- Give the reader something to consider
Useful set expressions and phrases for ending an essay
To begin a conclusion:
- In conclusion,
- On balance,
- All things considered,
- Taking everything into consideration,
- To conclude,
- To sum up,
- All in all,
- Finally,
If you want to express balanced considerations/opinion indirectly, use one of these:
- it can (must) be said (claimed...) that...
- it seems (appears) that...
- it would seem that...
- it is likely (possible, unlikely, foreseeable...) that...
- it is clear (obvious) that...
- there is no (little) doubt that...
- the best course of action would be to...
- it is true to say that...
Examples:
- All things considered, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that...
- To conclude, it can be said that...
If you want to express opinion directly, use one of these:
- It is my belief (opinion) that...
- I (firmly) believe (feel, think) that...
- I am convinced that
- I am inclined to believe that...
Examples:
- For the above-mentioned reasons, therefore, I believe that...
- Taking everything into account, I therefore conclude that...