Intro and Conclusion

Introduction

The introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention – this is not the time to be boring! For this you need a hook.

The thesis also needs to set the context – where are we? When? What is going on?

If you have a yes/no question, the intro should describe the OTHER SIDE of the argument – ie. the position you are NOT taking in your thesis.

For example:

If you have the Native American topic which asks whether the native groups are one culture or a variety of cultures, and you have decided to say that they are different cultures, you might want to begin your intro by describing some of the similarities among the groups.

If you have the Viking topic and are saying they did have a culture beyond raiding, this is your chance to describe the brutality (or alleged brutality) of some of the raids and invasions. Don’t gross us out, but you can use a little creativity here.


Conclusion

Two goals of the conclusion:
1. Summarize/restate your position (NOT IN THE SAME WORDS!)
2. Answer the “so what” question – what is the historical significance? Why is this an important question?