A persuasive introduction should establish three things:

Topic → Position → Direction.

Start by addressing the issue. Then make your contention clear.

Avoid spending too much time repeating the prompt.

For example, instead of:

“Today I am going to discuss whether students should wear school uniforms...”

move quickly towards the argument itself.

Your conclusion should reinforce your central position and leave the reader with a clear final impression.

Do not simply copy the introduction word for word.

A useful conclusion structure is:

Restate position → Summarise significance → Final statement.

The final sentence can be particularly powerful when it communicates why the issue matters.

Students should also make sure the introduction and conclusion match the body paragraphs. If the essay argues three points but the conclusion introduces a completely new argument, the structure becomes less coherent.

Before submitting, ask:

Can someone identify my position immediately?

Does my conclusion reflect the argument I actually made?

Have I avoided introducing new evidence at the end?

Practise writing introductions and conclusions separately. This allows students to develop flexibility without having to produce an entire essay every time.

Ultimately, the strongest opening does not need to be dramatic, and the strongest conclusion does not need to be complicated.

Both should be clear, purposeful and directly connected to the argument.