GCSE English Introduction and Conclusion Guide
The first and last lines carry more weight than students think
An introduction that opens with “In this essay I will…” wastes the first thing an examiner reads. A conclusion that simply restates the introduction wastes the last thing they read, and the last impression an essay leaves. Both are common habits, and both are easy to fix once you know what to replace them with.
This guide focuses specifically on these two paragraphs: how to open with a genuine argument instead of a description of what you’re about to do, and how to close by adding something, not just repeating what’s already been said.
Openings and closings that actually earn marks
Why “In this essay I will…” wastes the strongest opening opportunity in the whole essay.
How to write an argument-led opening sentence for any question, in any subject.
The difference between a conclusion that repeats and one that develops.
Worked before-and-after examples for both introductions and conclusions.
Practice prompts so you can build your own openings and closings before the exam.
Everything in this guide
- Why generic openings cost marks, with the fix
- How to write an argument-led introduction for any question
- The difference between repeating and developing in a conclusion
- Worked before-and-after examples throughout
- Practice prompts for building your own
Introduction and Conclusion Guide
- Argument-led openings, explained and practised
- Conclusions that develop rather than repeat
- Worked before-and-after examples
