INTRODUCTIONS

A strong introduction is essential to capture the readers attention and lay foundation for the remainder of your paper. A great introduction:
∙ must identify and briefly summarize the text being addressed / provide background information
∙ must catch the readers attention and interest
∙ must establish structure for the essay
∙ must include a strong thesis as the last sentence

CONCLUSIONS

The conclusion is the last thing you leave in your reader's mind, so it needs to reinforce the basic point of your writing. A great conclusion paragraph:
∙ refocus attention on the thesis
∙ sum up the evidence in support of thesis (a broad generalization, NOT repeating specifics of the body paragraphs nor adding new facts or topics)
∙ gives a finished feeling to the whole essay
∙ sums up the writer’s ideas