Write a thesis statement reflecting the overall goal of the paper. A thesis statement should show the writer's view of the paper's subject matter. It should also provide readers a road map to what the paper will contain. This sentence goes at the end of the introduction. However, by writing it first, it provides a solid foundation to ground the rest of the paper.
Start the introduction by briefly stating the topic of the paper. If the paper is a review on information from a single source, it is best to mention the author and title of the source in the first sentence. In APA format, figurative language is avoided to aid in clarity; therefore, common essay starters like quotations or rhetorical questions should be used with caution.
Provide a broad overview of what information the paper will cover. The introduction is not the place for a large number of specific details about the topic; instead, it should give the readers a synopsis of what the paper will cover.
Revise the paragraph to conform to APA stylistic guidelines. First person point of view is appropriate if the paper discusses research personally conducted by the writer. The paragraph should avoid wordiness whenever possible. Also, because the goal of APA Style is clarity, the writer should ensure that word choices are clear and direct.
Explain to the readers why the preceding information matters. The concluding paragraph gives the author the chance to show why the topic is important. However, the conclusion should not introduce any new evidence; instead, it should synthesize in a meaningful way the information already present in the paper.
Emphasize the arguments initially made in the introductory paragraph. However, do not summarize the arguments made in the paper. Show the reader how the arguments in the paper fit together and prove the thesis statement.
Inform the reader of further steps that need to be taken in the area of the paper's research. By providing real-world applications to the preceding information, the author can give the paper context and show its relationship to other papers in the same field.
Revise the conclusion to make sure that it accurately reflects the ideas put forth in the introduction and body of the paper. Edit the paragraph so that it is concise and clear. Also, insert a page break between the end of the conclusion and the beginning of the bibliography.