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As a general rule, an introductory paragraph to an essay should start with a general sentence introducing the topic broadly. Then go a bit narrower as to what your essay will be talking about specifically. For example, with the group therapy question you might start with a sentence about therapy in general, then talk about the application to groups. Then, you define any terms that are particularly important, or you are using in a way that is a little different to usual, e.g., you might define exactly what a blue collar worker is. Then, you talk about why the topic is relevant to discuss - for the military draft one you might say that because the US is involved in more conflict than ever lately, the topic of a draft is of particular interest. Next, give your thesis statement. Finally, your last sentence is a brief outline of what points your essay will cover.
Your conclusion sumamrises all the general points you made in the essay and why they served to support your argument (thesis statement). You don't introduce any new information in the conclusion. Be concise but your conclusion needs to stand alone, that is someone could read your conclusion and know what was discussed in the essay and why you have argued your point successfully. Your last sentence should broaden out your essay again to why the topic is applicable in the real world.
Hope that helped [img]smile.gif[/img]
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