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Writing Introductions and Conclusions for Informational Essays — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 5th Grade informative writing worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet5th Grade · English · Informative Writing

Writing Introductions and Conclusions for Informational Essays — Answers

Part A: Introductions

An introduction has a hook to grab interest, some background, and a controlling idea that tells what the whole essay will explain. Read the body paragraphs, then answer.

Body paragraphs from an essay about the Texas state capitol

Paragraph 1: The Texas State Capitol in Austin was finished in 1888. It was built mostly from pink granite, a hard stone that was quarried in Texas.

Paragraph 2: Today, the capitol is where the Texas Legislature meets to make state laws. The governor also has an office in the building.

Paragraph 3: The capitol is open to visitors, who can take free tours, look up into the tall dome, and walk the large grounds outside.

1.Which is the strongest hook for this essay?
  1. AThis essay is about the capitol.
  2. BHave you ever stood under a dome so tall that the people at the top look tiny?
  3. CThe capitol is a building.
  4. DI am going to tell you some facts.

Answer: Have you ever stood under a dome so tall that the people at the top look tiny?

A question that helps the reader picture something makes them want to read on. The other choices simply announce the topic.

2.Which is the best controlling idea for this essay?
  1. AAustin is a city in Texas.
  2. BThe Texas State Capitol is a historic building where state laws are made and visitors are welcome.
  3. CBuildings can be made of stone.
  4. DI like going on field trips.

Answer: The Texas State Capitol is a historic building where state laws are made and visitors are welcome.

It covers all three body paragraphs: history, government, and visitors.

3.Which kind of hook is this? In 1888, workers placed the last stones on a building that would become a symbol of Texas.
  1. Aa question
  2. Ban interesting fact or moment in history
  3. Ca quotation
  4. Da joke

Answer: an interesting fact or moment in history

It opens with a real moment in history to grab interest.

Part B: Conclusions

A conclusion restates the controlling idea in new words, sums up the main points, and ends with a final thought.

4.Which is the strongest conclusion?
  1. AThat is all I know about the capitol. The end.
  2. BFrom its pink granite walls to the lawmakers who meet inside, the Texas State Capitol is both a piece of history and a working building. Next time you are in Austin, look up at the dome and remember the stories it holds.
  3. CThe capitol is in Austin. It is big.
  4. DIn conclusion, I hope you liked my essay about the capitol.

Answer: From its pink granite walls to the lawmakers who meet inside, the Texas State Capitol is both a piece of history and a working building. Next time you are in Austin, look up at the dome and remember the stories it holds.

It restates the controlling idea in new words, sums up the main points, and ends with a final thought.

5.What does the strongest conclusion do in its last sentence?

Answer: It leaves the reader with a final thought: an invitation to visit and look up at the dome.

6.What should a conclusion not do?
  1. Arestate the controlling idea
  2. Bsum up the main points
  3. Cadd a brand-new main idea that was never explained
  4. Dend with a final thought

Answer: add a brand-new main idea that was never explained

A new main idea would leave the reader with questions the essay does not answer.

Part C: Fix it

7.Rewrite this weak introduction so it has a hook and a controlling idea: This essay is about hurricanes.

Answer: Imagine winds strong enough to rip the roof off a house. Hurricanes are powerful storms that form over warm ocean water, and knowing how they form and how to prepare for them can help keep families safe.

  1. Any answer with a hook and a clear controlling idea is correct.
8.Rewrite this weak conclusion so it restates the main idea and ends with a final thought: In conclusion, that is what I learned about recycling.

Answer: Recycling turns old cans, bottles, and paper into new products and keeps trash out of landfills. Every item you put in the recycling bin is a small step toward a cleaner community.

  1. Any answer that restates the main idea in new words and adds a final thought is correct.

Part D: Your turn

9.Choose a topic you know well (a sport, a holiday, an animal, or a place in your community). Write an introduction with a hook, background, and a controlling idea. Then list your three main points. Finally, write a conclusion that restates your controlling idea in new words, sums up your points, and ends with a final thought.

Model answer: Introduction: Every Saturday morning in the fall, thousands of kids across Texas lace up their cleats. Soccer is one of the most popular youth sports in the state. Playing soccer helps young people stay fit, learn teamwork, and build confidence. Main points: 1. fitness 2. teamwork 3. confidence Conclusion: Soccer is about much more than scoring goals. It keeps players' bodies strong, teaches them to work together, and helps them believe in themselves. The next time you see a muddy pair of cleats, remember everything those players are learning.

Success criteria:

  • An introduction with a hook, background, and a clear controlling idea
  • Three main points that match the controlling idea
  • A conclusion that restates the controlling idea in new words
  • The conclusion sums up the main points without adding a new one
  • A memorable final thought
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Marking tips

  • Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
  • For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
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