Hello offshorewriters
The size of Introduction and Conclusion usually depends on the paper's size-wise format. Still, when I write essays, I try to make sure that there are at least 150 words in the Introduction (it usually accounts for 5-6 sentences). In this part of the paper, you need to establish a thesis (main idea) that you will aim to explore. If there are more than 10 pages in the essay (275 words per page), then you may consider having 200-275 in the Introduction. Essentially the same principle applies to Conclusion - while writing it, you're expected to summarize the essay's main argumentative points. I hope this helped. Regards.
Hi Maurice, first of all, you have opened a very good conversation. Now, personally, I write a 200-250 word long essay, it hugely depends on the purpose as well as to the prompt you are answering.
The introduction as well as the conclusion is what makes or breaks the essay. As what you know, introduction is were you educate the reader to the purpose of the essay, this is crucial as this is were you can draw the interest of your readers, now, the conclusion is as much as important as the introduction so as the body of the essay , however, the conclusion is were you sum it all up, make a point and bring your essay back to its purpose, making sure that the prompt is answered and the goal of the essay is met.
Having said that, I can't wait to read your essays.