Every piece of writing, especially essays, benefits greatly from a well-crafted conclusion. It’s not just about signaling the end of your essay; it’s about providing a satisfying closure that reinforces your argument.
Concluding an essay is a crucial part of writing. It’s your last chance to make an impression on your reader. An effective conclusion paragraph should tie your ideas together and remind readers of your main point. It’s also a good idea to try and leave them with something to think about.
Keep reading if you want to find out how to conclude an essay for college or school, along with some tips on how to structure your conclusion and what to avoid.
How To Conclude an Essay: 3 Factors To Consider
A conclusion paragraph serves several important purposes in an essay. It’s the final section that ties everything together, reinforcing the main points of your essay.
Let’s break down the key purposes a conclusion serves to help you improve your essay-writing skills when it comes to your closing argument.
1. Summarize the Thesis and Main Points
One of the primary functions of a conclusion is to restate the thesis and summarize the main points of your essay. This doesn’t mean you should simply repeat what has already been said. Instead, you should synthesize the information, bringing it all together to reinforce your main argument. This ensures that the reader is reminded of the core message of your essay.
Example: If your essay discusses the impact of climate change on marine life, your conclusion should restate the various points you’ve made. Think of points such as rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and pollution.
2. Show the Broader Implications
Beyond just summarizing, a strong conclusion should highlight the broader implications of your argument. This means discussing the significance of your findings and how they relate to a larger context. By doing this, you help readers understand why your essay matters in the bigger picture. Additionally, you inform how it contributes to the ongoing conversation about the topic.
Example: In an essay about social media’s impact on youth, the broader implications might include considerations for parents, educators, and policymakers. This step helps your reader see the importance of your argument beyond the scope of your essay.
3. Leave a Lasting Impression
Finally, your conclusion is essentially your last word, so it should aim to leave a lasting impression on the reader. This can be achieved through a thought-provoking statement or a poignant quote that resonates with your main points. The goal is to ensure that your readers walk away with a thoughtful reflection on your essay. It can be useful to conclude your essay on a positive note.
Example: In an essay advocating for renewable energy, you might end with a call to action urging readers to support sustainable practices. This wraps up your essay and motivates your readers to think and act on the information you’ve presented.
How To Conclude a College Essay
When you are writing a college essay, you must follow a similar outline to the one we mentioned above. You must ensure that your conclusion is clear and you are not repeating information word for word. Moreover, you must sound articulate and present your thoughts logically.
Depending on the type of essay, you can offer your own opinion as well based on what you have written. Do not forget to have a good flow in your writing to ensure your readers understand your closing statements, even your last sentence, well.
Keep reading, as below we go into more detail into how to conclude a college essay and generally all essays for that matter.
How To Conclude an Essay: Example
Take a look at our top tips for how to conclude an essay through our example below.
Example of Restating a Thesis
“In conclusion, reading offers numerous benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities to reducing stress.”
This restatement of the thesis encapsulates the core argument of the essay, reminding the reader of the fundamental points discussed.
Example of Reviewing the Main Points
“By improving focus, expanding knowledge, and fostering empathy, reading is a powerful tool for personal growth.”
This brief summary reiterates the key points made in the essay, highlighting how reading contributes to individual development. It synthesizes the main arguments, showing how each benefit connects to the overall thesis.
Example of Showing the Broader Implications
“Encouraging a culture of reading can lead to more informed, empathetic, and engaged communities.”
This final statement underscores the larger significance of promoting reading. It suggests that the benefits of reading extend beyond the individual, potentially transforming society by fostering greater understanding and civic engagement.
By combining these elements, the conclusion reinforces the essay’s main points and emphasizes the broader impact of the argument. This will leave the reader with a compelling reason to value and promote reading.
Now that we have looked into a “how to conclude an essay” example, let’s take a look at some general writing tips when wanting to write a solid conclusion.
Writing Tips for a Strong Conclusion
Take a look at our top three tips for writing a good conclusion that will leave a lasting impression:
- Keep it concise: A few sentences should be enough to wrap up your essay without introducing new ideas. Conciseness helps maintain the reader’s attention and reinforces the clarity of your argument.
- Use simple language: Clear, straightforward language can have a powerful impact on a conclusion. Avoid complex vocabulary or jargon that might confuse the reader at this critical point.
- Avoid clichés: Phrases like “in conclusion” or “to sum up” are unnecessary and can weaken your writing. Instead, aim for a natural transition that seamlessly leads into your concluding thoughts.
Common Mistakes Made When Writing a Conclusion
If you write a good essay at school, this can increase your chances of getting into college by 10 times. Hence, it is essential not to make mistakes. However, many writers fall into the same mistakes when writing a conclusion for an essay. Here are some points to avoid when writing your next conclusion.
1. Introducing New Arguments
Your conclusion should wrap up your essay, not present new points or evidence. Introducing new arguments can confuse the reader and dilute the impact of your original thesis. The purpose of a conclusion is to provide closure and synthesis. Do not introduce fresh information that hasn’t been discussed in the body of the essay.
Any new points should have been addressed earlier in your writing. Keeping your conclusion focused ensures that your reader leaves with a clear understanding of your argument.
2. Repeating the Introduction
While it’s good to revisit your thesis, avoid repeating your introduction verbatim. Instead, rephrase and expand on it to reflect the development of your ideas. Your conclusion should show how your thoughts and arguments have evolved throughout the essay. This demonstrates growth and provides a more nuanced understanding of your thesis.
By avoiding repetition, you keep your writing engaging and your argument compelling, ensuring that your conclusion adds value rather than redundancy.
3. Using Apologetic Language
Don’t undermine your argument by suggesting there might be better approaches. Confidence in your conclusion reinforces the strength of your overall essay. Using apologetic language can make your argument seem weak or uncertain.
Stand by your points and present them with assurance. A strong, confident conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your reader and validates the effort and thought you put into your writing. Avoid phrases that might suggest hesitation or doubt, and instead, affirm the importance and validity of your conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a conclusion be?
A conclusion should be concise, typically around five to seven sentences, depending on the length of your essay. This length allows you to effectively summarize and reflect without dragging on.
Can I introduce new information in the conclusion?
No, introducing new information can confuse your reader. The conclusion should only summarize and reflect on what has already been discussed. Introducing new ideas at this stage can undermine the clarity of your essay.
How can I make my essay conclusion more impactful?
End with a strong, closing sentence that leaves your reader thinking about your argument and its implications. Consider using a quotation, rhetorical question, or call to action to leave a lasting impression.
Perfect Your Conclusion With Smodin.io
By following the steps and tips in our guide, you can master the art of writing a conclusion that ties your essay together. A strong conclusion wraps up your essay effectively and reinforces your thesis statement. Remember, your conclusion is your final opportunity to influence your reader, so make it count. Summarize your key points succinctly, highlight the broader implications of your argument, and end with a thought-provoking statement.
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