Learning how to write an essay conclusion does not have to feel like climbing Everest. It is entirely possible to connect everything while addressing the larger issues and ramifications of your argument. You simply need the appropriate strategy.
What do you want to leave your readers with? Perhaps you should conclude with a quotation that adds texture to your subject. Or perhaps you want to place your argument in a different, possibly wider framework.
A good closing paragraph should finally convey to your reader that you have shown what you set out to prove.
Restate Your Thesis
Before you begin writing your conclusion and ending your essay on an informative note, you should restate your thesis. Because the thesis is the core topic of your entire essay, it’s important to remind the reader of its goal.
After you’ve reiterated your thesis (in a form that is paraphrased, of course, and provides a new understanding), go over your supporting points again. Take all of the “main points” from each of your supporting paragraphs or individual arguments in the essay and summarize them. Then, find a method to bring these elements together in a way that emphasizes the significance of the ideas.
Knowing how to create a solid conclusion is relatively straightforward depending on the length of your essay—you don’t want to simply summarize what you wrote. Rather, the ending should express a sense of finality alongside the topic’s greater meaning and lingering possibilities.
What should your conclusion contain?
Now that you know what constitutes a good conclusion, you can get into the specifics. What more should the conclusion include, aside from restating your thesis and summarizing your points?
Here are some ideas for a clever and thought-provoking essay conclusion:
Ask yourself: “So what?”
A teacher has surely informed you at some point in your life that the conclusion of an essay should answer the question “So what?” or “Why does it matter?” This advise is correct. It’s helpful to ask yourself this question at the start of crafting your thesis and return to it throughout, since it can keep you focused on the aim of the essay. Then, towards the end, you won’t be stuck for words.
Include some perspective
If you came across a terrific quote during your research that didn’t quite make it into the essay, the conclusion is an excellent place to use it. Including a quote from one of your primary or secondary sources can help to frame your thesis or final remarks. This might give your entire argument more specificity and texture.
Consider the clincher
Your concluding line or clincher occurs at the very conclusion of the essay. The clincher should be in the forefront of your mind when you consider how to write an effective conclusion. What can you say to persuade the reader to reconsider the subject? This closing statement should help readers feel satisfied. It should also end on a good note, so that your audience feels satisfied that they read your article and learned something useful.
Need more Writing tips and how to structure your essays? Visit Academic Hive and book a session with our Consultants.
