
Just as every essay has a clear
beginning, it should have a clear ending.
The last paragraph, also know as the
conclusion, should make your essay
sound finished.
The concluding paragraph typically has
two parts:
 1. The summary statement
2. The clincher


The summary statement is one or two
sentences that restate the thesis in a
fresh way to reinforce the essay's main
idea.

The summary statement is an effective
way to start your concluding paragraph
because it helps to drive home the ideas
you've expressed in your essay.

Look at your thesis statement again and
rework it in a new way.
› Avoid repeating key words and phrases from
the thesis statement
› The summary statement should not sound
boring or repetitive.
› Using a thesaurus is a good way to find new,
interesting words.
Thesis Statement (in the introduction):
Many Americans are buying the Toyota
Corolla because of its competitive price,
fuel economy, and high resale value.
Summary Statement (in the conclusion):
Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon,
and an attractive resale value have all
contributed to the popularity of the
Toyota Corolla in today's market.
Thesis Statement (in the introduction): San
Francisco is a stimulating place to visit
because of its magnificent location, its
theaters and art galleries, and its many fine
restaurants.
Summary Statement (in the conclusion): For
those who love beautiful surroundings,
world class theater and art, and an
exquisite meal, San Francisco is an ideal
destination.
The clincher is a final thought which
should create a lasting impression on the
reader.
 It can be as short as one sentence, or as
long as four to six sentences.


The clincher, also referred to as the
closer, is your last opportunity to connect
with the reader. One way to make the
most of this moment is to return to the
technique you used for your grabber.
In Lake Wobegone Days, humorist Garrison
Keillor tells of a retired dentist in a little
Minnesota town. He sits in a fishing boat
much of theday. "Open wide," Dr. Nute
says to the fish. "This may sting a little
bit. Okay. Now bite down." Unfortunately,
not all retired persons are so easily able to
continue their once interesting professions
in some form, as Dr. Nute has. Retirees
have a high death rate within the first six
months after retirement, apparently
because of boredom, and psychologists
suggest three ways to prevent it.
It’s good to know that by doing regular
physical activity, eating a balanced diet,
and sustaining significant relationships,
retired people can stay healthy and
enjoy a pleasant, meaningful retirement.
Seniors don’t have to spend all their days
fishing in a pond the way Dr. Nute did,
but there are plenty of other engaging
activities available to retirees.
Fully half the fatal automobile accidents
in Maryland involve a drunk driver,
according to the State Division of Motor
Vehicles. We should support concerned
citizens who are now demanding that
three strict laws be passed to alleviate
this problem.
Lowering the blood alcohol limit, revoking the
licenses of first-time offenders, and forcing
convicted drunk drivers to compensate their
victims will lead us toward making those
irresponsible people accountable for their
actions. If we don’t get tough with drunk drivers
soon, many more will be killed on our state’s
highways.

H.L. Mencken defined "Puritanism" as
"the haunting fear that someone,
somewhere, may be happy." The clerks
at the Department of Motor Vehicles
must be Puritans. They seem to do their
best to see that each person who comes
in to get a license or registration, has to
wind through a confusing maze of lines,
must wait an eternity for help, and has to
remain standing the entire time.
It is advisable to bring a book, a
comfortable pair of shoes, and a lot of
patience when visiting the DMV. Consider it
a character-building experience to
negotiate the labyrinth that is the
Department of Motor Vehicles. After all, as
the philosopher Johann von Schiller said,
“Only those who have the patience to do
simple things perfectly will acquire the skill
to do difficult things easily.”
Mile upon mile of brown Pennsylvania
hills unfolded as I drove in and out of the
curves and over the crests of Interstate
70. The world's worst forest fire could not
have caused more destruction—and all
because of the gypsy moth. If this pest is
to be stopped, it will only be through the
strong action of the government and
private landowners.
The state and federal governments, as
well as private citizens, must join together
to work toward eradicating this
devastating insect. We must try to
restore the beautiful green countryside
that once greeted those who traveled
the winding roads of Pennsylvania.