How to Write a Concluding
Paragraph
Information obtained from http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-write-an-effective-introductionparagraph-a97753
Since the conclusion paragraph is
the last part of the essay, writers
must make a strong summary
statement to leave a memorable
impression.
When to Write a Conclusion:
• Students should always align their introduction and
conclusion paragraphs to create a unified, purposeful
essay.
• Students can compose their introduction and conclusion
paragraphs together after they have written the body of
their essay.
• Try this new approach of writing the body of the essay
first, the introduction paragraph second, and the
conclusion paragraph last, and you will quickly reap the
reward of a more structured essay.
Point to the Future
• The first sentence of the conclusion paragraph should
point to the future in a way that relates to the topic.
• Describing a future scenario that relates to the essay's
topic can be an intriguing way to introduce the final
paragraph.
• For example, to conclude a persuasive essay on why
students should not be required to wear uniforms, the
concluding paragraph can start by pointing to the future:
In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland
environment that squashes a student’s individuality.
Suggest a Future Action
•
The second sentence of the conclusion paragraph can suggest a
future action that needs to be taken by the writer, the reader, or the
character mentioned if they are writing a literary analysis essay.
•
For example:
As a stakeholder in this school, you should seek to preserve the
individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms.
This call to action is an especially effective technique if students
are writing a persuasive essay because students want to rally
their readers to promote change.
For expository essays, students can suggest a next step in
relation to the topic for the reader or for themselves as the
writer.
Relate to the Thesis
• The third and fourth sentences can relate to the
thesis statement.
• Use a restatement of the thesis to serve a specific
purpose. You can make a deeper observation about
life, human nature, community or society.
• Delve into the deeper meaning of their thesis and
offer insight to readers rather than mere repetition of
ideas.
• Example: With standardized testing being the
driving force in education, students are expected to
fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would
only further cause students to lose yet another
means of personal expression.
Express Opinions on the Topic
• Although it may be inappropriate to express personal opinions in the
body of certain types of essays, the last sentence or two of the
conclusion can be an effective location for student commentary on
the topic.
• You may want to make a more general observation about how the
topic applies to society or the world. Ending an essay with a unique
thought can leave a lasting impression in the reader's mind.
• Example: Students face so many challenges in education with less
time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like
clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited
about going to school.
Example Conclusion Paragraph:
In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment
that squashes a student’s individuality. As a stakeholder in this
school, you should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students
and vote “no” on school uniforms. With standardized testing being
the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into
some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause
students to lose yet another means of personal expression.
Students face so many challenges in education with less time to
relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones
in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about
going to school.
You Try It!
•
Now, write a conclusion paragraph to go along with one of the following
thesis statements:
Animal testing is a necessity.
Animal testing is unjustifiable.
Remember:
1.
Point to the future
2.
Suggest a future action
3.
Relate to the thesis
4.
Express opinions on the topic