Conclusions
CONCLUSION
The PURPOSE of CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS
Bring the essay in full circle
The Introduction
For years there has been conflicting
research on the dangers of smoking. Does it
really cause harm? Some people have
formed groups to ban smoking while others
suggest that smoking should be a personal
choice. Due to the greater harm than good,
smoking should be made illegal. This essay
will show that smoking damages our bodies,
pollutes our environment and saps us of our
energy.
The Conclusion
In the final analysis, there is no
doubt that smoking should be
banned. Smoking is physically
dangerous, pollutes our environment
and drains us of our energy. Let us
not delay in passing a law that will
lead us to live better and healthier
lives. Let us rid ourselves of such a
dangerous vice as soon as possible.
4
A Visual
• Think of the Conclusion as a triangle.
Restatement of Thesis
Specific
Lead-out
Clincher
General
Conclusion
The purpose of concluding paragraphs
• To stress the importance or relevance of your thesis
(SO WHAT?!)
• To give the essay a sense of completeness or finality
• To leave the reader with a final impression:
*This is your last chance to convince or persuade the reader,
so make the most of it!
Effective conclusions
• Reflect on how topic relates to larger issues (in
business, in society, in history)
• Show how topic affects the reader’s life
• Evaluate the concepts presented
• Issue a call for action on the part of the audience
More about effective conclusions
• Ask questions generated
by essay’s findings
• Make predictions
• Recommend a solution
Transition
• Do not end with In conclusion,
• Try some others:
– Therefore,
– As a result,
– In essence,
– In the final analysis,
– Finally,
Conclusions to avoid:
• Beginning with “In conclusion …”
• Restating thesis and main points without adding anything
new (or changing the words)
• Bringing up a new topic (using phrases like “for example”)
• Adding irrelevant details (esp. just to make a paper longer)
When to Write a Conclusion:
• Students should always align their
introduction and conclusion paragraphs to
create a unified, purposeful essay.
• Reread the introduction paragraph and
body paragraphs
Example Conclusion Paragraph
Finally, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment
that squashes a student’s individuality. One 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 / Suggest a future action
2. Relate to the thesis
3. Express opinions on the topic (without using the
word I)