How To Write Concluding Sentences For Body Paragraphs: A Comprehensive Guide
Writing effective body paragraphs is a cornerstone of strong writing. Each paragraph should contribute a distinct idea, supporting the overall thesis. But often, the concluding sentence – the final flourish – is overlooked. It’s not just about summarizing; it’s about reinforcing your argument, transitioning to the next idea, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. This guide dives deep into the art of crafting powerful concluding sentences for your body paragraphs, equipping you with the tools to elevate your writing.
The Critical Role of Concluding Sentences
The concluding sentence is more than just a summary. It serves several crucial purposes:
- Reinforces the Main Point: It reiterates the paragraph’s core idea, solidifying it in the reader’s mind.
- Provides Closure: It signals the end of the paragraph, allowing the reader to process the information and prepare for the next idea.
- Aids Transition: It can subtly lead the reader towards the next paragraph, creating a smooth flow of ideas.
- Adds Impact: A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impression, making the paragraph more memorable.
Identifying the Purpose of Your Paragraph
Before you can write an effective concluding sentence, you need to understand the purpose of the body paragraph itself. Is it:
- Providing evidence? Your concluding sentence should emphasize the significance of that evidence.
- Offering an explanation? The conclusion should clarify the implications of that explanation.
- Presenting an example? The conclusion should draw a clear connection between the example and the main idea.
- Comparing and contrasting? The conclusion should highlight the key similarities or differences.
Knowing the paragraph’s function is fundamental to writing a relevant conclusion.
Techniques for Crafting Compelling Concluding Sentences
Let’s explore specific techniques to help you write compelling concluding sentences:
Summarizing the Key Points
This is the most common approach, but it can be done well or poorly. Instead of simply restating the topic sentence, synthesize the information presented in the paragraph, highlighting its most important aspects. For instance, instead of “This paragraph discussed the effects of climate change,” try “In essence, the escalating impacts of climate change, as highlighted by the examples above, underscore the urgent need for global cooperation.”
Synthesizing Evidence and Analysis
When a paragraph presents evidence, a strong concluding sentence should synthesize that evidence, drawing a clear conclusion based on the analysis. This approach adds weight to your argument. For example, if you’ve presented data on declining wildlife populations, your concluding sentence might be: “The consistent decline in wildlife populations, directly linked to habitat loss as demonstrated, paints a grim picture of the ecological damage being wrought by human activity.”
Offering an Insight or Interpretation
Go beyond simply summarizing; offer a fresh perspective or insight based on the information presented. This adds a layer of sophistication to your writing. This could involve offering a new angle on the idea presented or its implications. For instance, following a paragraph about the benefits of exercise, you might conclude: “Therefore, the consistent practice of exercise is not just a physical necessity but a pathway to a healthier, more productive life.”
Using Transitional Phrases for Seamless Flow
Transitional phrases are crucial for smooth transitions. Use phrases like “Consequently,” “Therefore,” “As a result,” “In conclusion,” or “Ultimately” to signal the relationship between the paragraph and the overall argument. This guides the reader and makes your writing more cohesive. Make sure not to overuse these; they should enhance, not dominate, your conclusions.
Connecting to the Thesis Statement
A powerful concluding sentence often reiterates the paragraph’s contribution to the overall thesis. This reinforces the connection between each paragraph and the central argument. This reminds the reader of what you’re trying to prove or explain. For instance, if your thesis discusses the importance of early childhood education, and the paragraph discusses the benefits of play-based learning, the concluding sentence could be: “Thus, as this paragraph demonstrates, the incorporation of play-based learning in early childhood education is vital in fostering the key skills for the next generation, and is a key component in achieving the goals outlined in my thesis.”
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Concluding Sentences
While the techniques above offer guidance, it is important to note what to avoid:
Simply Restating the Topic Sentence
This is the most common mistake. It offers no new information and can make your writing feel repetitive. Instead, synthesize and expand upon the ideas presented.
Introducing New Information
The concluding sentence should summarize, not introduce new ideas. Any new information belongs in a new paragraph.
Being Vague or General
Avoid generic statements that lack impact. Be specific and focused, drawing a clear conclusion from the paragraph’s content.
Overusing Filler Phrases
Phrases like “In conclusion” or “In summary” can be helpful, but overuse can make your writing sound clunky. Strive for concise and impactful conclusions.
Examples of Effective Concluding Sentences
Let’s look at some concrete examples:
Example 1: Paragraph about the importance of sleep
- Weak: “So, sleep is important.”
- Strong: “In conclusion, prioritizing adequate sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s a fundamental pillar of overall health and cognitive function, as the body resets and repairs itself while we sleep.”
Example 2: Paragraph about the impact of social media
- Weak: “Social media has a big impact.”
- Strong: “Therefore, while offering unprecedented connectivity, the pervasive influence of social media necessitates a critical awareness of its potential impact on mental health and interpersonal relationships.”
Example 3: Paragraph about the benefits of reading
- Weak: “Reading is good for you.”
- Strong: “Ultimately, through the expansion of vocabulary, the cultivation of critical thinking, and the provision of empathy, the consistent practice of reading enriches the human experience and expands our understanding of the world around us.”
Integrating Concluding Sentences Into Different Writing Styles
The techniques for writing effective concluding sentences apply across various writing styles, but the specific approach may vary.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, precision and clarity are paramount. Concluding sentences should clearly connect the paragraph to the thesis and present a concise summary of the key arguments.
Creative Writing
In creative writing, you have more freedom to experiment with tone and style. The concluding sentence can be more evocative, leaving the reader with a sense of mystery, intrigue, or emotional resonance.
Business Writing
In business writing, conciseness and directness are key. The concluding sentence should clearly state the implications of the information presented and, if necessary, suggest a course of action.
FAQs about Concluding Sentences
Here are some frequently asked questions about concluding sentences:
What if my paragraph is very short? Even short paragraphs benefit from a concluding sentence. The conclusion can simply restate the main point in a slightly different way or offer a single, impactful sentence that reinforces the idea.
Can I use a question in my concluding sentence? It’s generally best to avoid questions. A question can leave the reader with an unresolved feeling. Instead, provide a clear, declarative conclusion.
How long should a concluding sentence be? There is no hard and fast rule. The length should be appropriate for the paragraph and the overall argument. Aim for conciseness and clarity; the sentence should be long enough to fully convey the conclusion but not so long that it becomes unwieldy.
Is it okay to use the word “I” in my concluding sentence? It is generally advisable to avoid using “I” in formal writing unless you have a specific reason to do so. Focus on the argument and the evidence, and let the conclusion speak for itself.
How can I make my concluding sentence memorable? To make your concluding sentence memorable, try to use strong verbs, vivid language, and a concise summary of the main arguments.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing concluding sentences is a crucial skill for any writer. By understanding their function, employing effective techniques, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance the clarity, impact, and overall effectiveness of your writing. Remember to synthesize, connect, and provide closure with each concluding sentence, leaving your readers with a clear understanding of your argument and a lasting impression of your work. By mastering these techniques, you can transform even the simplest of paragraphs into a powerful piece of writing.