How To Write The Conclusion Of An Argumentative Essay: Mastering the Final Word
Writing an argumentative essay is a journey. You meticulously research, gather evidence, craft compelling arguments, and anticipate counterarguments. But all of this effort culminates in one crucial moment: the conclusion. The conclusion is not merely a summary; it’s your final opportunity to solidify your stance, leave a lasting impression on your reader, and ensure your argument resonates. This guide will break down how to write a powerful conclusion for your argumentative essay, one that effectively reinforces your position and leaves your audience convinced.
The Importance of a Strong Conclusion
Why is the conclusion so important? Think of it as the final frame of a movie. It’s the image, the feeling, the message that lingers after the credits roll. A weak conclusion can undermine even the most well-supported arguments. Conversely, a strong conclusion can elevate a good essay to a great one, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your position and a heightened appreciation for your reasoning. It’s where you truly close the deal.
Rephrasing Your Thesis Statement: The Foundation of Your Conclusion
The cornerstone of your conclusion is a rephrased thesis statement. Don’t just copy and paste it. Instead, revisit your original thesis and express it in new words, demonstrating the journey you’ve taken the reader on. This reiteration should reflect the evidence and arguments you’ve presented throughout the essay. Show how the arguments you made support your original claim.
Summarizing Your Key Arguments: A Concise Recap
Following your rephrased thesis, provide a concise summary of your main arguments. This isn’t a repetition of your body paragraphs, but rather a brief overview of the core points that support your thesis. Think of it as a highlight reel of your essay’s most compelling evidence. Focus on the strongest arguments and the most persuasive pieces of evidence you used.
Synthesizing Information: Bringing It All Together
Go beyond simply summarizing. Synthesize the information. Show the reader how your arguments connect and build upon each other to support your overall thesis. Demonstrate the logical flow of your reasoning and the interconnectedness of your ideas. This is where you show that your argument is more than the sum of its parts.
Addressing the Broader Implications: Expanding the Scope
A truly impactful conclusion goes beyond the immediate scope of the essay. Consider the broader implications of your argument. Why does your argument matter? What are the real-world consequences of accepting or rejecting your position? This section allows you to elevate your essay from a simple exercise to a thoughtful exploration of significant issues.
Offering a Call to Action (If Appropriate): Inspiring Engagement
In some cases, a call to action can be a powerful addition to your conclusion. This is particularly effective in argumentative essays that advocate for a specific change or encourage the reader to take a particular stance. Encourage the reader to think critically, act, or reconsider their own viewpoints. This is not always necessary, but can strengthen your essay’s impact when used appropriately.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the Conclusion
Several common mistakes can weaken a conclusion. Avoid these to ensure your final statement is as effective as possible.
Introducing New Information: Stick to What You’ve Already Presented
Never introduce new information or arguments in your conclusion. The conclusion should be a reflection of what you have already presented. New information can confuse the reader and undermine the coherence of your argument.
Overstating Your Case: Maintain Balance
Avoid making exaggerated claims. While you want to emphasize your argument, overstating it can make your essay seem less credible. Be confident, but maintain a sense of balance and perspective.
Apologizing for Your Argument: Stand Your Ground
Do not apologize for your argument or express doubt in your own position. This undermines your credibility and weakens the impact of your conclusion. Present your argument with conviction.
Simply Restating Your Thesis: Go Beyond the Basics
Don’t just restate your thesis without providing any further analysis or reflection. The conclusion should offer more than a simple repetition. It should synthesize, analyze, and expand upon your original argument.
Examples of Effective Conclusion Strategies
Let’s look at some specific strategies you can use to craft compelling conclusions.
The Synthesis Conclusion: Weaving the Threads Together
This approach focuses on synthesizing your key arguments to create a cohesive and impactful final statement. This is the most common and often most effective strategy. It effectively ties together all the information and arguments.
The Call to Action Conclusion: Inspiring Change
If appropriate, a call to action can be a powerful closing. It encourages the reader to engage with your ideas and take action.
The Prediction Conclusion: Looking to the Future
In some cases, you can conclude by predicting the future based on your argument. This can be a risky strategy, but it can be effective if done with careful consideration and supported by the evidence.
The Echo Conclusion: Returning to the Beginning
A well-crafted conclusion can echo elements from your introduction, creating a sense of closure and reinforcing the connection between your opening and your concluding remarks.
Polishing Your Conclusion: Ensuring Clarity and Impact
Once you’ve drafted your conclusion, take the time to polish it.
Reviewing for Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure Your Message is Clear
Ensure your conclusion is clear and concise. Eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases. Every sentence should contribute to the overall impact of your final statement.
Proofreading for Errors: Eliminate Mistakes
Proofread your conclusion carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished conclusion reflects the overall quality of your essay.
Reading Aloud: Listen for Flow and Tone
Read your conclusion aloud. This can help you identify awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow smoothly.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Final Impression
Writing the conclusion of an argumentative essay is a craft that requires careful consideration and strategic execution. By rephrasing your thesis, summarizing your key arguments, synthesizing information, addressing broader implications, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. A well-written conclusion isn’t just the end of your essay; it’s the culmination of your argument, the final word in a persuasive conversation, and the key to achieving your writing goals. Now go forth and craft conclusions that truly conclude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t think of a call to action?
A call to action is not always necessary. If your topic doesn’t lend itself naturally to a call to action, focus on the other elements of a strong conclusion, such as synthesizing information and addressing the broader implications.
How long should my conclusion be?
The length of your conclusion should be proportionate to the length of your essay. Generally, it should be a few paragraphs long, but focus on its quality and impact rather than adhering to a specific word count.
Can I use quotes in my conclusion?
While it’s generally best to avoid introducing new information, including a relevant quote can be effective if it reinforces your argument and provides a powerful final statement. Use it sparingly and ensure it complements the rest of your conclusion.
How do I know if my conclusion is strong enough?
A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your position, reinforces your main arguments, and encourages them to consider the broader implications of your topic. If your conclusion achieves these goals, it’s likely a strong one.
What if I change my mind during the writing process?
If your research leads you to change your mind, revise your thesis statement and adjust your conclusion accordingly. The conclusion should reflect the final, most informed position you’ve arrived at.