What To Write In A Conclusion Of An Essay: Crafting a Memorable Ending
Writing an essay is a journey. You brainstorm, research, outline, draft, revise, and edit. You pour your heart and soul into crafting compelling arguments, supporting them with evidence, and weaving a narrative that captivates your reader. But all this effort culminates in a single, crucial moment: the conclusion. This is not just a formality; it’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression. This article will delve deep into the art of writing a powerful conclusion, ensuring your essays resonate long after the final sentence is read.
The Importance of a Strong Essay Conclusion
Why is the conclusion so critical? Think of it like the final scene of a movie or the last chapter of a book. It’s where the story resolves, where the threads come together, and where the overall message truly sinks in. A weak conclusion can undermine even the most brilliantly argued essay, leaving the reader feeling unsatisfied or, worse, confused. A strong conclusion, on the other hand, can elevate your essay, solidifying your arguments and leaving a lasting impact. It’s your opportunity to reiterate your thesis, synthesize your ideas, and offer a final, thought-provoking statement.
Rephrasing Your Thesis: The Cornerstone of Your Conclusion
The first step in writing a compelling conclusion is to revisit your thesis statement. However, resist the urge to simply copy and paste it. Instead, rephrase your thesis using different wording. This demonstrates that you understand your argument and can articulate it in multiple ways. Think of it as offering a fresh perspective on your central claim, reinforcing its importance in light of the evidence you’ve presented. This is a good opportunity to remind the reader of the main point of your essay, without being repetitive.
Synthesizing Your Main Points: Bringing It All Together
Your essay’s body paragraphs likely explored different facets of your argument, each supported by evidence and examples. The conclusion is where you synthesize these individual points. Don’t just list what you’ve already discussed; instead, show how these points connect and contribute to your overall thesis. Illustrate the bigger picture and demonstrate the cohesive narrative you’ve constructed throughout the essay. This is where you show the reader how everything fits together to create a compelling argument.
Avoid New Arguments in the Conclusion
One of the most common mistakes in essay writing is introducing new arguments or evidence in the conclusion. The conclusion should be a summary and a reflection on what you’ve already presented. Introducing new information at this stage can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Stick to summarizing and synthesizing the information you’ve already presented.
Offering a Broader Perspective: Expanding Beyond the Essay
While the conclusion should primarily focus on the essay’s content, it’s also an opportunity to broaden the perspective. Consider the implications of your argument. How does your thesis relate to larger issues or concepts? What are the real-world consequences of your findings? This expansion can add depth and significance to your essay, showing that you’ve thought critically about the topic and its broader relevance. It also demonstrates a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
The Power of a Memorable Closing Statement
The final sentence of your conclusion is the last impression you’ll leave on your reader. Make it count. This is your chance to craft a memorable closing statement that encapsulates the essence of your essay and leaves the reader pondering the implications of your argument. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, a powerful quote, or a concise summary of your main point. The key is to make it impactful and leave the reader feeling that the essay has reached a satisfying and meaningful conclusion.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Essay Conclusions
Several common mistakes can weaken an essay’s conclusion. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and craft a more effective ending.
Don’t Simply Restate Your Introduction
While you should rephrase your thesis, avoid simply restating your introduction verbatim. This can make your essay feel repetitive and uninspired. Instead, aim for a fresh perspective that builds upon what you’ve already written.
Avoid Apologies and Weak Phrases
Phrases like “In conclusion, I think…” or “I hope you enjoyed this essay” weaken your authority and undermine your argument. The conclusion should be confident and assertive, not apologetic or tentative. State your points with conviction.
Steer Clear of Clichés and Overused Phrases
Avoid clichés and overused phrases that can make your conclusion feel generic and unoriginal. Aim for originality and clarity in your writing. A unique perspective is what distinguishes a good essay from a great one.
Examples of Effective Conclusion Techniques
Let’s look at some examples of different conclusion techniques.
The Call to Action
“Ultimately, understanding the complexities of climate change requires immediate and decisive action. We must strive to reduce our carbon footprint, support sustainable practices, and advocate for policies that protect our planet for future generations.”
The Provocative Question
“Given the advancements in artificial intelligence, are we prepared for a future where machines surpass human intellect? The ethical and societal implications of this possibility demand careful consideration and proactive planning.”
The Quotation
“As Albert Einstein famously stated, ‘The important thing is to not stop questioning.’ By constantly seeking knowledge and challenging assumptions, we can strive for a deeper understanding of the world around us, fueling innovation and progress.”
Refining Your Conclusion: Editing and Proofreading
Once you’ve written your conclusion, it’s crucial to edit and proofread carefully. Look for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and any areas where the conclusion could be improved. Ensure that the conclusion flows logically from the body of the essay and that it effectively summarizes your main points. A polished and well-written conclusion will significantly enhance the overall quality of your essay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essay Conclusions
Here are some commonly asked questions about essay conclusions, answered in detail:
What if my essay feels too short to have a conclusion? Even a shorter essay needs a concluding paragraph. Even if your essay is brief, the conclusion is still a vital part of the essay. It should still rephrase the thesis, synthesize your main points, and offer a final thought. Don’t skip this crucial step.
How long should my conclusion be? The length of your conclusion should be proportional to the overall length of your essay. Generally, a conclusion should be about 5-10% of the total word count. For example, a 1000-word essay might have a conclusion of 50-100 words.
Can I use personal anecdotes in my conclusion? While personal anecdotes can sometimes be effective, use them cautiously in the conclusion. If relevant, a brief, thoughtful anecdote can add a personal touch. However, the primary focus should remain on summarizing your arguments and offering a broader perspective.
How can I make my conclusion more engaging? Varying your sentence structure, using strong verbs, and incorporating rhetorical devices can make your conclusion more engaging. Consider using an analogy, a metaphor, or a vivid image to capture the reader’s attention.
What if I’m unsure how to summarize my main points? Reread your body paragraphs, and identify the core arguments you made in each. Then, synthesize these arguments in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating how they support your thesis. Consider creating an outline of your body paragraphs to help with the summarization.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Essay Endings
Writing a strong conclusion is a vital skill for any essay writer. By rephrasing your thesis, synthesizing your main points, broadening your perspective, and crafting a memorable closing statement, you can create a conclusion that leaves a lasting impact on your reader. Remember to avoid common pitfalls, edit and proofread carefully, and practice these techniques to refine your writing. With a well-crafted conclusion, you can elevate your essays and ensure your arguments resonate long after the final word.