What To Write In Conclusion Of Essay: Mastering the Final Impression
Crafting a compelling essay requires more than just a strong introduction and well-developed body paragraphs. The conclusion is the final, crucial piece of the puzzle, the last opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It’s where you synthesize your arguments, reiterate your thesis, and ultimately, convince your audience of the validity and significance of your work. But what exactly should you write in the conclusion of your essay? This article dives deep into the art of the essay conclusion, providing practical guidance and examples to help you master this essential skill.
The Importance of a Strong Essay Conclusion
Why is the conclusion so important? Think of it as the grand finale of a performance. It’s the point where you tie everything together, leaving your audience with a clear understanding of your message. A weak conclusion can undermine even the most brilliant arguments presented in the body of your essay. Conversely, a strong conclusion can elevate your work, transforming a good essay into a memorable one. It’s your chance to solidify your argument and leave the reader with something to ponder.
Avoiding Common Conclusion Pitfalls
Before we delve into the “how,” let’s address what to avoid in your conclusion. This is critical to ensuring your conclusion is effective and doesn’t detract from your essay’s overall impact.
- Introducing New Information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or arguments. Stick to summarizing and synthesizing the points you’ve already made.
- Simply Restating the Introduction Word-for-Word: While reiterating your thesis is important, avoid simply copying and pasting your introduction. Find fresh ways to phrase your main point.
- Apologizing for Weaknesses: Don’t undermine your own work by apologizing for any perceived flaws or limitations.
- Overly Broad Generalizations: Avoid sweeping statements that lack specificity. Your conclusion should be grounded in the evidence you presented.
- Ending Abruptly: Ensure a smooth transition. Don’t just stop; provide closure and a sense of finality.
Effective Strategies for Writing a Powerful Conclusion
Now, let’s explore the specific techniques that will help you craft a conclusion that shines.
Rephrasing the Thesis Statement: The Core of Your Conclusion
The cornerstone of any effective conclusion is a rephrased thesis statement. This isn’t just a repetition of the original; it’s a restatement that reflects the insights gained through your analysis. Use different wording to emphasize the main point and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic. Consider how your argument has evolved throughout the essay and reflect those changes in your concluding thesis statement.
Summarizing Key Arguments: Synthesizing Your Evidence
Briefly summarize the main points you presented in the body of your essay. This reinforces your argument and reminds the reader of the evidence you provided. Focus on the most compelling arguments and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. Think of it as a highlight reel of your key findings.
Providing a Sense of Closure: The Final Touch
The conclusion should provide a sense of closure, signaling to the reader that the essay has reached its natural end. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as:
- Offering a Call to Action: Encourage the reader to consider the implications of your argument or to take a specific action.
- Suggesting Further Research: If appropriate, suggest avenues for future exploration or research.
- Offering a Final Thought or Observation: Leave the reader with a memorable takeaway or food for thought.
Different Types of Essay Conclusions: Tailoring Your Approach
The most effective conclusion depends on the type of essay you’re writing. Let’s examine some common essay types and the best approaches for their conclusions.
The Argumentative Essay Conclusion: Reinforcing Your Stance
In an argumentative essay, the conclusion is critical for reiterating your position and persuading the reader to accept your viewpoint.
- Restate your thesis in a new and compelling way.
- Summarize your key arguments, highlighting the evidence that supports your claims.
- Address counterarguments (if you haven’t already) and explain why your position is more valid.
- End with a strong closing statement, such as a call to action or a thought-provoking observation.
The Analytical Essay Conclusion: Unveiling Deeper Meaning
In an analytical essay, the conclusion should go beyond simply summarizing the text. It should reveal a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Reiterate your thesis, focusing on the insights gained through your analysis.
- Synthesize your observations, demonstrating how they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
- Offer a final interpretation of the text or topic, emphasizing its significance.
- Explore the broader implications of your analysis, such as its relevance to other works or to society as a whole.
The Narrative Essay Conclusion: Bringing the Story Home
In a narrative essay, the conclusion should provide a sense of resolution and closure to the story.
- Reflect on the significance of the events you described.
- Explain what you learned from the experience.
- Connect the story to a broader theme or idea.
- Offer a final thought or observation that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Examples of Effective Conclusion Techniques
Let’s look at some specific examples to illustrate these techniques.
- Example 1: Summarizing with Impact: “In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that climate change poses a significant threat to global stability. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the consequences are already being felt worldwide. Addressing this crisis requires immediate and decisive action, including a transition to renewable energy sources and international cooperation.”
- Example 2: Providing a Call to Action: “The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for increased funding for mental health services. By investing in early intervention programs and expanding access to treatment, we can create a healthier and more supportive environment for all. Take action today by supporting organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy and research.”
- Example 3: Offering a Final Thought: “Ultimately, the power of literature lies in its ability to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and connect us to the shared human experience. Through the power of storytelling, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.”
Refining Your Conclusion: The Editing Process
Writing a strong conclusion is only part of the battle. The editing process is just as important.
- Read your conclusion aloud: This helps you identify any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
- Ensure a smooth flow: Make sure the conclusion logically follows the body paragraphs and provides a sense of closure.
- Check for clarity and conciseness: Avoid unnecessary words or phrases.
- Get feedback from others: Ask a friend, classmate, or professor to review your conclusion and provide constructive criticism.
FAQs About Essay Conclusions
Here are some frequently asked questions about essay conclusions:
What happens if my conclusion is too short? A short conclusion risks appearing rushed and incomplete, leaving the reader unsatisfied. Aim for a conclusion that is substantial enough to effectively summarize your argument and provide a sense of closure, but avoid being repetitive.
Is it okay to use quotes in my conclusion? While quotes can be effective in certain contexts, use them sparingly in your conclusion. Overusing quotes can disrupt the flow and detract from your own voice.
Can I use a conclusion template? While templates can be helpful for structuring your conclusion, avoid using them verbatim. Tailor the template to fit the specific requirements of your essay and your own unique ideas.
How much of my essay should the conclusion be? Generally, the conclusion should be about 5-10% of your total essay length. This provides enough space to effectively summarize your argument and provide a sense of closure without overwhelming the reader.
What if I’m not sure what to write in my conclusion? If you’re struggling to write your conclusion, revisit your thesis statement, your key arguments, and the overall purpose of your essay. This will help you identify the core ideas you want to emphasize in your conclusion.
Conclusion: Your Final Word
In conclusion, the essay conclusion is a critical component of any well-crafted piece of writing. By mastering the techniques of rephrasing your thesis, summarizing key arguments, and providing a sense of closure, you can create a conclusion that effectively reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Remember to avoid common pitfalls, tailor your approach to the specific type of essay, and refine your work through careful editing. By following these guidelines, you can transform your essay conclusions from mere summaries into powerful and memorable statements that elevate your writing and solidify your arguments.