How to write a conclusion

In an essay, a research paper, or an article, the conclusion is the final paragraph that concludes the whole work. For many, this part is the most challenging aspect of writing an essay. 

So how do you leave the reader satisfied with your essay when highlighting the importance of your findings? Let’s find out.

Conclusion paragraph examples

The conclusion paragraph should:

  • Reaffirm your thesis statement
  • Outline the major supporting theories explored in the work
  • Offer your final thoughts on your essay's main topic. ​

If technology continues to grow into the field of how society gets information, it will become clear that social media networks wield too much power over public opinion.Restatement: The first sentence returns us to the main argument of the essay.A significant percentage of respondents said in a study that they get their daily news from social media platforms. Also, the filtration algorithms on social media suggest that private companies expand the audience for their ideas while filtering out opposing viewpoints.Recap: Instead of simply summarizing each paragraph, these sentences connect the dots between them, demonstrating how they work together to support the thesis statement.If we respect free and accurate reporting, we must take steps to control digital media in order to protect press freedom.Implications: The final sentence expands on the subject, moving beyond the essay’s specific thesis statement to demonstrate the argument’s larger implications.

Although it might seem that replacing libraries with digital alternatives is a basic option, it will allow people to waste much more time staring at computer devices despite all the problems they cause. That would also put an end to all of the advantages of libraries for which people have come to depend. Summary: The conclusion begins with a restatement of the thesis statement and the main arguments of the essay. Libraries are such an integral part of the cultural network in many ways that a digital object can never replace them.Emphasis: The last sentence of the conclusion emphasizes the importance of the essay and the arguments and strenghtens the points.

The Lord of the Rings is basically a tale about the fight between good and evil. The atmosphere aids in the novel’s personification of the characters’ problems. Summary: The conclusion begins with a quick rundown of the points made in the essay. The characters go through the challenges with us, sharing their fears and triumphs. Together, they provide an outstanding depiction of external and internal conflicts that achieves an almost unlikely outcome. Analysis: The analysis that was made is stressed, demonstrating how the essay contributes a fresh insight. This personal feeling and the complexity of the plot make The Lord of the Rings one of the most read novels in history. Significance:The conclusion ends by emphasizing the significance of the subject literary work and making a general comment.

Before diving into the next steps of crafting a compelling essay conclusion, it’s worth mentioning that online essay generator tools like Ai essay bot can offer valuable assistance in generating ideas and structuring your content effectively.

Now that you’ve seen and analyzed the conclusion examples from different types of essays, it’s time to continue with the steps of writing a great one! 

Step 1: Restate your thesis statement

You start by reaffirming your thesis statement before writing your conclusion and finish your essay with a catchy sentence.
  • Since the thesis statement is the central argument of your essay, it’s always good to remind the reader of the paper’s main message.
  • Instead of simply restating your thesis statement, rephrase your case in a manner that demonstrates how it has progressed since the introduction paragraph.

Example: Going back to the thesis statement

Introduction

....(Introduction starts)
....(Introduction continues)
As technology advances in how society obtains information, it will become evident that social media networks have way too much control over public opinion. Thesis statement, which is usually the last sentence of your introduction

Body paragraphs

....(Body paragraphs start)
....(Body paragraphs continue)

Conclusion

If technology continues to grow into the field of how society gets information, it will become clear that social media networks wield too much power over public opinion. Restatement, which is usually the first sentence of your conclusion
....(Conclusion continues)

Step 2: Give a summary of main points

After that, remind the reader of the main points you used to justify your position. Since academic essays and research papers can be lengthy, a concise overview of all the supporting points should be included in your conclusion to keep the reader up to date.

  • Avoid merely summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in chronological order. Instead, attempt to link the points in a manner that makes an obvious connection between them.
  • Your conclusion can only include crucial facts and research from your essay’s body paragraphs. Avoid including new facts in the conclusion.​

Example: Recap of main points

Conclusion

....(Restate your thesis)
In a study, a significant percentage of respondents said they get their daily news from social media platforms. Also, the filtration algorithms on social media suggest that private companies expand the audience for their ideas while filtering out opposing viewpoints. Give a summary of main points made in the paragraphs
....(Make implications)
....(Closing sentence of essay)

Step 3: Make larger implications

After giving a summary of main points made in the essay, zoom out to a broader perspective of the subject and consider the consequences of your point.

Example: Making larger implications

Conclusion

....(Restate your thesis)
....(Give a summary of main points)
If we respect free and accurate reporting, we must take steps to control digital media in order to protect press freedom. Make larger implications
....(Closing sentence of essay)

Step 4: End your essay with a closing sentence

This part is generally optional. So it’s up to you whether to add a closing sentence or not.

In any case, your final (closing) sentence should give the reader a feeling of completion. Your last sentence is your ultimate word on the topic; it is your “clincher.” Therefore, it should:

  • Demonstrate how important your thoughts are.
  • Encourage your reader to see the subject in a different point.
  • Finish on a high note with a catchy sentence.

Example: Ending with a closing sentence

Conclusion

....(Restate your thesis)
....(Give a summary of main points)
....(Making larger implications)
Afterall, we should work together to promote a healthy and robust media ecosystem that fosters the free exchange of ideas, and empowers individuals to think critically and form their own informed opinions. Closing sentence of essay

Conclusion paragraph best practices

Things to avoid when writing a conclusion

  • Don’t use phrases like “in summary,” “in conclusion,” or “to sum up.” Readers don’t need a marker to know they’ve reached the end of the essay. This is not a general rule for conclusion paragraphs, but these kind of phrases will make your writing seem unprofessional.
  • Don’t just restate what you have already said.
  • Don’t introduce a new concept or subtopic (arrange your headings clearly beforehand). This would just confuse your readers and weaken your points. If you have a compelling argument that you would like to add, consider switching it to one of your supporting paragraphs.

  • The “So what?” game

Ask yourself, “So what?” or “Why should anybody be concerned?” as you read a sentence from your conclusion.

  • Synthesizing instead of summarizing
Don’t just restate what you said in your essay. They’ve already read it. Demonstrate how the observations you made were not chosen at random but rather worked together.

  • Reiterating the introduction

️If you described a scenario in your introduction, describe the same scenario in the conclusion.

  • Asking questions

️Asking questions to your readers or to the general public will help them develop a viewpoint on the subject they may not have had until the conclusion.

So you’ve reached the end of our guide on how to write a conclusion! Crafting a strong and effective conclusion is a vital part of any piece of essay.

By summarizing your main points and leaving your reader with a lasting impression, you can make your writing process more memorable and impactful.

Picture of Deniz Akcaoglu
Deniz Akcaoglu
Content editor and writer. Probably out there trying to get into an obscure band she actually hates the sound of.

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