You’ve just written a perfect academic paper and now it’s only the closing part left. So what is a conclusion of an essay exactly? Put simply, the last paragraph of an essay brings together the main ideas presented in your paper. But that’s not all. A well-crafted closure should go beyond summarizing the main points. It should offer insights and reflections.
When concluding an essay, remember that a good closing paragraph leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction. Ideally, it prompts them to further study the topic discussed.
In this short guide, we will try to answer the following questions:
- What is a conclusion in an essay?
- What to put in a conclusion of an essay?
- How to write a good conclusion?
- What are the different ways to start a conclusion?
- How long should a conclusion paragraph be?
What Is a Good Conclusion for an Essay?
Now, what makes good concluding paragraphs? Well, for one thing, they go beyond summarizing the main points. Here are five criteria that contribute to a good final passage:
- It Restates the Thesis Statement
A good closure reminds the reader of the main thesis statement. It summarizes the central argument and reaffirms the stance taken. Whereas the opening part introduces the main idea, the final one must reinforce it.
This is why it may be a good idea to write the first and last parts when you’ve completed the rest. In this way, they’ll be perfectly aligned and produce an impression of coherence.
- It Summarizes Key Points
Yes, the final part should briefly summarize the key points discussed in the paper. This is necessary to ensure the reader understands the main ideas.
But be careful! A summary is not the same as a repetition. The reader doesn’t need the duplicate of what you’ve already said — they need its synthesis.
- It Offers a New Insight or Perspective
A strong final part may provide a thought-provoking reflection or suggest avenues for exploration. It is always good if the closing passage offers a broader context for the reader to consider.
Yet, again, be very cautious here. You can (and should!) provide a new perspective but don’t provide new facts. All your arguments must be outlined above. The final paragraph is the right place for their digestion, not presentation.
- It Leaves a Lasting Impression
An effective concluding part leaves a lasting impression. It should resonate with the reader and leave them with a sense of satisfaction.
A powerful closure can evoke emotions, challenge assumptions, or inspire action. To achieve that, you should use various language devices and other tricks that help to create impactful papers.
- It Maintains Consistency with the Tone and Style
Last but not least, the final part of your paper must be consistent with the rest of the text. Keep in mind the overall tone and style of the paper for that.
Before deciding on the best way to conclude an essay, read what you’ve already written. This will help to maintain the same level of formality or informality.
How to Structure a Conclusion
To make a proper structure of a conclusion paragraph, include all the core elements in it. Here is the minimum of what should be in a conclusion:
- Summary: Only provide a very brief recap of the main points. The idea is not to retell the paper but to show its logical flow. For example, if you conclude the paper by stating that animal testing should be stopped, remind the readers about the key arguments behind it.
- Thesis Restatement: Don’t forget to mention what the central argument is, too.
- Closing Thoughts: Try to connect the thesis statement to a broader context. Now, that you have a position on a topic, can you call the reader to action? Or, maybe more research is required?
- Significance: Every time you’re looking for a proper way to conclude an essay, ask yourself the “so what?” question. Show the reader why they should care.
- Closure: Make the last sentence particularly strong. Use metaphors, symbolism, or other language devices.
Besides this minimum set for writing an effective conclusion, here are a few ideas to infuse originality into your final part:
- Engage with a thought-provoking question;
- Add a personal touch;
- Provide an unexpected or surprising insight;
- Employ vivid imagery or quote.
Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between the traditional ways of how to wrap up an essay and the creative touch.
How to Write an Essay Conclusion: 5 Core Tips
Now, how to write a conclusion paragraph for an essay that is really good? We’ve already discussed what is conclusion in essay. And we reviewed some good ways to end an essay, too. Here are five more tips for writing a conclusion.
#1 Start with a Strong Topic Sentence
A topic sentence grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest. One effective way of how to write conclusion of essay is to make this sentence short and strong. Allusion, paradox, and simile can all be of help.
#2 Align It with the Introduction
Another tip for how to write a good conclusion for an essay is to establish a clear connection between the opening and closing parts. Use the introduction part as a guide. Show the reader how the paper fulfills the promises given in the first paragraph.
#3 Use Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
Any guide on how to make a conclusion in an essay will tell you that you must connect to your reader. But how? As an option. try appealing to
- their feelings (pathos)
- their beliefs about good and bad (ethos)
- their logical reasoning (logos).
#4 Edit and Proofread It Several Times
Editing and proofreading are essential clues to how to do a conclusion in an essay. Reread the final part several times after you finish it. Remove any redundant or irrelevant information. Refine your language. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, too.
#5 Show Your Work to a Friend or Peer
Seeking feedback is a good strategy for how to write a good essay conclusion. Ask a friend or peer to read what you’ve written. They can provide great suggestions for improvement. Plus, they’ll spot minor errors and inconsistencies that you have overlooked.
How to Write Conclusions That Stand Out: Dos and Don’ts
Writing a concluding paragraph that stands out is no walk in the park. Of course, there are many good ways to conclude an essay. And there is no need to stick to one strategy only. But whatever tips for writing a conclusion paragraph you go for, try to keep in mind these dos and don'ts.
Dos
- Be Creative! A sure way how to do a conclusion for an essay is to infuse creativity. A powerful metaphor or a surprising analogy are great tools to add depth and originality.
- Make it personal. A pro tip on how to write the conclusion of an essay is to connect with your reader. If it fits, share your experiences and reflections. Your openness may help establish a genuine connection with readers.
- Add humor when appropriate! If the tone of your paper allows for it, humor can be an effective way how to make a conclusion for an essay. A well-placed witty remark can lighten the mood which is always good. However, be cautious and ensure the humor is appropriate.
Don'ts
- Don't introduce new facts or arguments. The basic rule of how to write a conclusion to an essay is to avoid introducing new information. This can confuse the reader and devalue your previous arguments.
- Don't make it too long. How to write a conclusion for an essay? By keeping it concise and to the point. And how long is a conclusion paragraph ideally? The shorter, the better. The rest will depend on your topic and purpose.
- Don't simply summarize what you've already said. The worst way how to do conclusion in essay is to precisely restate what has already been said. Yes, a summary of the main points is essential. No, a mere repetition is unnecessary.
By adhering to these dos and avoiding the don'ts, you will know how to conclude essay and leave a lasting impact on your reader.
Examples of Good Conclusions for Essays
Of course, it is challenging to understand how to form a conclusion in an essay without studying examples of a good conclusion. Below, we will review two examples. The first one shows how to make a good conclusion for an essay. The other demonstrates how to write a closing paragraph for an essay that’ll spoil the whole thing.
An example of how to write a good closing paragraph ✅
Let’s imagine you’ve written a paper where you take a stance that suggests animal testing should be prohibited. Now, here’s an example of how to write a concluding paragraph for an essay that works:
Now seems to be the right time to unshackle ourselves from the confines of archaic animal testing. The suffering endured by these innocent creatures serves no justifiable purpose. Today, we have instruments that are far more effective and humane. In vitro testing, organ-on-a-chip technology, and computer modeling all work without doing harm.
We stand at a crossroads, where morality intersects with scientific progress. As they say, the wise desire virtue, so let us advocate for the prohibition of animal testing and forge a future where empathy fuels innovation.
A poor closing paragraph example ❌
And now, let’s consider an example showcasing how to make conclusion paragraph spoil the entire text:
To sum it up, it is undeniable that animal testing plays a crucial role in scientific research and medical advancements. Over the years, countless lives have been saved and breakthrough treatments have been developed through the sacrifice of animal subjects. According to recent statistics, animal testing has contributed to a significant reduction in mortality rates for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for humans.
However, it is vital to acknowledge the ethical concerns and potential for animal suffering associated with this practice. Studies have shown that animals subjected to testing procedures may experience pain, distress, and long-lasting psychological effects. The growing awareness of animal rights and welfare has sparked a demand for alternative research methods that minimize or eliminate the need for animal subjects.
Exciting advancements in technology and innovation offer promising alternatives to traditional animal testing. In vitro testing, for instance, allows scientists to simulate human biological systems, providing accurate and reliable data without the use of animals. Additionally, computer modeling and simulation techniques have gained traction, enabling researchers to explore complex interactions within the human body virtually. These alternatives present a pathway towards more humane and effective research practices.
As we move forward, it is essential to strike a balance between scientific progress and ethical considerations. Stricter regulations, increased funding for alternative methods, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations are necessary steps to foster a culture of responsible and compassionate research. By supporting these initiatives, we can pave the way for a future where scientific advancements go hand in hand with the ethical treatment of animals.
Compare these two examples in terms of structure, language, and tone. This’ll help you develop an idea of how to make conclusion in essay.
Wrapping Up
While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for how do you write a conclusion in an essay, knowing the basics is a must. Study different approaches and exchange ideas with your peers. Don’t be shy to be open and honest with your readers. Stay yourself and keep it to the point. The rest is a matter of your creativity. Good luck!
