When it comes to writing an essay, many students focus their efforts on the introduction and body of the paper but neglect the importance of a strong conclusion. However, a well-crafted conclusion is just as essential as the rest of the essay, as it provides the reader with a lasting impression of the argument and overall message.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the basics of a conclusion, the elements of an impactful conclusion, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for different types of essays. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to write a memorable conclusion for your essay.

Understanding the Basics of a Conclusion

Before we dive into the specific elements of a conclusion, it's important to understand the basics of what a conclusion is and what it should accomplish. A conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay that sums up the main points and reiterates the thesis statement. The primary purpose of a conclusion is to leave the reader with a lasting impression of the argument and overall message of the essay.

 

 

Characteristics of an Effective Conclusion

An effective conclusion should have several key characteristics. First and foremost, it should be concise and to the point, summarizing the main points of the essay without repeating them verbatim. Additionally, it should leave the reader with a sense of closure and a clear understanding of the argument's significance. Finally, an effective conclusion should be memorable, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the essay's message.

Difference between a Conclusion and a Summary

It is crucial for an essay writer to understand that a conclusion is more than just a summary. While a summary provides a brief overview of the main points discussed in the essay, a conclusion should do much more. It should restate the thesis statement and leave a lasting impression on the reader about the argument's significance. A strong conclusion should tie together all the ideas presented in the essay and leave the reader with a sense of closure. Therefore, an essay writer should ensure that their conclusion not only summarizes the key points but also emphasizes the essay's main message and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Crafting an Impactful Conclusion

Now that we understand the basics of a conclusion and the characteristics of an effective one, let's dive into the specific elements that make a conclusion impactful.

Writing the First Sentence of the Conclusion

The first sentence of the conclusion is crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph. A strong first sentence should grab the reader's attention and clearly state the main point of the conclusion. For example, "In conclusion, it is clear that..." or "The evidence presented in this essay highlights the importance of..."

Choosing the Right Words and Phrases

When crafting a conclusion, it's important to choose words and phrases that are memorable and impactful. Avoid using overly complex language or generic phrases that don't add anything to the overall message of the essay. Instead, use strong, vivid language that paints a clear picture of the argument's significance. For example, instead of saying "This essay has demonstrated that...", try "The evidence presented in this essay unequivocally proves that..."

Using Rhetorical Questions and Anecdotes

Another way to make a conclusion impactful is to use rhetorical questions or anecdotes that reinforce the argument's significance. For example, "Imagine a world without clean water. This essay has shown why it is imperative that we take action to protect our natural resources."

Highlighting the Thesis Statement

Reiterating the thesis statement in the conclusion is a powerful way to drive home the argument's significance. However, it's important to avoid simply repeating the thesis statement verbatim. Instead, rephrase it in a way that highlights its importance and significance. For example, "The thesis statement of this essay - that climate change is the greatest threat to our planet - has been proven time and time again through extensive research."

Making Recommendations or Suggestions

Another way to make a conclusion impactful is to provide recommendations or suggestions for further research or action. This not only reinforces the argument's significance but also

provides a call to action for the reader. For example, "It is imperative that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet. We can start by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources."

Avoiding Common Mistakes

While there are several elements that can make a conclusion impactful, there are also several common mistakes that should be avoided.

Repeating the Same Information

One common mistake is to repeat the same information that has already been discussed in the essay. While it's important to summarize the main points of the essay, simply repeating them verbatim in the conclusion is unnecessary and can make the conclusion feel repetitive.

Introducing New Information

Another common mistake is to introduce new information in the conclusion. The conclusion should only summarize the main points of the essay and reiterate the thesis statement - it should not introduce new arguments or evidence.

Ending Abruptly

Finally, it's important to avoid ending the conclusion abruptly. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure and leave the reader with a lasting impression of the essay's message. Ending the conclusion abruptly can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied and unsure of the argument's significance.

Tips for Different Types of Essays

While the basic elements of a conclusion apply to all types of essays, there are also some tips that are specific to different types of essays.

Argumentative Essays

In an argumentative essay, the conclusion should reiterate the main argument and provide a call to action for the reader. It should also address any counterarguments that were presented in the essay and refute them with evidence.

Narrative Essays

In a narrative essay, the conclusion should provide a sense of closure to the story. It should also tie the story's themes and messages together, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the story's significance.

Expository Essays

In an expository essay, the conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and reiterate the thesis statement. It should also provide a final analysis of the evidence presented and reinforce the argument's significance.

Conclusion

writing a strong conclusion is just as crucial as the rest of the essay when it comes to making an impact on the reader. By following the tips outlined in this guide on how to write a memorable conclusion for your essay, you can ensure that your concluding paragraph is not only concise and impactful but also leaves a lasting impression on your reader. So, if you want to impress your professor with a well-crafted conclusion, make sure to reiterate your thesis statement, steer clear of common mistakes, and choose your words carefully. With these tips in mind, you can confidently write your essay knowing that your conclusion will be just as memorable as the rest of your work. So, go ahead and write my essay with a killer conclusion!