Whether you’re working on an academic essay, a research paper, or a personal narrative, the conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of concluding an essay, answering questions such as how to write a conclusion, what is a conclusion, and how long should a conclusion be. We will also provide conclusion examples to illustrate these points.
What is a Conclusion?
Before we explore how to write a conclusion, it’s important to understand what a conclusion is and what should include. In essay writing, a conclusion is the final paragraph or section of your essay which summarises the main points of the essay and provides a closing thought or reflection. It serves several key purposes:
- Summarising Key Points: A good conclusion succinctly recaps the main arguments or points made in the essay, reinforcing your thesis.
- Providing Closure: It brings the essay to a logical end, giving a sense of completeness to the reader.
- Offering Final Insights: A conclusion often provides a final insight or reflection, encouraging the reader to think further about the topic.
How to Write a Conclusion
Writing an effective conclusion involves more than just repeating what you’ve already said. Here are some steps and strategies on how to write a conclusion that leaves a lasting impact.
1. Restate Your Thesis
Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way. This reinforces your main argument and reminds the reader of the essay’s focus.
Example: If your thesis was about the importance of renewable energy, you might restate it as: “Renewable energy sources are essential for a sustainable future, as they reduce environmental impact and promote economic growth.”
2. Summarise Main Points
Next, briefly summarise the main points of your essay. This helps to remind the reader of the key arguments and how they support your thesis.
Example: “Throughout this essay, we have explored the environmental benefits of renewable energy, its economic advantages, and its potential to create jobs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.”
3. Provide a Closing Thought
End your conclusion with a final thought or reflection that leaves the reader with something to ponder. This could be a call to action, a rhetorical question, or a prediction for the future.
Example: “As we face the challenges of climate change, embracing renewable energy is not just an option but a necessity. What steps can we take today to ensure a greener tomorrow?”
4. Avoid Introducing New Information
A conclusion should not introduce new arguments or evidence. Stick to summarising and reinforcing what has already been discussed in the essay.
5. Use a Strong Final Sentence
Your last sentence should be powerful and memorable. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader and effectively close your essay.
Example: “The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose wisely.”
How Long Should a Conclusion Be?
One common question is how long should a conclusion be. The length of a conclusion can vary depending on the length and complexity of the essay. However, as a general rule, a conclusion should be approximately 10-15% of the total essay length. For a typical five-paragraph essay, a conclusion is usually one paragraph long. For longer essays, the conclusion might extend to two or three paragraphs.
Guidelines for Conclusion Length
Short Essays (500-800 words): One concise paragraph that summarises the main points and provides a closing thought.
Medium Essays (800-1500 words): One to two paragraphs, offering a detailed summary and a thoughtful reflection.
Long Essays (1500+ words): Two to three paragraphs, including a comprehensive summary, a discussion of implications, and a strong closing statement.
Conclusion Examples
To illustrate the principles discussed above, here are some conclusion examples for different types of essays.
Example 1: Argumentative Essay
Topic: The Benefits of Renewable Energy
Conclusion: “Renewable energy sources are essential for a sustainable future, as they reduce environmental impact and promote economic growth. Throughout this essay, we have explored the environmental benefits of renewable energy, its economic advantages, and its potential to create jobs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. As we face the challenges of climate change, embracing renewable energy is not just an option but a necessity. The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose wisely.”
Example 2: Analytical Essay
Topic: The Symbolism in “The Great Gatsby”
Conclusion: “In ‘The Great Gatsby’, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism to explore themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream. The green light represents Gatsby’s unattainable goals, while the valley of ashes symbolises the moral decay hidden beneath the surface of wealth. By examining these symbols, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and the novel’s critique of American society. Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism underscores the novel’s central message: the American Dream, in its pursuit of material success, often leads to disillusionment and moral failure.”
Example 3: Expository Essay
Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Communication
Conclusion: “Social media has transformed the way we communicate, making it easier to connect with others and share information. This essay has examined the positive aspects of social media, such as enhanced connectivity and real-time information sharing, as well as the negative impacts, including reduced face-to-face interactions and the spread of misinformation. As we navigate this digital age, it is crucial to balance the benefits and drawbacks of social media. By fostering digital literacy and promoting responsible use, we can maximise the positive effects while mitigating the negative consequences.”
Example 4: Narrative Essay
Topic: A Life-Changing Journey
Conclusion: “My journey to the Amazon rainforest was a transformative experience that taught me the value of perseverance and the beauty of nature. Facing the challenges of the dense jungle and unpredictable weather, I learned to adapt and push beyond my limits. This adventure not only deepened my appreciation for the natural world but also strengthened my resolve to pursue my dreams. As I continue on life’s journey, I carry with me the lessons learned in the Amazon, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every experience a chance to discover something new.”
Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion
To ensure your conclusion is impactful and memorable, consider these additional tips:
1. Link Back to the Introduction
A good conclusion often mirrors the introduction, creating a sense of symmetry and closure. This can be achieved by revisiting a theme, question, or anecdote mentioned in the opening paragraph.
2. Synthesise, Don’t Summarise
While summarising is important, strive to synthesise the main points instead of merely repeating them. Show how the ideas fit together and contribute to the overall argument or narrative.
3. Emphasise the Significance
Highlight the broader implications of your discussion. Explain why the points you’ve made matter and how they contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic.
4. Maintain a Consistent Tone
Ensure that the tone of your conclusion matches the rest of your essay. Whether your essay is formal, informal, persuasive, or descriptive, the conclusion should maintain this tone.
5. Use Transitional Phrases
Transitional phrases can help create a smooth flow into the conclusion. Phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” and “Ultimately” signal to the reader that you are wrapping up your discussion.
Conclusion
Mastering how to write a conclusion is crucial for crafting essays that leave a lasting impact. Understanding what is a conclusion and implementing effective strategies can elevate your writing, ensuring your essays are not only coherent but also memorable. Remember that a well-crafted conclusion provides closure, reinforces your thesis, and offers final insights that resonate with your readers.
Final Thoughts
In essay writing, the conclusion is your final opportunity to impress your reader. By restating your thesis, summarising key points, providing a closing thought, and avoiding the introduction of new information, you can create a powerful and effective conclusion. Whether your essay is short or long, following these guidelines will help you end on a strong note.
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