The Importance of a Well-Written Conclusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

A conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay, paper, or presentation. It should repeat the main thesis or argument, highlight the most important elements of the essay, and, if appropriate, leave the reader with a parting thought or call to action. Writing a strong conclusion is crucial since it is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Our focus in this article will be on writing a conclusion for an essay or paper, including:

• The purpose of a conclusion
• The structure of a conclusion
• Tips for writing an effective conclusion

The Purpose of a Conclusion

The purpose of a conclusion is to bring closure to an essay or paper. It should summarize the main points of the piece, restate the main thesis or argument, and, if applicable, leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

A conclusion should not introduce new information or arguments, as this can confuse the reader and undermine the effectiveness of the piece. Instead, it should focus on reinforcing the main points and thesis of the piece.

The Structure of a Conclusion

A conclusion should follow a specific structure in order to be effective. It should typically include the following elements:

1. A restatement of the main thesis or argument
2. A summary of the main points
3. A final thought or call to action

Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements.

1. Restatement of the main thesis or argument

The first element of a conclusion is a restatement of the main thesis or argument. This helps to reinforce the main points of the essay or paper and reminds the reader of the main argument. It is important to rephrase the thesis or argument in a way that is slightly different from the introduction, as repeating the exact same wording can be repetitive and dull for the reader.

2. Summary of the main points

The second element of a conclusion is a summary of the main points. This helps to reinforce the main points of the essay or paper and remind the reader of the key ideas that were discussed. It is important to be concise and to only include the most important points, as the conclusion should not be too long.

3. Final thought or call to action

The third element of a conclusion is a final thought or call to action. A final thought is a thought-provoking statement that leaves the reader with something to consider after they have finished reading the essay or paper. A call to action is a statement that encourages the reader to take some sort of action, such as contacting the author or doing further research on the topic.

Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Now that we have discussed the purpose and structure of a conclusion, let’s take a look at some tips for writing an effective conclusion:

1. Keep it concise

A conclusion should be concise and to the point. It should not introduce new information or arguments, as this can confuse the reader. Instead, it should focus on reinforcing the main points and thesis of the piece.

2. Avoid filler words

Filler words, such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “to sum up,” are unnecessary and can make the conclusion seem repetitive and dull. Instead, try to use transitional phrases to smoothly move from the main body of the essay to the conclusion.

3. Use strong, final language

A conclusion should use strong, final language to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Words and phrases like “finally,” “ultimately,” and “in the end” can be effective in conveying a sense of finality.

4. Leave the reader with a final thought or call to action

A final thought or call to action can be a powerful way to end an essay or paper. A final thought is a thought-provoking statement that leaves the reader with something to consider after they have finished reading the piece. A call to action is a statement that encourages the reader to take some sort of action, such as contacting the author or doing further research on the topic.

5. Proofread and edit

It is important to proofread and edit the conclusion to ensure that it is free of errors and reads smoothly. This will help to ensure that the conclusion makes a strong, lasting impression on the reader.

Conclusion

In conclusion (this is also a conclusion), a conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay, paper, or presentation. It should summarize the main points of the piece, restate the main thesis or argument, and, if applicable, leave the reader with a final thought or call to action. To write an effective conclusion, it is important to keep it concise, avoid filler words, use strong, final language, and leave the reader with a final thought or call to action. It is also important to proofread and edit the conclusion to ensure that it is error-free and reads smoothly. Following these tips will help you to write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.