The Conclusion Paragraph

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The Conclusion Paragraph
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Functions

• Tells purpose of essay
• Summarizes without listing the points covered in
  the essay.
• Creates a broader implication
• why should we care?

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Parts of the Conclusion

• Begin with a restatement of the thesis
• not a repetition, and gradually widens toward a
  final , broad statement of implication.
• Borrow from the body paragraphs
• without being flatly repetitive or listing points
  already covered.
• Reinforce analysis/ ideas (I believe this to be
  true because..)
• Creates echoes of the introduction and body
  paragraphs
• Move outward-(The world should care because)
• a broader implication so the reader can see the
  analytical focus in a larger perspective or
  application.

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Characteristics of Quality Conclusions

• Strike a note of hope or despair.
• Give a symbolic or powerful detail/fact.
• Give an especially compelling example.
• Use a meaningful quotation.
• Recommend a course of action without being
  preachy.
• Echo the language and approach of the
  introduction.
• No longer than four to six sentences, but
  adequately developed.
• Include the title(s) and author(s) once more.

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Things to Avoid

• Avoid first-person point of view
• Avoid simply repeating the thesis and/or listing
  the main points.
• Dont conclude more than you reasonably can from
  the evidence you have presented.
• Avoid any attempts at humor, cuteness, or
  sarcasm.

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Sample 1

• Throughout Morrisons Beloved, memory has a
  power distinguished from other motifs in the
  novel. Memory is so pervasive that it functions
  as a separate character within the plot. It
  interacts with, and has a unique relationship
  with, each character it brings up painful past
  experiences, and preys upon those resonances.
  Indeed, memory functions as an additional
  antagonist, dredging up the past, teasing and
  torturing without remorse the characters who
  attempt to forget. Ultimately, however, memory is
  defeated with Morrisons dictate this is not a
  story to pass on.

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Breakdown

• Restatement of the thesis
• Throughout Morrisons Beloved memory has a power
  distinguished from other motifs in the novel.
• Borrow from the body paragraphs
• Memory is so pervasive that it functions as a
  separate character within the plot. It interacts
  with, and has a unique relationship with, each
  character it brings up painful past experiences,
  and preys upon those resonances.
• Reinforce analysis/ ideas
• Indeed, memory functions as an additional
  antagonist, dredging up the past, teasing and
  torturing without remorse the characters who
  attempt to forget.
• Move outward
• Ultimately, however, memory is defeated with
  Morrisons dictate this is not a story to pass
  on.