The Conclusion Paragraph

1
The Conclusion Paragraph

• How to End your Essay

2
The conclusion paragraph in an essay functions as
follows

• It finishes off the essay and tells the reader
  where the writer has brought them.
• It restates the thesis and contains echoes of the
  introduction and body paragraphs without listing
  the points covered in the essay.
• It creates a broader implication of the ideas
  discussed and answers the questions so what? Or
  why do we care?

3
Anatomy of the Conclusion

• The conclusion begins with a restatement of the
  thesis, not a repetition, and gradually widens
  toward a final , broad statement of purpose.
• Borrows from the body paragraphs, without being
  flatly repetitive or listing points already
  covered.
• Creates echoes of the introduction and body
  paragraphs to reinforce analysis/ ideas.
• Moves outward with a statement that relates the
  thesis to a broader implication so the reader can
  see the purpose of your paper in a larger
  perspective or application.

4
Strategies for Composing Conclusions

• Give a symbolic or powerful detail/fact.
• Create an analogy that relates your topic to a
  larger implication.
• Give an especially compelling example.
• Use a meaningful quotation. (If you used a
  meaningful quotation in your introduction, refer
  back to this quote and tie it in with your
  overall analysis.)
• Echo the language and approach of the
  introduction.

5
Consider the following checklist when writing a
conclusion

• Avoid first-person point of view, abstract/vague
  language, poor diction, and slang.
• Avoid simply repeating the thesis and/or listing
  the main points.
• Dont conclude more than you reasonably can from
  the evidence you have presented.
• Echo the language and ideas from your
  introduction and body paragraphs.
• Avoid any attempts at humor, cuteness, or
  sarcasm.
• The conclusion need not be longer than four to
  six sentences, as with the introduction, but must
  be adequately developed.