How to Write a Proper Conclusion for Your Essay

How to Write a Proper Conclusion for Your Essay

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How to Write a Proper Conclusion for Your Essay

It’s one thing to write an academic essay, but concluding it is something else completely. A conclusion isn’t just a simple ending. It also serves as your readers’ takeaway, and it can make or break an otherwise excellent essay. Understandably, many students find it daunting to bring their written pieces to a close.

If you’re one of those students, no need to worry! Here’s a helpful guide on writing a proper conclusion for your essay.

Your Guide to Writing a Conclusion for Your Essay

In essence, the conclusion summarizes the essay, including any main points from the previous paragraphs. It should not introduce any new ideas of its own, unlike a body paragraph. Start writing your conclusion with the following steps:

• Restate your thesis statement.
• Restate the main ideas of each paragraph in the body.
• Conclude all main ideas and answer your essay’s key questions.

You’ll end up with at least three sentences of conclusion material. These sentences need further polishing, however. After all, aside from recapping your essay, you want to convince your readers to consider the points you’ve made. The following 5 techniques can help you write an effective conclusion.

5 Ways to End an Essay

1. Link the Conclusion and Introduction

“Bookend” your essay, making the sentences in your conclusion mirror those in the introduction to give your readers a sense of closure. Paraphrase your thesis statement, keeping in mind any subtle changes throughout the discussion.

2. Keep It Short

Your conclusion should only be as long as is necessary. Keep it concise, and don’t turn it into an exercise in padding your word count. If the essay instructions leave room for a bit of drama, end with a sentence made mostly of one-syllable words.

3. Cap With a Complex Sentence

Alternatively, a compound sentence or parallel structure can be a suitable end to a complex discussion. These will lend your essay a sense of order or balance.

4. Quote from a Source

An appropriate quote from a primary or secondary source can easily situate your essay in a larger context. Choose a line or an excerpt that either strengthens your main point or provides a different way of looking at your main issue. Just remember that the last say should still come from you, since this is your essay.

5. Hint at Possibilities

Believe it or not, your essay can help pave the way for other students to conduct deeper studies or uncover new issues. Here are a few ways to conclude your essay’s arguments without closing the discussion completely:

• Shed some light on the implications of your argument. What does your essay suggest? How might it impact later discussions on the subject material?
• Redefine one of your argument’s key terms. For example, your proposed new definition can account for the issues raised in your paper.
• Ask a question that’ll get your readers thinking.
• End with either a call to action or a warning. Be sure you don’t sound overbearing or preachy.

Additional Tips: How Not to End an Essay

Aside from steps and techniques, you’ll also need to know what common mistakes to avoid when concluding an essay. Keep the following points of caution in mind:

• Don’t Repeat Your Thesis/Introduction Word for Word. There are more subtle ways of linking the conclusion back to the introduction.
• Don’t Leave Out Any Main Points. Otherwise, readers will wonder why you included these points in the essay to begin with.
• Don’t Apologize. Admit to any flaws or inaccuracies, and you risk coming off as unreliable to your readers. Instead, take the time to revise your paper until you can present it sans apologies.
• Don’t Use Obvious Expressions to Signal a Conclusion. Some of these include “therefore I conclude,” “in summary,” and “to sum up.” Even without these phrases, readers will be able to sense when an essay is about to end.

With this guide, you’ll find it easier to come up with conclusions for your written requirements. Your classmates may even start asking you for essay writing tips!

Need a bit more help ending your essay properly? At Essay On Us, we’re always ready to lend you a hand with essays and other requirements. Aside from giving your essay a fitting conclusion, our professionals can proofread your submission and help resolve any plagiarism issues, all for a student-friendly price. Check out our writing services today