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An effective conclusion will give your readers something to think about when they're done reading your essay. |
Step
7: Write the Conclusion
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THE CONCLUSION
Just as every essay has a clear beginning, it should have a clear ending. The last paragraph, also know as the conclusion, should make your essay sound finished.
The concluding paragraph typically has two parts:
1. The summary
statement is one or two sentences which restate the
thesis in a fresh way to reinforce the essay's main
idea.
2. The clincher is a final thought which should
create a lasting impression on the reader.
THE SUMMARY STATEMENT
The summary statement is an effective way to start your concluding paragraph because it helps to drive home the ideas you've expressed in your essay.
Look
at your thesis statement again and rework it in a new way.
Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis
statement because you don't want the summary statement to
sound boring or repetitive. Using a thesaurus is a good way
to find new, interesting words.
Here are some examples of thesis statements and summary statements:
Thesis
Statement:
Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its
competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.
Summary
Statement:
Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive
resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the
Toyota Corolla in today's market.
Thesis
Statement: San
Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its
magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and
its many fine restaurants.
Summary
Statement: If
you love beautiful surroundings, world class theater and
art, and an exquisite meal, then San Francisco is the place
for you.
THE CLINCHER
The clincher, also referred to as the closer, is your last opportunity to connect with the reader. One way to make the most of this moment is to return to the technique you used for your grabber. Click on each type to read examples.
Make
a prediction or recommendation based on the facts or
statistics.
Ask
a final rhetorical question.
Use
a new quotation or refer back to the opening
quotation.
Continue
the original description of a character, setting, or
object.
Here's an example of a concluding paragraph for the "favorite pet" essay that uses a quotation as the clincher:
As you write your conclusion, try to avoid the "so-as-you-can-see" ending and the "in conclusion my thesis statement proves that" or "states that" ending. All of these are overused and worn out. You've already made your thesis and reasoning clear. You don't need to tell us that you've just told us something.
- Try writing a summary statement for your essay.
- Add a thought-provoking clincher.
 Related
Links |
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Essay
Conclusions Colossal
Conclusion Confusion: How to Avoid a
Calamity Writing
Conclusions Sample
Conclusions Ending
the Essay: Conclusions Strategies
for Writing a Conclusion A
Brief Note About Conclusions Conclusions The
Conclusion |
