How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph

A captivating conclusion paragraph should be the goal of every writing. Unfortunately, it is not the case, and many students desire to understand why writing a conclusion is very hard. The simple answer is that it requires practice and skill. You should be able to evoke feelings from your readers and create the best impression of your piece. 

That said, what are some practical tips in writing the ideal conclusion for an essay? Read on 

What you Should Include in the Conclusion Paragraph 

This is the final piece of your essay. It should wrap up what you have written throughout the article. The introduction should remain your guide; only that don’t copy and paste. The conclusion should be connected to your intro. 

You should restate the thesis statement of your essay. Here, you want to recap on the main thought that you brought up at the beginning.

Additionally, you should address the main points in the body paragraph. Just the summary. It helps to show that you have proved the thesis statement.

For example, in the intro, you tell your readers what to expect and are using a hook. However, in the conclusion, you are telling them that you have achieved that goal. 

By reading the conclusion, your audience should have a solid idea of what you are discussing. 

Besides providing a closure to the topic, the concluding paragraph should leave something for the readers to take home. It can give the audience something to explore further and consider. 

Relate with the reader through persuasion and conversations. 

What Should I avoid in the Conclusion? 

1. Avoid repetition of your Introduction 

It is not uncommon for professors to find a conclusion that resembles the introduction almost word for word. This structure is not just wrong but also unprofessional.

If the conclusion and the introduction were meant to be the same, it would not make any point having them both. Use the introduction as a guide to ending your essay. 

• Do Not Introduce New Ideas 

The conclusion paragraph should recap what has been discussed already. No new content should be introduced. Should you notice some new information when concluding, find a place where it fits in in the body paragraph and include it. After that, you can now put it in the conclusion section. 

All arguments should remain in the body paragraphs, with their pieces of evidence. 

• Don’t Just Recap 

Instructors in colleges find students who just recap the main points. That is the starting point but not the main idea surrounding conclusion. When concluding a lengthy paper with complex arguments, your summary should help the reader better understand what you have written. You can restate your main points directly and uniquely. This approach reduces redundancy and eliminates fluff in your content. It also provides you with an opportunity to meet your persuasive or rhetorical function. 

• Avoid redundant Terms

For example, don’t overuse the word ‘in conclusion,’ to summarize, etc. While this may sound great in an oral presentation, it’s likely to put off readers. Anyone can clearly see that you are concluding your work. 

• Avoid personal Opinions 

In academic writing, you want to present arguments that you can defend through evidence. That means you should keep off anything that is subjective or biased. Your opinion is allowed when you are writing personal stories. And even in personal reflections, you should tie up your experiences with research. 

• Resist the Urge to Apologize 

You have done in-depth and comprehensive research on a matter. In the process of research, doubts may come up, and you feel the need to apologize. Resist the urge to say statements like ‘this is just one approach; there are many other ways to look on matter XYZ.’ 

Instead, embrace confidence and restate what your essay has been. Evoke the intended emotions. Let your readers find a reason to follow your line of thought instead of seeing you wallow in self-doubt. 

How Should you Structure your Conclusion

It is essential to understand the best practices for structuring your conclusion. It should start specific and go general. This is unlike the introduction that starts general but ends specific with the statement of the thesis. 

Therefore, start by paraphrasing your thesis statement. One sentence will suffice. Next, provide two to three statements of your essay’s major arguments and how they fit together in the overall theme. Finally, write the concluding sentence that provides the readers with something to remember. 

Expert Tips to Writing a Great Conclusion 

1. Read widely 

The old phrase that ‘practice makes perfect’ remains true even in the 21st century. When you read essays from experts, you will see how the conclusions have been written. Coupled with practice, it will be a matter of time, and you will craft a compelling conclusion. 

Knowing how to make a conclusion successfully cannot be a one-time activity. You should be willing to learn, and you can talk to your friend and practice and correct each other. You can assign each other essays to read and digest. 

• Let the running theme Guide you. 

To know how to best write a conclusion, for whatever referencing style, either MLA, Harvard, Chicago, or APA conclusion, the primary argument should be upfront in your mind. You should ask yourself whether by reading just the conclusion, the reader will have a general idea of what the paper is discussing. 

In other words, let your concluding paragraph be informative in the most precise manner. There is no need to explain much as the body paragraphs already did that. 

• It Helps to Edit 

You may not get it right the first time you put your essay together, and that is okay. When done, put your paper aside and engage in other activities. If you would like, even a walk will help. Let your mind rest and refresh. 

After that, get back to your essay and relook at it. There are words you’ll realize do not need not to be there. Edit ruthlessly and remove all fluff. That way, your paper will convince, persuade, and evoke the right emotions. 

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