You’ve come to the final paragraph in your essay—the conclusion. But now you feel stuck. Whether it’s the pressure to summarize effectively or the desire to end on a note of originality, you may find yourself wondering, “How do I write a good conclusion for an essay?” Let’s break it down.
Why Is a Conclusion Important?
A conclusion can significantly influence a reader’s understanding of your paper. It’s your final opportunity to leave a memorable impression on the topic at hand. By summarizing the main points discussed throughout the essay, the conclusion should remind the reader of the paper’s central focus. You want to make sure your reader grasps what you are trying to say, so, make it count!
Outline for Writing a Good Conclusion
Here’s a concise guide to help you outline a compelling conclusion for an essay. Imagine you’re wrapping up a paper titled, What College Should I Attend?
1. Restate the Thesis
Rephrase your essay’s main idea to remind your reader of the core idea you’ve been discussing.
Example: Choosing the right college is an important decision that requires careful consideration of various factors.
2. Summarize Key Points
Restate the most relevant information covered throughout your essay in a clear and concise way.
Example: It’s essential to think about the classes offered, the campus atmosphere, how much it costs, and where it’s located.
3. Provide Clarifying Closure
Clarify your stance one final time. This should provide closure for your readers, leaving them with no confusion.
Example: By considering all these things, you can pick a college that feels right for you. It’s not just about picking any college; it’s about finding the place where you’ll be happy and can reach your goals.
4. Include a Call to Action or Closing Thought
Leave your reader with something to think about. End with a solution, insight, or call to action that encourages further reflection.
Example: As you make your decision, don’t rush. Take your time to visit colleges, talk to students and alumni, and trust your gut. Your college years are a big part of your life, so choose wisely and enjoy the journey ahead.
Here’s the final product:
Choosing the right college is an important decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. It’s essential to think about the classes offered, the campus atmosphere, how much it costs, and where it’s located. By considering all these things, you can pick a college that feels right for you. It’s not just about picking any college; it’s about finding the place where you’ll be happy and can reach your goals. As you make your decision, don’t rush. Take your time to visit colleges, talk to students and alumni, and trust your gut. Your college years are a big part of your life, so choose wisely and enjoy the journey ahead.
Common Essay Types
Conclusion styles may change based on the type of essay to make sure they effectively work for the intended purpose.
Persuasive Essays
In persuasive essays, the conclusion backs up the main argument. It might repeat the main points in a strong way, trying to persuade the reader with emotions or logic. A conclusion for a persuasive essay about protecting the environment might stress why it’s urgent to act and why we should care about the planet.
Informative Essays
In informative essays, the conclusion usually sums up the main findings. It might also suggest where to learn more about the topic. In wrapping up an informative essay on regular exercise, you could highlight its numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of diseases and improving mental health.
Argumentative Essays
In argumentative essays, the conclusion sticks to the writer’s side of the argument. It might talk about opposing views but still support the writer’s stance. For an argumentative essay on technology in schools, the conclusion might state that while some worry about too much screen time, it’s still important because it can help students learn better and prepare them for future jobs.
Narrative Essays
In narrative essays, the conclusion reflects on what the story means. It might offer lessons learned or leave the reader with a strong message. In a conclusion for a narrative essay about overcoming challenges, you might highlight the strength gained from facing difficulties and inspire readers to keep going when things get tough.
Tips To Remember
Keep these quick tips handy for when you’re writing a conclusion:
- End your essay on a positive note
- Keep it concise
- Avoid introducing new information
- Maintain consistent tone and style
- Proofread and revise
Writing a good conclusion might feel daunting, but with a few simple guidelines, you can write them with ease. By reiterating your key points and providing closure in a meaningful way, you can write a conclusion that ties everything together, leaving a lasting impression on your reader. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a teacher or mentor to help you with proofreading and revisions.
Not to the “good conclusion” section of your essay yet? Check out these other helpful essay tip to help you along the writing process:
- How to Write an Essay Introduction
- 7 Tips for Writing an Impactful College Essay
- 300 Word Essay Examples
As you perfect your essay’s conclusion, why not put those skills to use and apply for some scholarships? Explore the thousands available with College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool.
