by Lucy E. Zahnle

Created on: February 16, 2010

Many essay writers believe that once they have introduced their essay topic, presented a solid thesis statement, then thoroughly explored their supporting arguments, the final paragraph should come easily. However, composing a smooth, memorable conclusion paragraph can be a frustrating proposition.

Concluding paragraphs should be at least two sentences long. Rarely is a one sentence conclusion effective. Conclusion paragraphs should not include sentences like “Good luck!” or “I hope you have enjoyed this essay.” You should stick to the material presented in your essay and keep your personal worries about reader reactions out of your conclusion.

You can present an essay’s conclusion paragraph using one of several different approaches. You can reword and restate your thesis, then summarize your essay in a few sentences. You can present possible problems the readers or society could face as a consequence of not acting to solve the issues you have discussed. You can offer a heartwarming final idea, or you can offer reassurance that if the reader follows your recommendations, everything will go well.

When you reword your thesis statement, you craft a new sentence or set of sentences that says basically the same thing as your thesis sentence did. Once you have done that, you will summarize the rest of your essay. To create a summary, think about the basic ideas you have presented in your work and write a single sentence for each idea. If you have problems isolating your ideas, write a single summarizing sentence for each supporting paragraph and combine them into an overall summary. Your final sentence should be a thought-provoking question or statement that makes the reader want to mull over the points in your essay. When you write this type of conclusion paragraph, you can either structure it so that you present your reworded thesis statement first to introduce your summary or after your summary to act as your final thought. You, as the author, must decide which presentation will be more effective.  This conclusion works best with an informational or example essay.

A conclusion paragraph that warns readers of consequences arising from not acting on an issue must be approached carefully. Discuss only problems that you have already covered in earlier parts of your work. Suddenly coming up with new consequences that you have not already touched upon in the body of your essay leaves the readers feeling as if you are keeping information

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>