How To Write A Concluding Sentence To A Body Paragraph: Mastering the Art of Paragraph Closure
Writing a strong body paragraph is like building a solid foundation for a compelling argument. You present your evidence, elaborate on it, and analyze its significance. But what ties it all together? The concluding sentence – a crucial element often overlooked, yet vital for clarity and persuasive impact. It’s the period at the end of your paragraph’s thought, signaling its completion and subtly guiding the reader toward the next point. This article will delve into the nuances of crafting effective concluding sentences, helping you elevate your writing from good to exceptional.
Understanding the Role of a Concluding Sentence
The concluding sentence serves multiple purposes. It’s not just a formality; it’s a strategic tool. Think of it as the paragraph’s summary and transition rolled into one. Primarily, it:
- Reinforces the main idea: It reminds the reader of the paragraph’s central argument, solidifying its importance.
- Provides closure: It signals the end of the discussion within the paragraph, offering a sense of completeness.
- Transitions to the next paragraph: It subtly hints at the upcoming point, creating a seamless flow between ideas.
- Leaves a lasting impression: A well-crafted concluding sentence can make your writing more memorable and impactful.
Key Elements of a Powerful Concluding Sentence
What makes a concluding sentence truly effective? It’s a combination of strategic phrasing, thoughtful analysis, and a clear connection to the paragraph’s purpose.
Summarizing the Key Argument
One fundamental function is to concisely summarize the main point of the body paragraph. This acts as a verbal “bookmark,” ensuring the reader grasps the core takeaway. Instead of merely repeating the topic sentence, rephrase the key argument in a new and more insightful way. For example, if your topic sentence stated, “The rise of social media has revolutionized marketing,” your concluding sentence could be: “Therefore, social media’s transformative power has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern marketing, influencing consumer behavior and brand strategies in unprecedented ways.”
Providing Insight and Analysis
Don’t just summarize; offer a fresh perspective. The concluding sentence is an opportunity to add a layer of analysis, revealing the implications of the evidence presented. This could involve:
- Drawing a conclusion: Based on the evidence, what can you definitively say?
- Making a prediction: What is the likely outcome based on the information presented?
- Highlighting the significance: Why does this matter? What are the broader implications?
Transitioning to the Next Paragraph
A truly exceptional concluding sentence does more than just close a paragraph; it bridges the gap to the next. This can be achieved through several techniques:
- Using transition words: Words like “furthermore,” “however,” “consequently,” “in contrast,” or “similarly” signal the relationship between ideas.
- Linking to the next topic: Briefly introduce the subject of the subsequent paragraph. For instance, a concluding sentence about the benefits of exercise could lead into a paragraph about the importance of a balanced diet by mentioning the need for “nutritional support.”
- Raising a question: End with a question that the next paragraph will answer, piquing the reader’s curiosity.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Concluding Sentences
While concluding sentences are crucial, they’re also prone to errors. Avoiding these common mistakes can dramatically improve your writing.
Avoid Simply Restating the Topic Sentence
Repetition is the enemy of effective writing. Rephrasing the topic sentence is acceptable, but simply repeating it verbatim is a waste of space and reader attention. Strive for a fresh perspective, offering new insight or analysis.
Steer Clear of Irrelevant Information
The concluding sentence should only relate to the paragraph’s central idea. Introducing new information or arguments at this stage disrupts the flow and confuses the reader. Focus on summarizing and analyzing the points already presented.
Don’t Overstate Your Claims
Be cautious about making overly broad or unsubstantiated claims in your concluding sentence. Ensure your conclusions are supported by the evidence presented within the paragraph. Avoid sweeping generalizations that weaken your argument.
Don’t Introduce New Evidence
This is a cardinal sin of paragraph construction. The concluding sentence is for summarizing, analyzing, and transitioning; it is not for presenting new facts, data, or arguments.
Practical Examples: Crafting Effective Concluding Sentences
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how these principles work in practice.
Example 1: Arguing the benefits of exercise
- Body Paragraph Focus: Discussing the physical benefits of regular exercise, such as improved cardiovascular health.
- Weak Concluding Sentence: “Exercise is good for your heart.” (Repetitive and simplistic)
- Strong Concluding Sentence: “In conclusion, the consistent practice of physical activity significantly enhances cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting overall well-being.” (Summarizes, provides insight)
Example 2: Discussing the impact of climate change
- Body Paragraph Focus: Describing the rising sea levels due to melting glaciers.
- Weak Concluding Sentence: “Sea levels are rising because of climate change.” (Simplistic and doesn’t add value)
- Strong Concluding Sentence: “Consequently, the continued rise in sea levels, fueled by melting glaciers, poses a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide, necessitating urgent action to mitigate its devastating effects.” (Summarizes, analyzes, and alludes to needed action)
Techniques for Writing Compelling Concluding Sentences
Beyond the basics, several techniques can elevate your concluding sentences to the next level.
Use Varied Sentence Structures
Avoid monotony by varying the sentence structure. Alternate between short, impactful sentences and longer, more complex ones. This keeps the reader engaged and prevents your writing from becoming predictable.
Employ Strong Verbs and Active Voice
Choose verbs that pack a punch and convey your ideas with precision. The active voice generally makes your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of “The evidence suggests that…” try “The evidence demonstrates that…”
Consider the Tone and Style of Your Writing
The concluding sentence should align with the overall tone and style of your writing. If you’re writing a formal academic paper, maintain a professional tone. If you’re writing a more casual piece, you can use a more conversational style.
Practice and Revise
The best way to improve your concluding sentences is through practice and revision. Review your writing critically, paying close attention to the effectiveness of your paragraph closures. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.
Integrating Concluding Sentences into Different Writing Styles
The principles remain the same, but the application of concluding sentences varies depending on the writing style.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, clarity and precision are paramount. Concluding sentences should be concise, summarizing the main points and linking them to the broader argument. Use formal language and avoid colloquialisms.
Creative Writing
In creative writing, you have more freedom. The concluding sentence can be more evocative, creating a sense of closure or leaving the reader with a lingering thought. Focus on imagery, sensory details, and emotional impact.
Business Writing
In business writing, the concluding sentence should be concise, action-oriented, and focused on the desired outcome. It may include a call to action or a summary of the key takeaways.
FAQs About Concluding Sentences
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding concluding sentences.
How can I ensure my concluding sentence feels natural and not forced?
The key is to integrate the concluding sentence seamlessly into the flow of the paragraph. Avoid abrupt transitions or awkward phrasing. Think about the natural progression of your ideas and how you can smoothly bring the paragraph to a close.
Is it always necessary to have a concluding sentence in every paragraph?
While generally recommended, there are exceptions. In short, descriptive paragraphs, or in certain types of creative writing, a concluding sentence may be less crucial. However, in argumentative or analytical writing, a concluding sentence is almost always essential.
How do I know if my concluding sentence is strong enough?
Ask yourself these questions: Does it accurately summarize the main idea? Does it offer any new insight or analysis? Does it provide a clear transition to the next paragraph? If the answer to these questions is yes, you are on the right track.
What if I have multiple ideas within a single paragraph?
If a paragraph addresses multiple related ideas, you might need a concluding sentence that synthesizes all of them. Alternatively, consider breaking the paragraph into smaller ones, each with its own clear conclusion.
How can I improve my ability to write effective concluding sentences?
Read widely and pay attention to how other writers craft their concluding sentences. Analyze the structure, the language, and the overall impact. Practice writing your own, and don’t be afraid to revise and refine your work.
Conclusion: Mastering the Close
Writing a compelling concluding sentence is an art, and mastering it can significantly enhance your writing. By understanding the purpose of concluding sentences, avoiding common pitfalls, and employing strategic techniques, you can create paragraphs that are not only informative but also persuasive and memorable. Remember to summarize, analyze, and transition, and your writing will be more engaging and effective. The concluding sentence is the final word, the lasting impression – make it count.