How To Write A Conclusion Sentence For An Essay: Mastering the Final Impression
Crafting a compelling essay is a journey, and the conclusion sentence is your final destination. It’s the last impression you leave on your reader, the moment when you tie everything together and deliver your final thought. But how do you write a conclusion sentence that’s both impactful and memorable? Let’s dive in.
The Importance of a Powerful Conclusion Sentence
Why is the conclusion sentence so crucial? Think of it as the cherry on top of your essay sundae. It’s not just a formality; it’s an opportunity to:
- Reinforce your thesis: Remind the reader of your main argument.
- Provide closure: Signal the end of your argument and offer a sense of finality.
- Leave a lasting impression: Make the reader think, feel, or remember something about your topic long after they’ve finished reading.
- Avoid a weak ending: Prevent your essay from fading into obscurity.
Strategies for Crafting Effective Conclusion Sentences
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but several techniques can help you write a conclusion sentence that shines.
Summarizing Your Key Points: The Recap Approach
This is a straightforward method that works well, especially in longer essays. Briefly restate your main arguments in a new and concise way. Avoid simply repeating the thesis statement word-for-word. Instead, synthesize your supporting evidence and highlight the most significant takeaways.
Echoing the Introduction: The Symmetry Technique
A clever technique is to refer back to the introduction, perhaps by revisiting a specific anecdote, question, or quote you presented. This creates a sense of unity and wholeness, demonstrating how your essay has come full circle. This also helps the reader to understand the importance of the essay.
Offering a Call to Action: The Persuasive Ending
If your essay is persuasive, a call to action can be a powerful way to end. Encourage the reader to take a specific action based on the information you’ve presented. This is particularly effective in essays arguing for a change or advocating for a particular viewpoint.
Posing a Thought-Provoking Question: The Intrigued Reader
Instead of providing a definitive answer, leave the reader with a question to ponder. This can be a great way to encourage further thought and engagement with your topic. The question should be directly related to your essay’s central theme.
Providing a Prediction: The Future Forward
If your essay explores a trend or issue, you can end by making a prediction about the future. This can be an engaging way to show the significance of your topic and its potential impact. Make sure your prediction is grounded in the evidence you’ve presented.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Conclusion Sentence Writing
Just as there are effective strategies, there are also common mistakes to avoid.
Introducing New Information: The No-No
The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments, evidence, or ideas. Your conclusion should synthesize what you’ve already discussed, not present anything fresh. This can confuse the reader and weaken your overall argument.
Using Clichéd Phrases: The Stale Ending
Avoid using overused phrases like “In conclusion,” “In summary,” or “To sum up.” These can feel generic and uninspired. Aim for originality and creativity in your wording.
Being Too Broad: The Overreach
While you want to leave a lasting impression, avoid making overly sweeping generalizations or claims that go beyond the scope of your essay. Stay focused on your topic and the evidence you’ve provided.
Apologizing or Weakening Your Argument: The Lack of Confidence
Don’t undermine your argument by apologizing for your views or expressing uncertainty. Speak with conviction and confidence. Your conclusion should be a strong and definitive statement.
Simply Repeating the Thesis: The Redundancy Trap
While you should reinforce your thesis, avoid simply repeating it verbatim. This can make your conclusion feel repetitive and uninspired. Rephrase your thesis and summarize the key supporting points.
Tailoring Your Conclusion Sentence to Different Essay Types
The best approach will vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing.
Argumentative Essays: The Persuasion Factor
In an argumentative essay, your conclusion sentence should reiterate your main argument and reinforce your position. End with a strong call to action or a final compelling statement.
Expository Essays: The Clarity of Summary
For expository essays, the conclusion sentence should summarize your key findings and provide a clear takeaway for the reader. Focus on clarity and conciseness.
Narrative Essays: The Emotional Resonance
In a narrative essay, your conclusion sentence should tie together the narrative threads and leave the reader with a sense of closure and emotional impact. Reflect on the story’s significance or the lessons learned.
Analytical Essays: The Insightful Synthesis
In an analytical essay, your conclusion sentence should synthesize your analysis and offer a final interpretation or insight into the subject matter. Highlight the key elements that support your argument.
Practicing and Refining Your Conclusion Sentences
Writing a strong conclusion sentence takes practice.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The Skill of Writing
The more you write, the better you’ll become at crafting effective conclusions. Experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for you.
Seek Feedback: The Fresh Perspective
Ask a friend, teacher, or editor to read your essay and provide feedback on your conclusion. Get a second opinion to ensure your conclusion is clear, impactful, and well-written.
Revise and Edit: The Polished Result
Always revise and edit your conclusion sentence. Pay close attention to your word choice, sentence structure, and overall impact. Make sure your conclusion is as strong as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid sounding repetitive in my conclusion?
- Focus on synthesizing your key points in a new way, using different vocabulary and sentence structures than you used in the body of your essay.
What if I’m unsure how to end my essay?
- Go back and review your introduction and thesis statement. What was the central question or idea you set out to explore? Use this as a guide to craft a concluding thought that addresses it directly.
Can I use quotes in my conclusion sentence?
- Yes, but use them sparingly. A well-chosen quote can add depth and impact, but don’t let the quote overshadow your own voice.
How long should my conclusion sentence be?
- There’s no hard and fast rule, but aim for conciseness and clarity. A well-crafted conclusion sentence is often shorter than the sentences in the body of your essay. It should be long enough to convey your final thought effectively.
What if my essay is long?
- Even in longer essays, the conclusion sentence remains a vital part of the structure. Break your conclusion into a few sentences that include a restatement of your thesis, a summary of your main points, and your final thought.
Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Mark
Writing a compelling conclusion sentence for an essay is a skill that can be mastered with practice and attention to detail. By understanding the importance of the conclusion, utilizing effective strategies, avoiding common pitfalls, and tailoring your approach to different essay types, you can craft a final impression that is both impactful and memorable. Remember that your conclusion is not just the end; it’s the culmination of your thoughts, your research, and your writing journey. Use it to leave a lasting mark on your reader and solidify your message.