How To Write A Conclusion Without Saying “In Conclusion”
Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. You’ve poured hours into crafting a compelling piece of writing, whether it’s an essay, a report, or even a lengthy email. You’ve meticulously researched, structured your arguments, and crafted beautiful prose. But now, it’s time for the grand finale – the conclusion. And the dreaded phrase, “In conclusion…” threatens to rear its ugly head. Fear not! Writing a powerful conclusion without resorting to that cliché is entirely achievable. This guide will equip you with the tools and techniques you need to craft a memorable and impactful ending that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.
1. Why “In Conclusion” Is a Writing Weakness
Using “In conclusion” is often a signal of laziness. It’s a shortcut that signals a lack of creativity and a missed opportunity to truly end your piece in a meaningful way. It’s also incredibly predictable. Readers know what’s coming when they see those words, and the element of surprise is lost. Moreover, it feels redundant. Your reader already knows they’re at the end of your document. Announcing it just adds unnecessary words. Instead, we want to craft a conclusion that feels organic and flows seamlessly from the rest of your work.
2. Recap, But Don’t Repeat: Synthesizing Your Key Points
One of the primary functions of a conclusion is to summarize the main points you’ve made. However, simply restating your thesis and topic sentences is a recipe for a boring conclusion. Instead, synthesize your ideas. Don’t just repeat; rephrase. Show how your arguments connect and build upon each other. Briefly remind the reader of the core ideas, but focus on the bigger picture. Think of it as weaving together the threads of your argument into a cohesive whole.
3. The Power of a Strong Thesis Restatement
While you shouldn’t simply copy and paste your thesis statement, a strong conclusion will often revisit it. However, instead of a verbatim repeat, restate your thesis in a new and insightful way. This shows your reader how your arguments have supported your initial claim and how your understanding of the topic has evolved throughout the piece. Make sure this restatement is more nuanced and informed by the evidence you’ve presented.
3.1. The Art of the Implied Thesis
Sometimes, instead of explicitly restating the thesis, you can imply it. This is especially effective if your argument is complex or nuanced. Instead of directly stating your thesis, you can highlight the most significant implications of your findings, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions (while guiding them towards your intended conclusion).
4. The Clincher: Leaving a Lasting Impression
The final sentence or two of your conclusion are crucial. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. Think of it as the final, impactful chord of a symphony.
4.1. Call to Action (If Appropriate)
If your writing aims to persuade or advocate for a particular viewpoint, a call to action can be a powerful tool. This is where you explicitly tell the reader what you want them to do with the information you’ve presented. This could be anything from signing a petition to reconsidering their beliefs.
4.2. Offering a New Perspective or Insight
A well-crafted conclusion can offer a fresh perspective or a new insight that the reader might not have considered. This can be a powerful way to spark further thought and discussion. Consider posing a thought-provoking question, suggesting future research directions, or offering a broader perspective on the topic.
4.3. The “So What?” Factor: Emphasizing Significance
Always consider the “So what?” factor. Why should the reader care about what you’ve written? Your conclusion is the perfect place to reiterate the significance of your argument and its implications. Connect your findings to a larger context and explain why they matter.
5. Avoiding Common Conclusion Pitfalls
Several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your conclusion.
5.1. Introducing New Information
Never introduce new information in your conclusion. The conclusion is for summarizing and synthesizing what you’ve already presented. Bringing in new evidence or arguments at this stage can confuse the reader and weaken your overall argument.
5.2. Apologizing or Weakening Your Stance
Avoid phrases that undermine your credibility, such as “I may be wrong, but…” or “This is just my opinion.” Your conclusion should be confident and assertive, reinforcing your position.
5.3. Being Too Vague or General
A vague or overly general conclusion will leave the reader feeling unsatisfied. Be specific and focused. Avoid making broad generalizations that don’t connect directly to your argument.
6. Examples of Effective Conclusion Starters (Instead of “In Conclusion”)
Here are some alternatives to kick off your concluding paragraph:
- “Ultimately…”
- “In essence…”
- “Considering these points…”
- “The evidence suggests…”
- “As we’ve seen…”
- “Looking back, it’s clear that…”
- “The implications of this study…”
- “This analysis underscores…”
7. Tailoring Your Conclusion to the Genre
The best approach to writing a conclusion will vary depending on the genre of your writing.
7.1. Academic Essays and Reports
Academic writing often benefits from a formal and structured conclusion. Focus on summarizing your findings, restating your thesis (in a new way), and highlighting the significance of your work.
7.2. Creative Writing and Storytelling
In creative writing, the conclusion can be more open-ended and evocative. Focus on creating a sense of closure, leaving the reader with a lasting emotional impact, or suggesting the beginning of another story.
7.3. Business Writing and Proposals
Business writing often requires a concise and action-oriented conclusion. Summarize your key recommendations, reiterate the benefits, and clearly state the next steps.
8. Editing and Revising Your Conclusion
Once you’ve written your conclusion, it’s crucial to edit and revise it carefully. Check for clarity, conciseness, and impact. Make sure your conclusion flows logically from the rest of your work and that it leaves a lasting impression. Read it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or colleague to read your conclusion and provide feedback.
9. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Conclusion Techniques
For those looking to elevate their writing even further, consider these advanced techniques:
9.1. The Circular Conclusion
A circular conclusion returns to an idea or image presented in the introduction, creating a sense of unity and closure. This can be a very effective technique for creating a satisfying ending.
9.2. The Question-and-Answer Conclusion
Pose a compelling question in your introduction and then answer it in your conclusion. This technique creates a sense of anticipation and fulfillment.
9.3. The “Look to the Future” Conclusion
End by looking ahead to the future, considering the implications of your findings and speculating on what might happen next.
10. Practice Makes Perfect: Honing Your Conclusion Skills
The ability to write effective conclusions is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different techniques, read widely, and pay attention to how other writers craft their endings. Over time, you’ll develop your own unique style and find the approaches that work best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my conclusion more engaging?
Focus on providing a unique perspective, highlighting the significance of your work, and using strong, evocative language. Consider incorporating a call to action or posing a thought-provoking question.
What if my conclusion feels too short?
If your conclusion feels too short, it may mean you haven’t fully synthesized your points. Review your main arguments and consider adding more depth to your summary and restatement of the thesis. Ensure you have a strong clincher to finalize your writing.
Is it okay to use a quote in my conclusion?
Yes, using a relevant quote can be a powerful way to end your piece. Choose a quote that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression. Make sure it is properly cited.
How do I know if my conclusion is effective?
A strong conclusion should leave the reader feeling satisfied, informed, and perhaps even inspired. It should summarize your key points without repeating them verbatim, and it should leave a lasting impression.
What if I can’t think of a good conclusion?
If you’re struggling to write a conclusion, take a break and revisit your main points. Ask yourself what the most important takeaway is from your writing. Sometimes, simply starting with a simple summary and then building on that can help you find the right ending.
In conclusion, by avoiding the tired phrase “In conclusion” and embracing these techniques, you can transform your endings from predictable summaries into powerful statements that resonate with your readers. Remember to synthesize, restate, and leave a lasting impression. By focusing on the significance of your work and crafting a memorable clincher, you can ensure your writing leaves a lasting impact. Now, go forth and write compelling conclusions!