How To Write A Good Closing Sentence: Leaving a Lasting Impression
The closing sentence. It’s the final brushstroke, the last note of a symphony, the lingering taste on the palate after a gourmet meal. It’s your last chance to connect with your audience, to solidify your message, and to leave them with something to remember. But how do you write a good closing sentence? It’s an art form, and mastering it can elevate your writing from mundane to memorable. This guide will walk you through the key elements, strategies, and examples you need to craft a closing sentence that truly resonates.
Understanding the Power of the Closing Sentence
The closing sentence isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly impact how your audience perceives your entire piece. It’s the last thing they read, the final impression you leave. A well-crafted closing sentence can:
- Reinforce your main argument: Remind readers of your core message.
- Create a sense of closure: Provide a satisfying ending.
- Inspire action or reflection: Prompt readers to think or do something.
- Leave a lasting impression: Make your writing more memorable.
- Summarize the key points: Offer a concise recap.
Conversely, a weak or generic closing sentence can undermine your entire effort, leaving your audience feeling underwhelmed or even confused.
Identifying Your Writing’s Purpose Before You Close
Before you even think about crafting your closing sentence, you need to understand the purpose of your writing. What are you trying to achieve? Are you trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or call to action? Your closing sentence should directly reflect and support this purpose.
For example, if you’ve written an article about the benefits of exercise, your closing sentence should reinforce the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life. If you’re writing a persuasive essay on climate change, your closing should call for immediate action. Knowing your purpose guides your closing.
Crafting Effective Closing Sentence Strategies
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a great closing sentence. However, several strategies can help you achieve your desired effect.
Summarizing Your Key Arguments
This is a classic and effective approach, particularly for informational or argumentative pieces. Briefly restate your main points in a concise and impactful manner. This reinforces your message and ensures the reader remembers the key takeaways.
Offering a Call to Action
If your goal is to inspire action, a call to action is essential. Tell your readers what you want them to do, whether it’s visiting a website, making a purchase, signing a petition, or simply thinking about a certain issue. Be clear, direct, and specific.
Providing a Thought-Provoking Question
A thought-provoking question can encourage readers to reflect on the topic and consider it from a new perspective. This strategy is particularly effective for articles that explore complex issues or encourage self-reflection.
Offering a Powerful Statement
A strong statement can leave a lasting impression. This strategy involves making a definitive declaration that encapsulates the essence of your message. This works well if you want to create a memorable and impactful ending.
Using a Relevant Quotation
A well-chosen quote from a respected source can add credibility and authority to your closing. Ensure the quote is relevant to your topic and reinforces your key message.
Examples of Excellent Closing Sentences
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how these strategies work in practice.
- Summarizing: “In conclusion, by understanding the principles of effective communication, we can all become better communicators and build stronger relationships.”
- Call to Action: “So, take the first step today: explore your passions, embrace the unknown, and start living the life you’ve always dreamed of.”
- Thought-Provoking Question: “Ultimately, what will you do with the gift of today?”
- Powerful Statement: “The power to shape our future lies within each of us.”
- Relevant Quotation: “As Albert Einstein said, ‘The important thing is to not stop questioning.’”
Avoiding Common Closing Sentence Pitfalls
While crafting a compelling closing sentence can elevate your writing, there are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Repeating the Introduction
Avoid simply rephrasing your introductory sentence. This creates a sense of redundancy and leaves the reader feeling like they’ve just gone in a circle.
Apologizing or Undermining Your Work
Don’t apologize for your writing or undermine your message by using phrases like “In my opinion” or “I hope this was helpful.” Be confident and assertive.
Introducing New Information
The closing sentence is not the place to introduce new ideas or concepts. Stick to summarizing, reinforcing, or inspiring based on what you’ve already covered.
Being Too Generic
Avoid clichés and generic phrases. Strive for originality and creativity. A generic closing sentence feels uninspired and can detract from the overall quality of your writing.
Making the Closing Too Long
Keep it concise and focused. A long, rambling closing sentence can dilute your message and lose your audience.
Tailoring Your Closing to Different Writing Styles
The best closing sentence will vary depending on the type of writing you’re doing. Here are some general guidelines:
- Informative Articles: Summarize key takeaways and provide a sense of closure.
- Persuasive Essays: Reinforce your argument and include a call to action.
- Creative Writing: Use evocative language and leave the reader with a lasting emotional impact.
- Business Writing: Be concise, professional, and focused on the desired outcome.
The Importance of Revision and Editing
Just like the rest of your writing, your closing sentence should be thoroughly revised and edited. Read it aloud to ensure it flows well and sounds natural. Ask a friend or colleague to review your work and provide feedback. Don’t be afraid to rewrite your closing sentence until it perfectly captures your message.
How to Test and Improve Your Closing Sentence
Once you’ve crafted your closing sentence, consider testing it. Here are some methods:
- Read it aloud: Does it sound natural and engaging?
- Get feedback from others: Ask for their reactions.
- Compare it to other examples: Analyze successful closing sentences in similar writing.
- Track engagement metrics: If publishing online, monitor how readers react to your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Closing Sentences
Here are some frequently asked questions about closing sentences, answered to help you improve your writing.
What is the single most important thing to remember when writing a closing sentence?
The most important thing is to know your purpose and ensure your closing sentence aligns with that purpose. This clarity will guide your crafting and help you create a truly effective ending.
How can I make my closing sentence more memorable?
Use vivid language, a powerful statement, or a thought-provoking question. Avoid generic phrases and strive for originality. Consider what will resonate with your audience and leave a lasting impact.
Is it ever okay to use a question in a closing sentence?
Absolutely! A well-placed question can be a very effective way to engage your reader and encourage further thought or action. Just make sure it’s relevant to your topic and designed to provoke a specific response.
What if my closing sentence feels too short?
It’s often better to be concise than to ramble. If your closing sentence feels too short, review your entire piece and ensure you haven’t missed any key points. If you’ve covered everything adequately, a short and impactful closing sentence is perfectly acceptable.
How do I handle a closing when writing something like a novel or a long-form piece?
For longer works, the closing often comes in the form of a more extended final paragraph or even a short chapter. The key is to provide a sense of resolution, tie up loose ends, and leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction. It’s a culmination, not just a sentence.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Finish
Writing a good closing sentence is a skill that can be learned and honed. By understanding the power of the closing, identifying your writing’s purpose, employing effective strategies, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance your writing. Remember to revise and edit your closing sentence carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect finish. The closing sentence is your final opportunity to connect with your audience, so make it count.