How To Write A Good Concluding Sentence: Mastering the Art of the Final Thought
Writing a strong concluding sentence is like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. It’s the last opportunity to resonate with your reader, leaving a lasting impression and ensuring they understand the core message. Mastering this skill is crucial for effective communication, whether you’re crafting an essay, a blog post, or a formal report. This guide will delve into the techniques and strategies needed to write a concluding sentence that truly shines.
The Importance of a Powerful Conclusion
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Why is a concluding sentence so critical? Think of it as the anchor that secures your entire argument. It’s the final piece that ties together all your preceding thoughts, ensuring clarity and reinforcing your main point. A weak concluding sentence can undermine even the most well-written piece, leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled or, worse, confused. A powerful one, conversely, can elevate your writing, solidifying your message and prompting the reader to take action or think critically.
Identifying the Core Functions of a Concluding Sentence
A compelling concluding sentence serves several key functions. It should ideally:
- Summarize the Main Points: Briefly recap the essence of your argument or discussion.
- Restate Your Thesis (Often in a New Way): Reinforce the core message or central claim.
- Provide Closure: Signal the end of the piece and leave the reader with a sense of completion.
- Offer a Final Thought or Insight: Extend the discussion by offering a new perspective, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question.
- Leave a Lasting Impression: Make the reader remember your key points and the overall message.
Strategies for Crafting Effective Concluding Sentences
Now, let’s explore some practical strategies you can use to write impactful concluding sentences.
Summarization: The Art of the Brief Recap
One of the most common, and often necessary, approaches is summarization. This involves succinctly restating the main points of your writing. However, avoid simply repeating your topic sentences. Instead, find creative ways to rephrase your key arguments. For example, if you’ve discussed the benefits of exercise, your concluding sentence might state, “From increased energy levels to improved mental clarity, the positive impacts of regular physical activity are undeniable.”
Restating the Thesis: Reinforcing Your Central Idea
The thesis statement is the backbone of your argument. Your concluding sentence provides a final opportunity to reinforce it. Rephrasing your thesis can help solidify it in the reader’s mind. Consider the following example: If your thesis was “Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity,” your conclusion could be, “The future of our planet’s diverse ecosystems hinges on our collective ability to address the looming crisis of climate change.”
Providing Closure: Signaling the End
Clear signaling is crucial. Phrases like “In conclusion,” “In summary,” or “Ultimately,” can help the reader understand that they’re approaching the end. However, don’t overuse these phrases, as they can become repetitive. A well-crafted concluding sentence should naturally signal the end without relying solely on these explicit cues.
Offering a New Perspective: Expanding the Discussion
A concluding sentence can extend the discussion by offering a new perspective, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action. This approach can leave a more lasting impression. For instance, if you’ve discussed the importance of reading, you might conclude with, “Ultimately, the ability to read critically and engage with different perspectives is not merely a skill, but a pathway to a more informed and empathetic society.”
The Power of a Call to Action
If your writing aims to persuade, a concluding sentence that includes a call to action can be highly effective. This encourages the reader to take a specific step. For example, if you’ve written about the benefits of donating to a charity, you might conclude with, “Consider making a contribution today and help us continue our vital work.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Just as there are effective strategies, there are also common mistakes to avoid when crafting a concluding sentence.
Introducing New Information
Avoid introducing new information or arguments in your concluding sentence. The conclusion is for summarizing and reinforcing, not for expanding on the topic. This can confuse the reader and dilute your message.
Being Too Broad or Vague
A concluding sentence should be specific and focused. Avoid overly broad or vague statements that don’t directly relate to your main points. This can weaken your overall argument.
Apologizing or Weakening Your Argument
Avoid phrases that undermine your confidence, such as “I think” or “In my opinion.” Your concluding sentence should project confidence and conviction.
Simply Repeating the Introduction
While restating your thesis is important, avoid simply repeating your introduction. Find new ways to phrase your ideas and offer a fresh perspective.
Tailoring Your Conclusion to Your Audience
The best concluding sentence will also depend on your target audience. Consider their background knowledge, their interests, and what you want them to take away from your writing. For a technical audience, a concise summary might be best. For a more general audience, you might choose a more engaging and thought-provoking conclusion.
Examples of Strong Concluding Sentences
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate these points.
- Example 1 (Essay on the Benefits of Mindfulness): “By incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life, individuals can unlock a path toward greater self-awareness, reduced stress, and a more fulfilling existence.”
- Example 2 (Blog Post on Sustainable Living): “Embracing sustainable practices isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient future for ourselves and generations to come.”
- Example 3 (Report on a Business Strategy): “Ultimately, by implementing these strategic recommendations, the company is poised to achieve significant growth and establish itself as a market leader.”
Practicing and Refining Your Concluding Sentences
Like any skill, writing effective concluding sentences takes practice. Experiment with different approaches, get feedback from others, and revise your work until you’re satisfied with the final product. Pay attention to the concluding sentences in the writing you admire and analyze how they achieve their effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about writing concluding sentences:
- How can I ensure my conclusion doesn’t sound repetitive? Focus on rephrasing your key points in new and creative ways. Use synonyms and vary your sentence structure.
- Is it okay to use quotes in my concluding sentence? Yes, but use them sparingly. A powerful quote can sometimes reinforce your message, but ensure it aligns perfectly with your overall argument.
- What if my writing doesn’t have a clear “answer” or solution? Even if your writing explores a complex issue without a simple answer, your conclusion can still offer a final thought, a call to further research, or a balanced summary of the different perspectives.
- Can I have multiple concluding sentences? In general, it’s best to stick to one concise concluding sentence. However, in longer pieces, you might include a short paragraph or two to provide additional context or a final thought.
- How long should my concluding sentence be? The length of your concluding sentence should be appropriate for the overall length and complexity of your writing. It should be long enough to adequately summarize or reinforce your main points, but not so long that it drags on or introduces new information.
Conclusion
Writing a good concluding sentence is a fundamental skill for effective communication. By understanding the functions of a conclusion, mastering the various strategies, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft concluding sentences that are powerful, memorable, and leave a lasting impact on your readers. Remember to consider your audience, practice your craft, and always strive to leave your audience with a clear understanding and a final, compelling thought. Mastering this skill will undoubtedly elevate the quality of your writing, transforming your ideas into a compelling and unforgettable message.