How To Write A Good Conclusion Sentence: Mastering the Art of the Finale
Writing a conclusion can often feel like the final hurdle in the writing process. You’ve poured your heart and soul into the introduction, body paragraphs, and supporting evidence, and now it’s time to wrap it all up with a bang. But how do you craft a conclusion sentence that not only summarizes your points but also leaves a lasting impression on your reader? This article will explore the nuances of writing a compelling conclusion sentence, ensuring your writing leaves a positive impact.
Crafting the Perfect Ending: Why Conclusion Sentences Matter
The conclusion sentence is more than just a formality; it’s a critical element of effective writing. It’s your last chance to connect with your audience, reinforce your argument, and drive home your main points. A weak or poorly crafted conclusion can undermine even the most well-written essay or article. Think of it as the final chord in a symphony – it needs to resonate and provide closure.
The Role of the Conclusion: Beyond Summary
While summarizing your main points is part of the job, the conclusion’s role extends far beyond a simple recap. It’s about offering a fresh perspective, highlighting the significance of your argument, and potentially prompting further thought or action from the reader. This is where you can truly shine and leave a lasting impression.
Key Strategies for Building a Powerful Conclusion Sentence
Let’s delve into the practical steps of crafting a conclusion that truly resonates. These strategies will help you elevate your writing and leave your readers wanting more.
1. Restate Your Thesis (But Don’t Just Repeat)
The most common piece of advice is to restate your thesis. However, don’t just parrot the original sentence. Instead, rephrase it in a new and compelling way. Use different wording, but keep the core message intact. This demonstrates that you understand the central argument and allows you to reinforce it in a new light.
2. Summarize Key Arguments Concisely
Following the restated thesis, provide a brief and focused summary of your main points. Avoid going into excessive detail. Instead, offer a concise overview that reminds the reader of the evidence you presented. Focus on the strongest arguments and the most compelling pieces of supporting evidence.
3. Offer a Fresh Perspective or Insight
This is where you can truly elevate your conclusion. Go beyond the summary and offer a new angle on your topic. This could involve drawing a broader implication from your findings, connecting your argument to a larger context, or suggesting avenues for future research. This demonstrates critical thinking and adds depth to your writing.
4. Leave a Lasting Impression: Call to Action or Thought-Provoking Statement
Consider ending with a call to action if appropriate. This could be encouraging the reader to take a specific step, consider a different viewpoint, or explore the topic further. Alternatively, you could conclude with a thought-provoking statement designed to linger in the reader’s mind long after they finish reading. This is a great way to make your writing memorable.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Conclusion Sentences
Just as there are effective strategies, there are also common mistakes that can weaken your conclusion. Awareness of these pitfalls will help you create a more polished and impactful final sentence.
1. Introducing New Information
The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments, evidence, or ideas. Stick to what you’ve already discussed. Introducing something new at this stage can confuse the reader and make your argument feel incomplete.
2. Apologizing or Weakening Your Argument
Avoid apologetic phrases like “In conclusion, I may not have completely proven…” or “I hope I have convinced you…” These weaken your authority and undermine the confidence you’ve worked to build throughout the piece. State your conclusions with conviction.
3. Being Overly General or Vague
Avoid vague statements that lack substance. Instead, provide specific and insightful observations that reinforce your argument. Be clear, concise, and avoid overly broad generalizations that don’t add value.
4. Repeating the Introduction Word-for-Word
While rephrasing the thesis is encouraged, avoid simply repeating the introductory paragraph. This creates a sense of redundancy and fails to provide the reader with a sense of closure.
Tailoring Your Conclusion Sentence to Different Writing Styles
The best approach to writing a conclusion sentence depends on the type of writing you’re doing. Here’s how to adapt your approach for different styles.
1. Academic Essays: Emphasis on Synthesis and Significance
In academic writing, focus on synthesizing your arguments and highlighting the significance of your findings. Connect your work to the broader field of study and indicate potential implications. Consider mentioning the limitations of your study and suggesting future research directions.
2. Creative Writing: Evoking Emotion and Leaving a Mark
In creative writing, the conclusion sentence is a chance to evoke a specific emotion or leave a lasting impression. Use vivid language, imagery, and a strong narrative voice to create a powerful ending that resonates with the reader. The goal is to leave the reader thinking and feeling.
3. Business Writing: Clear Recommendations and Actionable Steps
In business writing, the conclusion sentence should provide clear recommendations and actionable steps. Summarize your key findings and clearly state what you want the reader to do next. This may involve making a purchase, taking a specific action, or adopting a new perspective.
Examples of Excellent Conclusion Sentences
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how to craft impactful conclusion sentences.
- Example 1 (Argumentative Essay): “Ultimately, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that [thesis]. By recognizing the importance of [key arguments], we can work towards a more equitable and just society.”
- Example 2 (Informative Article): “As we’ve seen, [topic] offers significant benefits. Understanding these benefits is the first step towards [desired outcome].”
- Example 3 (Creative Writing): “The setting sun cast long shadows as [character] realized [profound truth], forever changed by the day’s events.”
Practice Makes Perfect: Honing Your Conclusion Skills
Writing effective conclusion sentences is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different approaches, analyze the conclusions of well-written pieces, and seek feedback on your own writing. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at crafting conclusions that truly resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions, answered specifically to enhance your understanding.
What should I do if I’m struggling to write a conclusion?
If you’re finding it difficult to write a conclusion, try revisiting your thesis and main points. Remind yourself of the core argument and the evidence you presented. Sometimes, simply taking a break and coming back to the writing with fresh eyes can also help.
Is it okay to use a quote in my conclusion sentence?
Using a relevant and impactful quote can be a powerful way to end your writing. Just make sure it complements your argument and is not used as a substitute for your own thinking.
How long should my conclusion be?
The length of your conclusion should be proportionate to the length of your piece. Generally, a conclusion should be several sentences long, providing a clear and concise summary and offering a fresh perspective.
How can I make my conclusion sound more authoritative?
Use strong verbs, avoid hedging language (e.g., “maybe,” “perhaps”), and state your conclusions with confidence. Refer back to your evidence to reinforce your claims.
How can I ensure my conclusion is memorable?
Consider using a striking image, a rhetorical question, or a call to action. The goal is to leave the reader with a lasting impression of your writing.
Conclusion: The Final Flourish
Writing a good conclusion sentence is an art form, not just a mechanical task. By restating your thesis, summarizing key arguments, offering fresh insights, and tailoring your approach to the specific writing style, you can create a conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. Avoid common pitfalls like introducing new information or weakening your argument, and embrace the opportunity to showcase your critical thinking and leave a memorable impression. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of the finale and elevate your writing to the next level.