Introduction
So, you’ve made it to the end—now what?
Writing an effective conclusion is one of the most important aspects of essay writing. The reason is that a conclusion does a lot of things all at once:
- It ties together the main ideas of the essay
- Reiterates the thesis without sounding repetitious
- Offers a compelling final thought for the reader to take home
- Doesn’t go outside the parameters of the essay by bringing up something entirely new
For many students, crafting a strong conclusion can be a challenge. They often struggle with either summarizing the essay or with finding new words to resay the same old ideas. They might even be tempted to introduce new points that support the thesis but that they simply forgot or failed to bring up in the body of essay—so they mistakenly try to stuff them in here.
But, of course, that’s a big no-no.
A well-written conclusion is essential for leaving a lasting impact on the reader and reinforcing the essay’s core message. It should be as tight as a drum. The final right note of a symphony that sends the audience home on a high feeling.
Why a Strong Essay Conclusion Matters
The conclusion is the last opportunity to leave a grand impression on the reader.
Fundamentally, its main purpose is to summarize the key points and ideas of the essay. It is also the place for the writer to provide the reader with closure, and acknowledge the essay’s overall significance.
For example, a strong conclusion not only restates the main purpose of the essay; it will also reveal its value in a grander context. It will open up the reader to a larger, fuller perspective that indicates the ultimate importance of what has just been shared.
Steps to Craft a Strong Essay Conclusion
Restate Your Thesis in a Fresh Way
The first step to crafting a strong essay conclusion is to revisit your thesis statement. But rather than simply repeating it, try rephrasing it in a fresh way.
Think about it like this: in your intro, your thesis is like a fresh fish pulled right from the stream. By the time the reader reaches your conclusion, however, that fish has been sitting around a while. If you try to pass it off to the reader as fresh from the stream, the reader is going to recognize it by its pungent odor: that fish has been out in the sun for quite a while!
Instead, hook up a new line and pull out a fresh, new fish: same as your old one, in size, shape, species, etc.—but brand new!
Don’t just be dusting off the old thesis for your conclusion; polish it up so that it shines like a brand-new bronze door knob.
This is a good way to remind your readers of the core argument without sounding redundant. Avoid copying the thesis verbatim; instead, reflect on how you have deepened your argument throughout the essay.
You can also introduce a new insight or a reflective angle based on the discussions in your body paragraphs. Don’t give new information—but you can extend some insight to leave your reader with a final, lasting parting thought. This can show that your essay has in fact been a journey of thought. For example, if your thesis was about the benefits of renewable energy, you could end by emphasizing how your discussion contributes to the overall progress of human civilization, which was seemingly interrupted with the death of Nikolai Tesla.
Summarize Key Supporting Points
After restating your thesis, the next task is to summarize the key points discussed in your essay. However, it is best practice to avoid simply listing them again. Instead, synthesize the main points of the essay in the conclusion to show how they collectively support your thesis. This helps to create a sense of unity, wholeness, coherence, and brevity at the end of your essay.
And, if brevity is the soul of wit, synthesis is the essence of understanding.
For instance, if your essay explored the advantages of renewable energy, briefly recapitulate each main argument, such as the environmental, economic, social, political, and cultural benefits, while also illustrating how these points reinforce the overall movement towards sustainability.
When you synthesize rather than merely repeat, you show your ability to bring all the threads together in a neat summation. You also give your audience a way to see how your arguments fit together and how they have built upon one another throughout the essay. It’s like tying up loose ends.
A synthesized summation also lets your readers see your skill as a writer. It reminds them of the important takeaways they should have after reading the essay. It doesn’t tire them by merely being repetitive—but instead sends them off with a sense of having an actual deep understanding of the topic—one, in fact, that they could share with others. In short, a synthesized summation satisfies and lets your reader walk away feeling most informed on the matter—like an expert.
Answer the “So What?” Question
A strong conclusion also answers the critical “So what?” question. Why should the readers care about your essay’s argument? In this section, connect your discussion to broader implications to show its relevance. Consider the importance of your argument in a larger context, whether it’s social, political, cultural, or environmental.
For example, if your essay focuses on the benefits of non-standardized education, discuss how this argument can influence policy-making, impact future generations, or contribute to efforts to revamp national education.
This simple but essential step will reinforce the importance of your essay and make it meaningful to your audience by illustrating the broader yet practical significance of the topic. Readers should walk away seeing why your argument matters beyond the general confines of the essay itself.
End with a Strong Clincher or Call to Action
The final part of your conclusion should leave a lasting impression. End with a powerful clincher or a call to action that encourages readers to reflect further or take action. You may use a striking quote, a thought-provoking statement, or a suggestion for future research. But whatever you choose make sure your last sentence resonates with the reader.
For example, you could end an essay on the war in Ukraine by calling on all leaders to try to arrive at a diplomatic solution before it is too late and the regional conflict escalates into global war.
Also, be sure to avoid generic phrases like “in conclusion”; instead, try to craft a final sentence that feels purposeful, well-crafted, and impactful.
What to Avoid in an Essay Conclusion
Avoid Introducing New Information
One of the most common mistakes in essay conclusions is introducing new information or arguments. The conclusion is meant to wrap up the discussion, not extend it. The place for presenting new ideas, evidence, or supporting points is the body of the essay, not in the conclusion.
Introducing new content in the closing section confuses the reader and detracts from the clarity of your final message. Stick to reinforcing the main points already discussed so that your conclusion feels complete and thoughtfully considered, rather than fragmented or disjointed.
You may leave the reader with a parting thought that offers a new or deeper insight—but this comes after the recapitulation of main points and thesis. The parting thought is not being used to support your main idea; rather, it is a closing consideration based on everything that has already been presented.
Don’t Simply Restate Without Adding Value
Another pitfall to avoid is restating your thesis and main points without adding any new value. Simply repeating what was already stated in the introduction or body can make your conclusion feel redundant and weak. What’s the point of that? Every paragraph should add to the value of your essay, including your concluding paragraph.
Instead of restating, focus on synthesizing your points to show how they work together to support your thesis. This can bring depth to your conclusion and leave the reader with a stronger sense of the essay’s overall importance. In this manner, a well-developed conclusion shows your ability to reflect on the essay’s content and provide a final perspective that evokes something previously unspoken.
Avoid Overused Phrases
Phrases such as “In summary,” “To conclude,” or “In closing” are overused and will make your conclusion feel generic and formulaic. These expressions don’t add value and their trite and stale character can detract from the originality and impact of your final statement. Instead, go for a strong, purposeful ending and don’t rely on cliché transitions.
Examples of Strong Essay Conclusions
Argumentative Essay Conclusion
Topic – “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health”
Social media’s influence on mental health is undeniable. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter can help to build up connections and community, but they can also contribute to heightened anxiety and depression, especially among younger users. Through a restatement of the facts presented—social media’s role in amplifying insecurities, fostering comparison culture, and leading to negative self-perception—it’s clear that more responsible usage and policy intervention are necessary. Ultimately, society must decide if the conveniences of social media outweigh its detrimental effects on well-being. As our online interactions grow, so does our responsibility to safeguard mental health in this digital age.
Analytical Essay Conclusion
Topic – “Symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby'”
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully uses symbolism to represent the futility of the American Dream. The green light, Daisy’s voice, and the valley of ashes each serve as reminders of the illusions that characters chase. Gatsby’s ultimate downfall symbolizes the emptiness of pursuing material success and social status at the expense of personal fulfillment. By analyzing these symbols, readers understand that the novel is not just about one man’s dream, but about the collective disillusionment of an entire society. Gatsby’s failure forces us to question the very nature of ambition and success in America.
Narrative Essay Conclusion
Topic – “A Personal Experience with Failure”
My first major failure taught me more about resilience than any success ever could. When I didn’t get into my dream college, I thought my future was over. But that rejection pushed me to reevaluate my goals, discover new passions, and find opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. What I once saw as a dead-end became the foundation for a more rewarding path. Looking back, I realize that failure wasn’t a step back but a redirection. It helped me build perseverance, adaptability, and most importantly, a clearer vision for my future.
Expository Essay Conclusion
Topic – “Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Agriculture”
Climate change has already begun to reshape global agriculture, with devastating consequences for food security. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and droughts are affecting crop yields across the world. While some regions may benefit from longer growing seasons, the overall impact on biodiversity, soil health, and farming communities is overwhelmingly negative. Immediate action to mitigate climate change and invest in sustainable farming practices is critical to ensuring that future generations can rely on a stable food supply. The effects are here, and we must act now to adapt and protect our agricultural future.
Persuasive Essay Conclusion
Topic – “Why College Should Be Free”
The debate surrounding free college education is not just about access to higher learning; it’s about economic justice. As tuition costs soar, many students are burdened with debt that affects their financial futures. By making college tuition-free, the government can empower young people to pursue their dreams without the shackles of debt. Moreover, the benefits of an educated workforce ripple throughout the economy, improving productivity and innovation. It’s time for the U.S. to join other countries that have prioritized education as a public good, not a privilege for the wealthy.
Different Types of Essay Conclusions
Narrative Essay Conclusions
In a narrative essay, the conclusion often reflects on the personal story you’ve shared. To craft an effective narrative conclusion, focus on tying up the narrative arc while providing reflective insights. The goal is to show how the events discussed in the essay have impacted you or contributed to a broader understanding. You might highlight a lesson learned, a change in perspective, or an emotional takeaway.
For example, if your essay was about overcoming a personal challenge, your conclusion could explore how that experience shaped who you are today. The conclusion of a narrative essay should feel introspective, offering readers a deeper understanding of the writer’s journey and encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences.
Expository Essay Conclusions
In expository essays, where the goal is to inform or explain a topic, the conclusion should restate the key facts while leaving the reader with something to ponder. Avoid merely summarizing the information provided; instead, synthesize the facts and highlight their significance.
For example, if your expository essay is about the benefits of renewable energy, your conclusion might revisit those benefits but also encourage readers to think about the future implications of transitioning to greener energy sources. Ending with a thought-provoking question or a forward-looking statement can leave a lasting impression on your audience, ensuring they continue to reflect on the topic even after finishing the essay.
Persuasive Essay Conclusions
In a persuasive essay, the conclusion is your final opportunity to compel readers to action or agreement. After restating your main argument, emphasize why it matters and what readers can do next.
For example, if you’re writing about the importance of reducing e-waste, end with a call to action, urging readers to make small changes in their daily lives, how they think of electronics, and what they can do to eliminate e-waste. A strong, persuasive conclusion leaves readers motivated to act. It asks them to reconsider their beliefs. Or, it allows you to share your perspective, thereby elevating the persuasive power of your essay.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing strong essay conclusions takes practice, but it’s a crucial skill for any student. A well-crafted conclusion ties the essay together and ensures that your main points resonate with the reader long after they finish reading. As you practice writing conclusions, remember to reflect on the purpose of your essay and tailor your closing remarks accordingly.
Additionally, tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can be incredibly helpful in refining your writing, ensuring clarity, and checking for repetitive phrasing or grammatical errors. With practice and attention to detail, your essay conclusions will become more impactful and polished.
Finally, you can always download our free essay conclusion worksheet to help get you on the right track.