Writing a strong conclusion is a fundamental skill for any writer. It is the final chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader and to drive home the main points of your argument. Whether you are writing an academic essay, a business report, or a creative piece, a well-crafted conclusion can make all the difference.
In this informative article, we will delve into the art of crafting a compelling conclusion. We will explore the various techniques and elements that can help you create a conclusion that is both effective and memorable. So, let's embark on this journey and discover the secrets of writing a strong conclusion.
Before we dive into the specifics of writing a conclusion, it is essential to understand its role in the overall structure of your writing. The conclusion is the final part of your work, where you summarize your main points, reinforce your thesis statement, and leave the reader with a lasting impression. It is not merely a rehash of what you have already said; rather, it is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your findings and to offer a broader perspective on the topic.
how to start a conclusion
To craft a strong conclusion, consider the following key points:
- Restate thesis statement.
- Summarize main points.
- Offer broader perspective.
- Reflect on significance.
- End with a call to action.
- Leave a lasting impression.
- Use strong language.
- Proofread carefully.
By following these points, you can create a conclusion that effectively wraps up your writing and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Restate thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the central argument or claim of your writing. It is typically presented in the introduction and serves as the foundation for the rest of your work. When writing a conclusion, it is essential to revisit your thesis statement and restate it in a clear and concise manner. This reminds the reader of the main point of your argument and provides a sense of closure.
Restating the thesis statement is not simply repeating it word for word. Instead, you can paraphrase it or use slightly different language to convey the same idea. The goal is to reinforce the main point of your writing and to leave the reader with a lasting impression of your argument.
In some cases, you may choose to expand on your thesis statement in the conclusion. This could involve providing additional evidence or examples to support your claim. Alternatively, you could discuss the implications of your argument or suggest directions for future research.
No matter how you choose to restate your thesis statement, make sure that it is clear, concise, and consistent with the rest of your writing. The conclusion is your final chance to drive home your main point, so take the time to craft a strong and memorable thesis statement.
Here are some examples of how to restate a thesis statement in a conclusion:
- Original thesis statement: "The use of social media has a negative impact on mental health."
- Restated thesis statement: "In light of the evidence presented, it is clear that social media can have detrimental effects on our mental well-being."
- Original thesis statement: "Renewable energy sources are the key to a sustainable future."
- Restated thesis statement: "Embracing renewable energy technologies is essential for securing a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come."
Summarize main points.
After restating your thesis statement, it is time to summarize the main points of your argument. This serves as a reminder to the reader of the key evidence and ideas that you presented throughout your writing.
- Select key points: Choose the most important points that support your thesis statement. These should be the main arguments or pieces of evidence that you discussed in the body of your writing.
- Condense and paraphrase: Summarize each main point in a concise and clear manner. Use concise language and avoid repeating yourself. You can paraphrase or condense the information to make it more succinct.
- Organize logically: Present your summarized points in a logical order. This could be the same order in which you presented them in the body of your writing, or you could choose a different order that makes more sense for the conclusion.
- Use transitional words: Use transitional words and phrases to connect your summarized points and create a smooth flow of ideas. Words like "first," "second," "additionally," "moreover," and "finally" can help guide the reader through your summary.
By summarizing your main points, you help the reader recall the key arguments and evidence that support your thesis statement. This reinforces your argument and leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the main takeaways from your writing.
Offer broader perspective.
In addition to summarizing your main points, you can also offer a broader perspective on the topic in your conclusion. This involves looking at the bigger picture and discussing the implications of your findings or arguments.
- Connect to wider context: Show how your research or argument fits into a larger context. This could involve relating it to other studies, theories, or real-world events.
- Discuss implications: Explore the implications of your findings or arguments. What are the potential consequences or applications of your work? How might it impact society, the environment, or other fields of study?
- Suggest future directions: If appropriate, suggest directions for future research or action. This shows that you are aware of the limitations of your work and that there is still more to be learned or done.
- Provide a call to action: In some cases, you may want to end your conclusion with a call to action. This could involve encouraging readers to take a specific action, such as supporting a cause, changing their behavior, or learning more about a topic.
By offering a broader perspective, you demonstrate your understanding of the topic and show the reader that your work has wider implications. This can leave a lasting impression and encourage readers to think more deeply about the subject matter.
Reflect on significance.
In your conclusion, it is important to reflect on the significance of your work. This involves discussing why your findings or arguments matter and what contribution they make to the field of study or to society as a whole.
Here are some points to consider when reflecting on the significance of your work:
- Identify the key implications of your work: What are the most important consequences or applications of your findings or arguments? How might they impact society, the environment, or other fields of study?
- Highlight the originality and novelty of your work: What new insights or perspectives does your work offer? How does it contribute to existing knowledge or understanding?
- Discuss the limitations of your work: Acknowledge any limitations or gaps in your research or argument. This shows that you are aware of the complexities of the topic and that there is still more to be learned.
- Suggest directions for future research: If appropriate, suggest directions for future research or action. This shows that you are engaged in the ongoing conversation and that your work is part of a larger body of knowledge.
By reflecting on the significance of your work, you demonstrate your understanding of the topic and show the reader that your work has value and relevance. This can leave a lasting impression and encourage readers to think more deeply about the subject matter.
Here is an example of how to reflect on the significance of your work in a conclusion:
"In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence to support the hypothesis that social media use is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. This finding has important implications for public health and well-being. It suggests that excessive use of social media may be contributing to the rising rates of loneliness and mental health problems in society. This study also highlights the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship and to develop interventions to mitigate the negative effects of social media use."
End with a call to action.
In some cases, you may choose to end your conclusion with a call to action. This involves encouraging readers to take a specific action, such as supporting a cause, changing their behavior, or learning more about a topic.
- Identify a specific action: What do you want readers to do after reading your writing? Do you want them to donate to a charity, sign a petition, change their behavior, or learn more about a topic?
- Make it clear and concise: Your call to action should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your readers may not be familiar with.
- Provide instructions: If necessary, provide instructions on how readers can take the desired action. For example, you could include a link to a website, a phone number, or an email address.
- Create a sense of urgency: If appropriate, create a sense of urgency to encourage readers to take action. For example, you could mention a deadline or a limited-time offer.
By ending your conclusion with a call to action, you can motivate readers to take the next step and engage with your topic in a meaningful way. This can help to amplify the impact of your writing and make a real difference in the world.
Leave a lasting impression.
The conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader. This is your opportunity to summarize your main points, reinforce your thesis statement, and offer a broader perspective on the topic. By crafting a strong conclusion, you can ensure that your writing resonates with readers long after they have finished reading it.
- Use strong language: Use strong, vivid language that will capture the reader's attention and make your points memorable. Avoid using clichés or jargon that may be unfamiliar to your readers.
- Appeal to the reader's emotions: If appropriate, appeal to the reader's emotions to create a lasting impact. This could involve using emotional language, telling a personal story, or providing a powerful example.
- End with a thought-provoking question: Ending your conclusion with a thought-provoking question can encourage readers to reflect on the topic and consider it from a new perspective.
- Use a memorable quote or statistic: Including a memorable quote or statistic in your conclusion can help to reinforce your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
By following these tips, you can create a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader and ensures that your writing is remembered long after it has been read.
Use strong language.
Using strong language in your conclusion is essential for leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Strong language can help to emphasize your main points, reinforce your thesis statement, and create a sense of urgency or excitement. Here are some tips for using strong language in your conclusion:
- Use vivid and descriptive language: Paint a picture for the reader using vivid and descriptive language. This will help to capture their attention and make your points more memorable.
- Use active voice: Active voice is more concise and engaging than passive voice. It also helps to emphasize the subject of your sentence and make your writing more forceful.
- Use strong verbs: Strong verbs are more powerful and evocative than weak verbs. Choose verbs that convey action, emotion, or urgency.
- Use parallelism: Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves using similar grammatical structures to create a sense of balance and rhythm in your writing. This can help to make your conclusion more memorable and impactful.
Here are some examples of how to use strong language in your conclusion:
- "This study provides irrefutable evidence that social media use is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and isolation."
- "We must act now to address the climate crisis before it is too late."
- "This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat cancer."
By using strong language in your conclusion, you can create a lasting impression on the reader and ensure that your writing is remembered long after it has been read.
Proofread carefully.
Once you have written your conclusion, it is important to proofread it carefully for errors. This includes checking for typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. A well-proofread conclusion will leave a positive impression on the reader and show that you have taken the time to produce a polished and professional piece of writing.
- Read your conclusion aloud: Reading your conclusion aloud can help you to identify awkward phrasing and grammatical errors. It can also help you to catch typos that you might miss when reading silently.
- Use a grammar checker: Grammar checkers can be helpful for identifying grammatical errors and typos. However, it is important to use a grammar checker as a tool, not as a substitute for proofreading. Always review the suggestions made by the grammar checker and make sure that they are correct.
- Ask a friend or colleague to proofread your conclusion: Getting a second pair of eyes to proofread your conclusion can help you to catch errors that you might have missed. Choose someone who is familiar with the topic of your writing and who is willing to give you honest feedback.
By proofreading your conclusion carefully, you can ensure that it is free of errors and that it leaves a positive impression on the reader. This will help to strengthen your overall writing and make it more effective.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to write a strong conclusion:
Question 1: What is the purpose of a conclusion?
Answer: The purpose of a conclusion is to summarize the main points of your writing, reinforce your thesis statement, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It is your final chance to drive home your argument and make your writing memorable.
Question 2: How do I restate my thesis statement in the conclusion?
Answer: You can restate your thesis statement in the conclusion by paraphrasing it or using slightly different language to convey the same idea. The goal is to reinforce your main point and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument.
Question 3: What are some key points to include in my summary of the main points?
Answer: When summarizing the main points in your conclusion, focus on the most important points that support your thesis statement. Use concise language and avoid repeating yourself. You can also use transitional words and phrases to connect your summarized points and create a smooth flow of ideas.
Question 4: How can I offer a broader perspective in my conclusion?
Answer: To offer a broader perspective in your conclusion, you can discuss the implications of your findings or arguments. You can also connect your work to wider context, such as other studies, theories, or real-world events. If appropriate, you can also suggest directions for future research or action.
Question 5: How do I end my conclusion with a call to action?
Answer: To end your conclusion with a call to action, clearly state what you want the reader to do after reading your writing. This could involve encouraging them to take a specific action, such as supporting a cause, changing their behavior, or learning more about a topic. Make your call to action clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Question 6: How can I leave a lasting impression with my conclusion?
Answer: To leave a lasting impression with your conclusion, use strong language, appeal to the reader's emotions, end with a thought-provoking question, or include a memorable quote or statistic. By using these techniques, you can create a conclusion that resonates with the reader and ensures that your writing is remembered long after it has been read.
Closing Paragraph:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to write a strong conclusion. By following the tips and advice provided in this FAQ, you can improve your writing skills and create conclusions that are effective and memorable.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to write a strong conclusion, here are a few additional tips to help you improve your writing even further:
Tips
Here are four practical tips to help you write strong conclusions:
Tip 1: Use strong language:
Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader and make your points memorable. Avoid using clichés or jargon that may be unfamiliar to your readers. Instead, opt for strong verbs, active voice, and parallel structure to create a conclusion that is both powerful and engaging.
Tip 2: Offer a broader perspective:
Don't just restate your main points in the conclusion. Take the opportunity to offer a broader perspective on the topic by discussing the implications of your findings or arguments. You can also connect your work to wider context, such as other studies, theories, or real-world events. This will show the reader that your work has significance beyond the immediate topic and that you have a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Tip 3: End with a call to action (if appropriate):
In some cases, you may want to end your conclusion with a call to action. This could involve encouraging readers to take a specific action, such as supporting a cause, changing their behavior, or learning more about a topic. When using a call to action, make sure that it is clear, concise, and easy to understand. You should also provide instructions on how readers can take the desired action.
Tip 4: Proofread carefully:
Once you have written your conclusion, take the time to proofread it carefully for errors. This includes checking for typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. A well-proofread conclusion will leave a positive impression on the reader and show that you have taken the time to produce a polished and professional piece of writing. You can use a grammar checker to help you identify errors, but be sure to review the suggestions carefully and make sure that they are correct.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can write strong conclusions that effectively wrap up your writing and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Remember, the conclusion is your final chance to drive home your main points and make your writing memorable, so take the time to craft a conclusion that is both informative and engaging.
Now that you have learned how to write a strong conclusion, it's time to put these tips into practice and start writing conclusions that will leave your readers impressed.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
In this informative article, we explored the art of writing a strong conclusion. We learned that a conclusion is the final part of your writing where you summarize your main points, reinforce your thesis statement, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. We discussed eight important points to consider when writing a conclusion, including restating your thesis statement, summarizing the main points, offering a broader perspective, reflecting on the significance of your work, ending with a call to action, and leaving a lasting impression. We also provided four practical tips to help you write strong conclusions, such as using strong language, offering a broader perspective, ending with a call to action (if appropriate), and proofreading carefully.
Closing Message:
Writing a strong conclusion is an essential skill for any writer. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can improve your writing skills and create conclusions that are effective, memorable, and leave a lasting impact on your readers. Remember, the conclusion is your final chance to drive home your main points and make your writing memorable, so take the time to craft a conclusion that is both informative and engaging.