How to Write a Conclusion in an English Essay

It’s super important to have a strong conclusion in your English essay so that your reader will remember it.

Some students find it hard to finish their essays well, but this guide will help you make a great ending that brings everything together.

Understanding the Purpose of a Conclusion

Before diving into the specifics of how to write a conclusion, it’s essential to understand its purpose within your essay.

A conclusion serves several key functions:

Summarizing your main points: It reminds the reader of the key arguments you’ve made throughout your essay.

Restating your thesis: It reaffirms your central argument or main idea in light of the evidence you’ve presented.

Providing closure: It gives the reader a sense of completion and resolution to the topic you’ve discussed.

Leaving a lasting impression: It offers final thoughts that resonate with the reader after they’ve finished your essay.

Demonstrating the significance of your argument: It shows why your essay matters in a broader context.

With these purposes in mind, let’s explore the steps to crafting an effective conclusion.

Step 1: Signal the End of Your Essay

The first task in writing your conclusion is to signal to your reader that they’ve reached the end of your essay.

This helps prepare them mentally for your final thoughts.

Some effective ways to do this include:

Using transition phrases: Start with phrases like “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” or “In closing.” While these can be effective, be cautious not to overuse them, as they can feel cliché if relied upon too heavily.

Referring back to your introduction: If you opened your essay with a question, anecdote, or provocative statement, consider revisiting it in your conclusion to create a sense of symmetry.

Acknowledging the journey: Use language that subtly indicates you’re wrapping up, such as “Having examined the evidence” or “After considering these arguments.”

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Step 2: Summarize Your Main Points

Once you’ve signaled the conclusion, briefly recap the main points of your essay.

This serves as a reminder of the key evidence and arguments you’ve presented.

However, be careful not to simply repeat your points verbatim.

Instead:

Synthesize your arguments: Show how your main points work together to support your thesis.

Be concise: Aim for a brief overview rather than an extensive rehash of your entire essay.

Highlight the most important elements: Focus on your strongest arguments or most compelling evidence.

Use fresh language: Rephrase your points to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Step 3: Restate Your Thesis

After summarizing your main points, reaffirm your thesis statement.

This reminds the reader of your central argument and shows how your evidence and analysis support it.

When restating your thesis:

Use different wording: Rephrase your thesis to avoid direct repetition.

Show development: If your understanding of the topic has evolved throughout the essay, reflect this in your restated thesis.

Emphasize the significance: Highlight why your thesis matters in the context of your subject area.

Step 4: Provide Closure

With your main points summarized and thesis restated, it’s time to provide a sense of closure to your essay.

This involves tying up loose ends and leaving the reader with a feeling of resolution.

Some strategies for achieving closure include:

Answering any questions posed in your introduction: If you opened with a rhetorical question, now is the time to provide a clear answer.

Resolving any conflicts or tensions introduced in your essay: Show how the evidence you’ve presented resolves the central problem or debate you’ve discussed.

Offering a final insight: Share a concluding thought that brings together the various strands of your argument.

Providing a call to action: If appropriate for your topic, suggest what actions the reader or society should take based on your argument.

Step 5: Leave a Lasting Impression

The final task of your conclusion is to leave your reader with something memorable.

This is your last chance to make an impact and ensure your essay resonates long after it’s been read.

Some effective techniques for leaving a lasting impression include:

Using a powerful quote: If relevant, end with a memorable quote that encapsulates your argument or provides food for thought.

Employing vivid imagery: Paint a picture with words that captures the essence of your topic.

Posing a thought-provoking question: Leave your reader with something to ponder, encouraging further reflection on your topic.

Making a bold prediction: If your essay deals with current events or trends, consider forecasting future developments based on your analysis.

Connecting to broader themes: Show how your specific topic relates to larger issues or universal human experiences.

Step 6: Demonstrate the Significance of Your Argument

To elevate your conclusion, it’s crucial to demonstrate why your essay matters.

This involves zooming out from your specific topic to show its broader implications or relevance.

Consider:

Contextualizing your argument: Show how your thesis fits into larger debates or discussions in your field of study.

Highlighting real-world applications: Explain how your findings or arguments could be applied in practical situations.

Discussing future research directions: Suggest areas for further study or exploration based on your conclusions.

Addressing counterarguments: Briefly acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your argument still stands.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While crafting your conclusion, be mindful of these common mistakes:

Introducing new information: Your conclusion should synthesize existing ideas, not introduce new ones.

Being too repetitive: While you want to remind the reader of your main points, avoid simply restating everything you’ve already said.

Undermining your argument: Don’t use apologetic language or express doubts about your thesis at this stage.

Overusing clichés: Phrases like “In conclusion” are fine in moderation, but try to find more creative ways to signal the end of your essay.

Ending abruptly: Ensure your conclusion feels like a natural endpoint, not a sudden stop.

Being too emotional or sentimental: While it’s good to engage the reader’s emotions, avoid overly dramatic language that doesn’t fit the tone of your essay.

Examples of Effective Conclusion Techniques

To illustrate these principles in action, let’s look at some examples of effective conclusion techniques:

The “Full Circle” Conclusion:

If your essay opened with a specific scene or example, return to it in your conclusion, showing how your argument has shed new light on that initial point.

Example:

Introduction: “As Jane Austen penned ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in the early 19th century, little did she know that her keen observations on love, class, and societal expectations would resonate with readers for centuries to come.”

Conclusion: “Two centuries after Austen put pen to paper, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ continues to captivate readers worldwide. Through our analysis of the novel’s enduring themes and complex characters, we see that Austen’s insights into human nature and societal structures remain as relevant today as they were in Regency England. The dance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy may have ended, but the music of Austen’s prose plays on, inviting each new generation to join in the eternal waltz of pride, prejudice, and the pursuit of true understanding.”

The “So What?” Conclusion:

Address the broader implications of your argument, answering the question, “Why does this matter?”

Example:

“In examining the effects of social media on teenage mental health, we’ve uncovered a complex web of influences that extends far beyond individual users. The patterns of anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem observed in heavy social media users point to a larger societal shift in how we construct and perceive identity in the digital age. As we navigate this new landscape, it becomes clear that the challenges faced by today’s teenagers are not merely personal struggles, but indicators of a broader need to reevaluate our relationship with technology and redefine what it means to connect in the 21st century.”

The “Call to Action” Conclusion:

Encourage your reader to take specific steps based on your argument.

Example:

“The evidence is clear: climate change poses an unprecedented threat to our planet’s ecosystems and human societies alike. Yet, in the face of this daunting challenge, we are not powerless. By implementing the sustainable practices outlined in this essay – from transitioning to renewable energy sources to adopting more environmentally conscious consumption habits – we can mitigate the worst effects of global warming. The time for debate has passed; now is the moment for decisive action. Each of us has a role to play in safeguarding our planet’s future. What will you do today to make a difference?”

The “Looking to the Future” Conclusion:

Project the implications of your argument into the future.

Example:

“As artificial intelligence continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the ethical considerations we’ve explored in this essay will only become more pressing. The decisions we make today about AI development and regulation will shape the technological landscape for generations to come. Will we create a future where AI enhances human potential and addresses global challenges, or one where it exacerbates inequalities and poses existential risks? The path we choose will depend on our ability to balance innovation with ethical foresight, ensuring that as machines become smarter, we do not lose sight of the values that make us human.”

Tailoring Your Conclusion to Different Essay Types

While the basic principles of conclusion writing apply to most essays, you may need to adjust your approach based on the specific type of essay you’re writing:

Argumentative Essays: Emphasize the strength of your argument and the weaknesses in opposing views.

Comparative Essays: Synthesize the similarities and differences you’ve discussed, showing what insights can be gained from the comparison.

Analytical Essays: Highlight the significance of your analysis and its contribution to understanding the topic.

Narrative Essays: Reflect on the meaning or lessons learned from the story you’ve told.

Expository Essays: Reinforce the importance of the information you’ve presented and its practical applications.

Practicing and Refining Your Conclusion Writing Skills

Like any aspect of writing, crafting effective conclusions takes practice.

Here are some exercises to help you improve:

Conclusion analysis: Read conclusions from well-regarded essays or articles and identify the techniques they use.

Rewriting practice: Take a weak conclusion and rewrite it using the principles discussed in this guide.

Peer review: Exchange conclusions with classmates and provide constructive feedback to each other.

Timed writing: Practice writing conclusions under time constraints to prepare for exam conditions.

Multiple versions: Write several different conclusions for the same essay and compare their effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a solid conclusion is like putting the final piece of a puzzle together when writing an English essay.

It’s your chance to make a lasting impact on your reader and emphasize the importance of your arguments.

By following the steps in this guide – signaling the end, summarizing key points, restating your thesis, providing closure, leaving a strong impression, and showing significance – you can create conclusions that not only tie up your essays well but also enhance your entire piece of writing.

Remember, the best conclusions should feel conclusive and make the reader think.

They should offer a sense of closure while also prompting the reader to ponder the topic even after finishing the essay.

With practice and attention to detail, you can become skilled at writing conclusions and ensure that your essays end as strongly as they begin.

As you work on improving your essay writing skills, remember the importance of a powerful conclusion.

It’s not just a summary or an afterthought, but a vital element that can transform a good essay into a great one.

So, next time you write, dedicate the time and effort your conclusion deserves.

Your readers – and your grades – will appreciate it.