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Learn how to finish your essay strongly by summarizing your points and leaving the reader with a final thought.
Imagine watching a movie that just cuts to black right in the middle of a chase scene. You'd be frustrated, right? Your essay needs a 'grand finale' so your reader isn't left hanging!
The first step of a great conclusion is to remind the reader of your thesis statement (your main big idea). However, you don't want to be a 'copy-cat.' If you use the exact same words you used in your introduction, your reader might get bored. Instead, you should 'echo' your idea by using synonyms or changing the sentence structure. This reinforces your point while keeping the writing fresh. Think of it like a cover song: the melody is the same, but the sound is new!
1. Original Thesis: 'Video games are helpful because they improve hand-eye coordination.' 2. Conclusion Version: 'As we have seen, playing digital games is a fantastic way to sharpen a person's physical reactions and focus.' 3. Why it works: It says the same thing but uses words like 'sharpen' instead of 'improve.'
Quick Check
Why shouldn't you copy your thesis word-for-word in the conclusion?
Answer
To keep the reader interested and show the idea in a new, fresh way.
After you restate your main idea, it is time for the summary. Imagine you are showing a friend a 'highlight reel' of a basketball game. You wouldn't show every single second of the game; you would only show the or best plays! In your conclusion, use to sentences to remind the reader of the strongest evidence you provided in your body paragraphs. This helps the reader see how all your pieces of evidence fit together to prove your point.
If your essay was about why recycling is important, your summary might look like this: 1. 'By recycling, we significantly reduce the amount of trash in our landfills.' 2. 'Furthermore, reusing materials protects the natural habitats of endangered animals.' 3. 'These actions ensure our planet stays healthy for years to come.'
Quick Check
How many sentences should a typical summary in a conclusion be?
Answer
Usually 2 to 3 sentences.
The very last sentence of your essay is your final thought. This is your 'mic drop' moment! Its job is to provide closure, which makes the reader feel like the journey is complete. You can leave the reader with a piece of advice, a prediction about the future, or a 'call to action' that asks them to do something. A strong final thought sticks in the reader's mind long after they finish reading.
Let's look at three ways to end an essay about healthy eating: 1. Advice: 'Choosing an apple over a candy bar today is a small step toward a much stronger you.' 2. Prediction: 'If more students choose healthy snacks, our school will soon be filled with more energy and brighter smiles.' 3. Call to Action: 'Next time you are hungry, reach for something green and give your body the fuel it deserves!'
What is the main goal of 'restating' the thesis?
Which of these would make a great 'final thought' for an essay about reading books?
You should include brand new facts in your conclusion that you didn't mention before.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to explain the three parts of a conclusion (Echo, Highlight Reel, Mic Drop) to a family member.
Practice Activity
Find an old paragraph you wrote. Practice writing just the 'Mic Drop' final sentence for it using a call to action.