Ways to Conclude an Essay
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Writing Center
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Conclusion writing can perhaps be the most difficult part of writing an essay. When
constructing an essay, it is important to keep in mind that the conclusion is the
most important part of your paper because it is the last impression your reader has
of the paper.
Successful conclusions should:
● Re-state and stress the importance of the thesis statement
● Provide closure to the essay
● Leave a lasting impression on the reader
Methods to writing conclusions
1. Answer the question “So what?”
• This is where you will exhibit the importance of the paper and show the reader
why the essay provides meaningful and useful information.
2. Synthesize, don’t summarize
• Make sure you do not simply repeat what you have previously stated. Be sure to
use the information from your paper to connect with your main idea.
3. Redirect the reader
• This is where you can be more creative and leave your reader with a general
message or something to think about. Be sure that if your paper is general to
specific that your conclusion is specific to general.
4. Create a new meaning
• It is important to note that this does not mean that you have to introduce new
information. If you clearly demonstrate how your ideas work together, you can
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create a new outlook on your reasoning behind your essay. Quite often, the
conclusion is more important than the essay’s other portions.
#1: Echoing
Echoing your thoughts of your paper is a good way to bring your reader back
around to your main idea of your essay. This could be useful by echoing the
thoughts presented in your introductory paragraph and providing connections to
your essay to create a new understanding of your essay.
Types of essays that may include Echoing Conclusions:
● Persuasive essay
● Descriptive essay
● Narrative essay
● Expository essay
● Literature Review
● Lab Report
Example written by Randa Holewa
Introduction
From the parking lot, I could see the towers of the castle of the Magic Kingdom
standing stately against the blue sky. To the right, the tall peak of The Matterhorn
rose even higher. From the left, I could hear the jungle sounds of Adventureland. As
I entered the gate, Main Street stretched before me with its quaint shops evoking
an old-fashioned small town so charming it could never have existed. I was
entranced. Disneyland may have been built for children, but it brings out the child
in adults.
Conclusion
I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, but here I was at 1:00 A.M.,
closing time, leaving the front gates with the now dark towers of the Magic Kingdom
behind me. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their
eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents' arms as we waited for
the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. My forty-year-old feet ached,
and I felt a bit sad to think that in a couple of days I would be leaving California, my
vacation over, to go back to my desk. But then I smiled to think that for at least a
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day I felt ten years old again.
#2: Challenging your reader
When you are “challenging your reader,” it is important to note that this does not
mean that you are leaving your reader hanging with questions, unclear thoughts, or
concerns. By challenging your reader, this means that you would be assisting your
reader by redirecting information from your essay in a way that they may be able to
apply the information to their own lives.
Types of essays that may include “Challenging your reader” conclusions:
● Informative essay
● Expository essay
● Narrative essay • Persuasive
Example written by Randa Holewa:
Conclusion
Though serving on a jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting
experience, many people probably still view jury duty as a chore that interrupts
their jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, juries are part of America's
attempt to be a free and just society. Jury duty inspires people to be interested and
responsible citizens.
#3: Looking into the future
By looking into the future, your reader can have the potential to understand the
importance of your essay or their thoughts can be redirected to think differently
about the information presented. This could be an instance where the reader may
decide to apply new information to their own lives or see concepts more globally.
Types of essays that may include conclusions that look into the Future:
● Literature Review
● Descriptive essay
● Narrative essay
Example written by Randa Holewa:
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Conclusion
Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and
equipment. If higher- paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest
students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available
may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers,
the future suffers.
#4: Calling for more research
Calling for more research brings your ideas of your essay together but it also lets
your reader know that the information that you have provided can have the
potential for improvement in the future. This is useful if the information you have
discussed is in regards to an unresolved issue or area of research.
Types of essays that may include conclusions Calling for more Research:
● Research essay
● Literature Review
● Lab Report
Example written by Randa Holewa:
Conclusion
Campaign advertisements should help people understand the candidate's
qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell people what a “boob”
or “knave” the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the
candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. More research should be
done to investigate if advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate
or if people choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and
soap.
