Akin to any great presentation, speech, or monologue, an essay conclusion should touch the emotions of the readers. You can trigger a variety of emotions in the reader from excitement to contemplation through a well-crafted conclusion. Much in the same way as a public speaker enthralls and captivates their audience when wrapping up their dialogue. 

Conclusions might be the trickiest part of an essay. They must sum up the points presented in the essay without sounding repetitive. And in the final few lines, you need to leave a resounding impression on your reader. Sounds like a lot of expectations?  Well, with our tips you can master this area soon enough.

How to conclude an essay?

In layman’s phrasing, an essay conclusion is a final paragraph that recaps the main arguments of an essay. But the term “recap” is precisely what a professional writer would dismiss as synonymous with a conclusion. The essence of this final paragraph goes much deeper than this term implies. And we will demonstrate how you can capture that with our featured techniques.

1. The conclusion is not a repetition of the introduction

The most common mistake made by students is more or less copying the introduction to form the conclusion. The conclusion is not a rehash of your essay introduction so avoid taking that path. 

2. It does not merely summarize the central paragraphs

As we have mentioned before it is not meant to be a simple summary of your essay. The way you perceive it reflects in your writing. Therefore, carefully choose the words and phrases to relate the conclusion to the body.   

3. New arguments and content cannot be added here

Avoid including any new information in this section of your essay. Any new ideas or arguments will be limited to the body paragraphs. The conclusion must only reflect the knowledge already shared with your reader. 

4. Think of it like a sales pitch

The conclusion is no less crucial than the introduction or body paragraphs. A well-written one can convince the reader that the essay imparted insightful and intellectual information which they were unaware of before. 

5. A topic sentence is important

A topic sentence is not only essential for body paragraphs but also for eth conclusion. You can restate your thesis here as a reminder of the central concept.

6. Bring the ideas together

It is the perfect place in your essay to unify the points you have brought forth. Refer a common factor here that expresses cohesiveness and strengthens the essay as a seamless logical flow. 

7. Be speculative

Do not go overboard in this context as to claim your argument to be world-changing. But phrase it in a way that incites excitement and hope in the reader. 

8. Give it a definite structure

The conclusion will adhere to its own outline. It will have a starter statement to reinstate the thesis followed by an overview of the arguments. The final sentence will provide a sense of closure for the reader. 

9. Reinstate your thesis or central idea in new words

Make sure this reinstatement is not a replica of the thesis. Use well-chosen words to bring everything full-circle and maintain the flow. 

10. Include a predictive statement

Directing the reader’s thoughts towards the future emphasizes the importance of your work. Using power words like “if” or “when” can help with that.

11. Emphasize the importance of your essay

Show the reader in a few words why exactly your point of view on the topic matters. It can either contribute to the field, raise questions for future research, or provide practical solutions.

12. It is best to end on a positive note

Leave your readers with a positive image after they finish your essay. By showing how your study contributes to the improvement of an area triggers a feeling of hope. Or providing a solution to a certain issue can promise a better future. 

13. Study each paragraph for further insight

In case you find it difficult to gather the key points of your study, scan through each body paragraph. Take notes while reviewing of the most essential elements to construct the conclusion. 

14. Begin specific and shift to general

The content of the conclusion is opposite in form to that of the introduction. It starts from specific information related in the essay. Which is then linked it to how it affects the world in general.   

15. Refrain from using cliches

There are certain phrases like “to sum up” or “in conclusion” which spring to mind when we think of endings. However, it is best to avoid them if you want to set your work apart. Stating the obvious will only appear amateur. 

16. Do not undermine your own arguments

Sounding confused or uncertain in the conclusion can ruin your entire hard work. Be clear and strong when presenting your perspective till the very end. 

17. Quotes or references can be used

A quotation or other reference can be used from a primary or secondary literary source. If it serves to amplify your argument you should not hesitate to use it. Especially in topics related to literature, history, or even philosophy. 

18. Set it in a larger context

Linking your arguments to a larger context can give them validation and authenticity. And display the vastness of your knowledge in the field.  

19. Consider the implications of your discussion

Share a clear view with the reader of what your analysis implies. As an academic writer, it is not your job to keep the readers guessing and making conjectures. Relate exactly what your discussion suggests and the reasons behind it. 

20. Use a statement with a parallel structure

Your final statement can follow a structure parallel to the central idea presented earlier in the essay. It creates a balance that provides a perfect end to a complex sequence of ideas.

With the help of these tips, you can become proficient in writing effective conclusions. We are sure that you will be able to reform your essay writing skills by following these guidelines.