How to Start a Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion is your last chance to make a good impression on the reader. Your goal is for the reader to feel like they understand your argument and argument. A good conclusion must tie all the ideas together. You can do this by using a few specific examples, reiterating key points, and carefully editing. There are a few steps you can take to write an effective conclusion to any article.

Table of Contents

Draft the conclusion

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/56/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/56/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-1- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Review the thesis statement. One of the most important elements of an effective conclusion is a well-written thesis statement. Before you draft your conclusion, you need to make sure that your argument is coherent and coherent. Take the time to edit and complete your thesis statement. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Make sure your thesis is not ambiguous. For example, don’t write, “This is an article about the death penalty.”
Instead, try to be clear and specific. You could write, “The death penalty costs us millions of dollars each year, so it’s one of the major expenditures in our penal system. This article will analyze why the legal system is a big deal. Law in America needs major reform.”
This is also a time to make sure that your thesis is organized the way you want it to be and that you’ve supported your point with evidence and analysis. You cannot write a successful conclusion until you organize your essay in a way that makes sense.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9f/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9f/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-2- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Rewrite the thesis statement. The conclusion should reconfirm the main points. A major part of the conclusion is to restate your point. Be careful to clearly redefine your point in the conclusion. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Don’t just copy and paste the thesis statement. Let’s write it in another sentence.
For example, your thesis statement is, “The Cold War has brought about a huge change in American foreign policy. It has made many policymakers gradually get used to having enemies identified. This created confusing foreign policy in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union”. You will need to rewrite another sentence in the concluding paragraph.
Try writing, “As has been demonstrated by examining the foreign policies of Presidents Bush and Clinton, post-cold war foreign policy has lacked consistent action”.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/22/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/22/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-3- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use specific examples. The conclusion should remind the reader of what they have read. Remind the reader of why your argument is tight. By using specific examples, you’ll reinforce the point you’ve tried to make. ^{[3] X Trusted Source University of North Carpina Writing Center Go to Source}

You might consider providing a helpful story in the ending. For example, if you are writing about the plight of polar bears, tell the story of polar bears at the San Diego Zoo.

The beginning of an ending

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ee/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ee/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-6- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Set up conclusion ideas. You need the reader to know that they have reached the end of the essay. The wording and content of the conclusion should make this clear. There are a number of ways you can set up your ending idea. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Try linking the end to the beginning. For example, if the opening paragraph is about a dog named Sam, end the article by mentioning Sam again.
Linking the first and last paragraphs is a good way to end an article. It “closes” your subject.
You can also complete the essay with a quote or fact you mentioned earlier in the essay. This provides a good concluding idea for the reader.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-7- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Propose an action plan. The conclusion is more than just a place to emphasize the points you’ve made. You should also use it to indicate the necessary “next steps”. You can tell the reader what to do to solve the problem. Talking about next steps makes it clear to the reader that you are closing your essay. ^{[7] X Trusted Source University of North Carpina Writing Center Go to source}

If you’re writing an essay on obesity in America, the conclusion is a great place to offer some solutions.
For example, write “Obviously we need to focus more on physical activity among young people”. Or you could write, “More research is needed to help effectively deal with the negative side effects of obesity.”
You can also use the concluding paragraph to point out broader themes. For example, the essay on the free-driving movement of 1961 might point to more broad points about the civil rights movement.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2c/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2c/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-8- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use simple language. Regardless of which way you start your conclusion, you should focus on your word choice. State your point of view clearly and succinctly. You want your argument to be coherent and straight to the point. There is no need to try to use serious words or flowery words in the ending. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Try to avoid using lengthy paragraphs at the beginning of the conclusion. You need to capture and maintain the reader’s attention.
There is no need to write, “Therefore, as we have effectively demonstrated with complex evidence…” Instead, just write, “Clearly we need to change”.
Try writing the first sentence in the concluding paragraph using only one syllable. This will enhance the academicity of the article.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b5/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b5/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-9- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Provide context. Context is information that helps the reader fully understand your point. You’ve made your point clear, but you need to do more. Context will tell the reader why your topic is unique and your argument–is important. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Defining the importance of your thesis is a good way to start your concluding paragraph. Readers will understand exactly what you are trying to say.
Write, “This is important research because it could help save lives.” It’s a direct, clear statement.
Context can help you explain why the topic is important. For example, the closing sentence might begin, “As noted in this essay, there is an undetermined number of young people incarcerated in the United States.”

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/92/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/92/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-10- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be creative. Readers will often recognize the conclusion of the essay. In general, they will be easy to recognize because they have run out of pages to read. Don’t feel that you have to make it so obvious. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Avoid using “To conclude”. There are other, more interesting ways to start the conclusion.
Try writing, “As research has shown.” You can also introduce the conclusion by writing, “Finally…”
You can also confirm that they’ve read to the end by writing, “To summarize…” or “We can see that…”
You can also write, “Obviously…”. Try out a few different options to find the most effective ending for your article.

Complete the article

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7f/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7f/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-11- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Pay attention to transition sentences. Transitions are sentences that link different paragraphs in an article. You should write a clear transition between the introduction, each paragraph in the body, and the conclusion. As you edit, make sure that transition sentences are written coherently. ^{[11] X Research Source}

You can use a few words to move on to the next part of the article. You want the reader to recognize the conclusion.
Besides writing, “To conclude….”, you can use many other ways. For example, try using, “Finally,…” or “As this article demonstrates…”.
Ensure transitions between key points. You can use words like, “For comparison,” “Next,” or “Another approach” to describe that you’re switching topics.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/64/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a- Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/64/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-12- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Edit carefully. You put a lot of effort into the conclusion as well as the essay. You won’t want your efforts to fade away due to sloppy editing. Take the time to carefully edit your post before submitting it. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Find spelling and grammar errors. Use spell check for assistance.
Edit content. Read each sentence in the essay to make sure it makes sense and helps convey your point.
Don’t be afraid to cut. If you find a paragraph that doesn’t complement your point, delete it.
Read out loud. This is a great way to find errors that you didn’t realize while reading. ^{[13] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e7/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph- Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Start- a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Request feedback. Sometimes it’s hard to be objective with your own writing. Ask someone else to read it for you. A friend, classmate, or family member may be happy to help. ^{[14] X Trusted Source University of North Carpina Writing Center Go to source}

Be open to constructive criticism. Don’t take it personally if a friend makes a few helpful points.
Explanation of the essay. You could write, “This article is a review of the Indiana public school system. Is my position clear?”
Ask the reader to pay careful attention to the conclusion. Maybe they’ll point out holes that you didn’t notice.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b2/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph- Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b2/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Start- a-Conclusion-Paragraph-Step-14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Check the requirements again. Once you’ve edited it, it’s time to review the post one last time. You need to take the time to make sure that you have fully met the requirements. For example, if the manual requires 5-7 pages, make sure you do it right. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Format articles as required. If asked to write in Times New Roman, font size 12, make sure you use the correct font.
Submit articles on request. If your teacher asks you to submit both electronic and paper copies, follow their instructions.

Advice

Be flexible. The thesis may change as you write the article. Don’t hesitate to change the ending.
Give yourself plenty of time to write. Don’t try to write the conclusion when the due date of the article is reached.
Edit carefully.
The conclusion should refer to the introduction, but don’t try to repeat it verbatim. Rewrite your point in another sentence that you want to repeat.
If you use an author’s quote in the opening paragraph, try to include another quote from the same author in the closing paragraph.

Steps

Draft the conclusion

The beginning of an ending

Complete the article

Advice

Related Posts