How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

Summarize your main points

One of the most important aspects of writing a conclusion for an essay is to summarize your main points. The conclusion should not introduce any new information, but rather tie together the ideas that have already been presented in the essay. The goal is to remind the reader of the key points and arguments that were made throughout the essay.

To effectively summarize your main points, start by reviewing the body paragraphs of your essay. Identify the main ideas and arguments that were presented and determine how they relate to your thesis statement. Once you have a clear understanding of your main points, craft a few sentences that succinctly summarize each idea.

When writing your conclusion, avoid simply repeating what was said in the introduction or body paragraphs. Instead, focus on synthesizing the ideas and presenting them in a new light. This will help to reinforce the significance of your arguments and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Restate your thesis statement

Restating your thesis statement in the conclusion is an important way to bring your essay full circle. The thesis statement is the main point or argument that you are making in your essay, and restating it in the conclusion reinforces its importance and relevance.

When restating your thesis statement, avoid simply copying and pasting the exact same wording from your introduction. Instead, try to rephrase it in a way that emphasizes its significance and impact. You can also use this opportunity to expand on your thesis statement, by explaining its broader implications or offering a new perspective on the topic.

Restating your thesis statement in the conclusion can also help to bring closure to your essay. By reminding the reader of the main argument, you can provide a sense of resolution and clarity that will leave a lasting impression.

Provide a call to action or closing thought

In addition to summarizing your main points and restating your thesis statement, the conclusion of your essay is also an opportunity to provide a call to action or a closing thought. This can help to leave a lasting impression on the reader and encourage them to take action or further contemplate the topic.

A call to action can be a specific action that you want the reader to take, such as signing a petition, making a donation, or taking some other form of direct action related to the topic of your essay. Alternatively, a closing thought can be a broader reflection on the topic, or a statement that encourages the reader to continue exploring the issue on their own.

When crafting a call to action or closing thought, be sure to keep the tone of your essay in mind. If your essay is focused on a serious or controversial topic, your call to action or closing thought should reflect that tone. If your essay is more lighthearted or personal in nature, you can be more creative with your closing statement. Ultimately, your goal is to leave a lasting impression on the reader and encourage them to think more deeply about the topic you have presented.

Avoid introducing new information

One of the most common mistakes that writers make when writing a conclusion for an essay is introducing new information. The conclusion should not introduce any new arguments or evidence, but rather summarize and synthesize the information that has already been presented in the essay.

Introducing new information in the conclusion can be confusing for the reader, as it disrupts the flow and coherence of the essay. Additionally, it can detract from the main points and arguments that have already been presented, and may leave the reader feeling uncertain about the significance of the essay as a whole.

To avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, focus on summarizing and synthesizing the key points and arguments that have already been presented in the essay. If there are additional topics or ideas that you wish to explore, consider addressing them in a separate essay or in a future work. By staying focused on the main points and arguments, you can craft a strong and effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Edit and revise for clarity and impact

After you have written your conclusion, it is important to edit and revise it to ensure that it is clear and impactful. This involves reviewing your conclusion for any grammatical or spelling errors, as well as ensuring that the language and tone are appropriate for the essay.

When editing your conclusion, be sure to read it carefully and critically. Ask yourself whether each sentence is necessary, and whether it adds to the overall impact of the conclusion. If you find that a sentence does not add to the conclusion, consider deleting it or rephrasing it to make it more impactful.

Additionally, consider the overall structure and flow of your conclusion. Does it effectively summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement? Does it provide a call to action or closing thought that is impactful and memorable? If not, consider revising your conclusion to better reflect the goals and objectives of your essay.

Ultimately, editing and revising your conclusion is an important step in the essay writing process. By carefully reviewing and refining your conclusion, you can ensure that it effectively communicates your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.