Conclusions

CONCLUSIONThe PURPOSE of CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS

Bring the essay in full circle

For years there has been conflicting research on the dangers of smoking. Does it really cause harm? Some people have formed groups to ban smoking while others suggest that smoking should be a personal choice. Due to the greater harm than good, smoking should be made illegal. This essay will show that smoking damages our bodies, pollutes our environment and saps us of our energy.

The Introduction

The Conclusion

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In the final analysis, there is no doubt that smoking should be banned. Smoking is physically dangerous, pollutes our environment and drains us of our energy. Let us not delay in passing a law that will lead us to live better and healthier lives. Let us rid ourselves of such a dangerous vice as soon as possible.

A Visual

• Think of the Conclusion as a triangle.

General

SpecificRestatement of Thesis

Lead-out

Clincher

ConclusionThe purpose of concluding paragraphs

• To stress the importance or relevance of your thesis (SO WHAT?!)

• To give the essay a sense of completeness or finality

• To leave the reader with a final impression:*This is your last chance to convince or persuade the reader,

so make the most of it!

Effective conclusions

• Reflect on how topic relates to larger issues (in business, in society, in history)

• Show how topic affects the reader’s life

• Evaluate the concepts presented

• Issue a call for action on the part of the audience

More about effective conclusions

• Ask questions generated by essay’s findings

• Make predictions

• Recommend a solution

Transition

• Do not end with In conclusion,

• Try some others: – Therefore, – As a result, – In essence, – In the final analysis, – Finally,

Conclusions to avoid:

• Beginning with “In conclusion …” • Restating thesis and main points without adding anything

new (or changing the words)

• Bringing up a new topic (using phrases like “for example”)

• Adding irrelevant details (esp. just to make a paper longer)

When to Write a Conclusion:

• Students should always align their introduction and conclusion paragraphs to create a unified, purposeful essay.

• Reread the introduction paragraph and body paragraphs

Example Conclusion Paragraph Finally, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment that squashes a student’s individuality. One should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms. With standardized testing being the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause students to lose yet another means of personal expression. Students face so many challenges in education with less time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about going to school.

You Try It!Now, write a conclusion paragraph to go along with one

of the following thesis statements:

Animal testing is a necessity.

Animal testing is unjustifiable.

Remember: 1. Point to the future / Suggest a future action2. Relate to the thesis3. Express opinions on the topic (without using the

word I)