The final part of the essay concludes the entire content of the writing in one unified paragraph. It's hard to come up with a good ending, but by understanding what elements should and shouldn't be in the paragraph, you can come to great conclusions that deserve a 100.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Reviewing Conclusions
Step 1. Think about the question “Then why?
One way to draw conclusions is to imagine the reader responding to your argument with the statement “Then why?”. Why is your writing important? What can be said in the conclusion to convince readers that they should pay attention to your ideas and arguments?
Ask "Then why?" to yourself when writing an essay to dig deeper than the ideas on the surface
Step 2. Include the main idea in the essay
Understanding the main idea of the argument will help you know what to include in your conclusion. You don't need to include every point, just the important parts.
By knowing the focus of your essay, you can also avoid introducing new information or topics in the conclusion
Step 3. Look for the theme you introduced in the first paragraph
You can get an idea by going back to the theme that opened the essay. See if you can take the theme one step further by bringing it to a conclusion.
For example, if you started your essay with the idea that humans are very small compared to the vastness of space, you can come back to that idea. However, build on that theme with the idea that as human knowledge progresses, space becomes smaller and smaller
Step 4. Consider whether you can relate the arguments to different contexts
One way to conclude an essay is to expand the relevance of the discussion into a larger context. This way, readers know they can apply your argument to another topic so that your essay has greater value.
For example, you could develop the essay “Money Shocked” in the context of poverty in Indonesia in general
Part 2 of 3: Writing Conclusions
Step 1. Start with a little transition (optional)
Transitions are a hint to the reader that you are about to end the essay, and that they need to pay attention. While many essays begin the final paragraph with a transition, you don't need to do this if you feel it's clear that the essay has reached its end. Transitions can be made very simply.
It's best to avoid words that are used very often, such as “In conclusion”, “In short,” or “In conclusion”. This phrase is used so often that it seems cliché and stiff
Step 2. Summarize some of the main points
Try taking the first sentence of each body paragraph (topic sentence) and rewriting the main point in two or three sentences. This will strengthen the argument of the essay and remind the reader of the content of your essay.
Avoid point summaries exactly as you wrote earlier. Readers already know it. They don't need to be reminded of every point you've written
Step 3. Make a short and concise conclusion
There is no fixed rule of thumb for conclusion length, but ideally it should be between 5 and 7 sentences. Less than that may not contain enough points, and if it is more, there may be unnecessary words.
Step 4. Make sure you include the thesis statement in the conclusion
You should refer to the thesis statement when ending your essay even if only briefly. Remember, the thesis is the main point of the essay, something you cover. If the person reading the conclusion still doesn't know your thesis, then your description is not sufficient.
Find a way to rearrange the thesis in a different language to make it more interesting. Restate the thesis in the same words sometimes means that you think the reader is lazy and doesn't offer a new perspective in the argument
Step 5. Write the subject authoritatively
This means using the right words (not just plain words), relying on solid evidence from other sources, and having confidence in your writing skills. Don't apologize for your idea or use complicated language.
- For example, instead of writing, "That's why I think Soekarno is the best President of Indonesia," choose the words, "That's why Soekarno is the best President of Indonesia." Readers already know that you wrote about Sukarno being the best President, and that you believed him. The words "I assume" sound as if looking safe and not assertive.
- Don't apologize for having a different view. That's your idea. Never say, "Maybe I'm not an expert" or "At least that's my opinion" because such words undermine your reliability.
Step 6. Finish beautifully
The last sentence should be elegant, clear, and provocative. This is easier said than done. Start by illustrating the points of the essay. Ask yourself, What is the purpose of this essay, and what do I outline? then continue from there.
- End with a bit of irony. Play the last sentence and insert the irony. After that, the end of your essay will be provocative.
- Engage the reader's emotions. Usually, essays are very rational and ignore emotions. That's why engaging the reader's emotions is a very interesting way to conclude an essay. If done right, your essay will have flavor. However, make sure that your conclusion is in line with the overall style of the essay.
- Enter an exclamation (not many). If your essay invites others to change, include an uplifting appeal. However, don't overdo it. In the wrong context (explanatory or argumentative essays) the call actually becomes your weapon.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Don't just repeat the thesis
The main problem with many conclusions is repeating the thesis and summarizing what has been said. Repetition does not provide sufficient reason for people to read the conclusion, the reader already knows what is in it.
Instead, try to take the reader to the “next level,” or provide a certain addition to the original idea
Step 2. Resist the urge to use quotes
Usually, you don't need to fill in the end of the essay with quotes and analysis, it should be in the main paragraph. Conclusion is a place to bring together all that has been discussed, not to give new information.
Step 3. Avoid complicated language
Don't use heavy words. Conclusions should be easy to read and understand, not stiff and boring. It is better to use concise and concise language than tortuous sentences full of long words.
Also, don't use “First”, “Second”, “Third”, and so on to indicate points. Explain clearly what you have said and how many points are made
Step 4. Do not include new material in the conclusion
Now is not the time to introduce new ideas or content. New information will distract from the original argument and confuse the reader. Don't mix things up, just go over your essay and state what you think after doing the necessary analysis.
Step 5. Don't focus on small points or problems in the essay
Conclusion is not the time to discuss petty themes. In fact, this final section should be used to step back and highlight the big picture. Make sure the conclusion focuses on the core of the essay, not the complement. Minor points are not the right choice to start the transition.
Tips
- Make sure you always review the essay when you're done. Check that you are using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Make sure you include relevant information in your conclusion. Also, include a thesis statement to show the reader that your argument fits the topic of the essay.
- You can ask other people for suggestions or feedback. Maybe they can help.
