Do you agree that drawing relevant conclusions is the most difficult part of the essay writing process? Naturally; The conclusion or final sentence of the essay must be easy to remember, able to create the impression of "final" or ending in the reader's mind, as well as being able to encourage the reader to explore the implications or broader topic. Want to learn to write a conclusion essay that is both interesting and comprehensive? Read on for this article!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right End
Step 1. Imagine a "wider" conclusion
For complex topics, there is nothing wrong with making conclusions that refer to the larger context of the related topic. For example, if your essay is aimed at criticizing a book, try to describe the social changes in society that the book reflects. When you raise an issue, also explain why the issue is so important for readers to understand.
- For example: "Without really understanding Tolstoy's personal ideology, the reader can only guess at the meaning behind each of his works."
- For example: "The issue of cat breeding is becoming increasingly important to raise after the feral cat population has been shown to increase rapidly."
Step 2. Discuss possible consequences or implications
If you're having trouble continuing the topic, ask yourself, "So why?" Why is your conclusion important to the reader? Where will your argument go next? After that, try to answer these questions in your conclusion sentence.
Step 3. Draw conclusions based on the controversy
If your essay is on a controversial topic, it's a good idea to include your personal opinion at the conclusion. In other words, try to write your own “editorial” column, but make sure your statement doesn't deviate from the evidence. If you want to draw a really dramatic conclusion, try warning your audience about an issue or making a call to action.
For example: "If no action is taken to address the problem, it's best if the sport is removed from our schools."
Step 4. End the essay with a visual description
Often times, a visual description will be easier to remember than an in-depth argument or analysis. Therefore, try to describe a person or event that is related to the topic of the essay (especially if the topic of your essay is able to provoke an emotional reaction from the reader).
Step 5. Use humor
The final sentence or conclusion of an essay is generally able to give the impression of ending or completion in the mind of the reader; however, it is not uncommon for essay writers to include a sudden change (twist) that motivates the reader to think or show a certain emotional reaction. If you want to convey a similar impression in your conclusion, try using humor or ironic statements that align with the topic of your essay. But remember, this method is not necessarily suitable for all topics and writing styles; so there's no need to force yourself to do it if your essay is more suitable to end in a clear and serious sentence.
Part 2 of 3: Refining the Conclusion
Step 1. Use short words to bring a stronger effect to the reader
Sentences that contain short words (especially words that only consist of one syllable) are effective in presenting a dramatic and final feel. This tactic is not mandatory for you to practice, but it works very effectively as a warning or call to action for the reader.
In line with this method, simple sentences will generally feel more striking than long sentences filled with clauses
Step 2. Refer to your title or introduction
Choosing an ending that aligns with the beginning of an essay is one of the most common ways to create an interesting and "symmetrical" essay. Remember, you are not being asked to repeat an argument you have already presented; instead, try to come up with a new conclusion that draws on your old argument or idea. If you want, try referring to the title of your essay, a short phrase from a quote listed in the introduction, or a key term you explained in the introduction.
Step 3. Use catchy phrases
Choose short phrases that can stick in the reader's mind for a long time. If you want, try including common idioms or short quotes in the conclusion of your essay.
Do not choose a quote that is too long. It is feared that the conclusion of your essay will deviate from the topic if the conclusion section is not written in your own language
Step 4. Use a parallel structure
Often, writers and orators use the principle of three parallel phrases to convey the main idea. When reading sentences that are structured in parallel, the reader will realize that this is the ending or ending point in your essay reading experience. The following are some examples of final or concluding sentences based on parallel structures:
- "For those who discovered these farms, those who work here, and all the animals that are raised here, this is a good time to fight."
- "Prepare yourself to celebrate the birth of Janet Smith's latest novels and prepare to welcome her unique characters, literary riches and inspiring messages."
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Mistakes
Step 1. Delete less important phrases
Your readers will surely know that this is your last sentence. Therefore, there is no need to write “in the end,” “in conclusion,” or include similar phrases. Make your conclusions more concise and to the point by removing less important words, phrases, or sentences.
Step 2. Be careful about summarizing
If your essay is less than five pages long, try not to summarize or repeat the main idea of the essay in the conclusion section. Remember, readers don't need to be reminded of what they've just read; Moreover, a conclusion in the form of a summary or repetition of the main idea will not feel interesting or inspiring to the reader.
Step 3. Make sure you don't bring up a new topic
The last paragraph is not the right location to raise a new topic; Be careful, bringing up a new topic and then just ending the essay can leave your readers confused. If your last sentence touches on a topic that hasn't been discussed before, delete it immediately and try to make a new sentence. You may do so only if the conclusion is intended to relate the topic of the essay to the wider phenomenon around it; however, as much as possible make sure your conclusions have a direct relationship to your essay thesis.
For this reason, it is best not to end the essay with a question sentence. Often, a question will actually plant a new idea in the reader's mind. You may use rhetorical questions; however, it is better to keep making conclusions in the form of statements so as not to have the potential to make the reader confused
Step 4. Move the evidence to the previous paragraph
Even if you find data in the form of statements or statistical information that supports your argument, don't put it at the end of the essay; instead, include the information in the body paragraph. In line with this, don't end the essay with a quote that is intended to support your argument. If you want to use a quote, make sure you choose a quote that can inspire or have a dramatic effect on the reader.
Step 5. Don't use overly dramatic tone
While fun to write about, emotional and dramatic conclusions are not necessarily accurate. If you're writing an essay or essay that draws on facts and logical arguments, you shouldn't end with subjective, judgmental, or emotional conclusions.
It is feared, choosing sentences that are too dramatic will encourage you to touch on phenomena that are too broad and not directly related to the topic of the essay
Step 6. Don't apologize
Make sure the entire essay along with the last sentence is delivered in strong and straightforward language choices. In other words, eliminate apologies, self-doubt, guilt, or other phrases that could potentially undermine your authority. If you feel your discussion is not comprehensive enough, don't apologize or offend it. Let the reader give their personal judgment, no matter what the final outcome of your essay will be.
Step 7. Close the essay with a quote from a public figure to raise the bar for your essay
Apart from that, doing so is also useful for camouflaging any mistakes you might make in the last paragraph or even throughout the body of the essay.
Tips
- Ask those closest to you to read the content of the essay and skip the closing sentence; ask if they feel something is missing from your essay.
- After that, have them re-read your essay along with the closing sentence, and ask again if they still feel something is missing from the essay.