A strong essay isn’t simply about presenting compelling arguments but also about knowing how to conclude effectively. A conclusion can be compared to a mic drop moment at the end of a riveting speech, where you leave a lasting impression on your readers. It shows your control over the topic and your ability to tie everything together leaving no room for further doubt.
Roadmap to drafting a powerful conclusion
Creating an effective conclusion requires planning from the beginning. When you start crafting your essay, spend some time planning and outlining. A thorough understanding of your contention and main points contributes to a stronger conclusion.
- Rephrase your Main Arguments: In your conclusion, revisit your main arguments and thesis, but avoid repeating them word for word. This reinforces your standpoint without sounding monotonous.
- Restate Your Thesis: Restate the thesis or argument that you’ve successfully proven over the course of your paper, but be sure to present it from a fresh perspective that reflects the relationship you’ve developed with the reader.
- Summarize Major Points: A conclusion should have a synthesis of your major points in a way that effectively summarizes the argument. This could involve presenting a list of your major arguments and explaining how they are interconnected.
- Make Context of your Argument Clear: Your conclusion should also emphasize the broader implications of your argument, making clear its context and relevance to your readers.
Essential Elements of Striking Conclusion
An effective conclusion should possess some essential elements which make it stand out.
- Maintain Brevity: Your conclusion should be concise, usually composing of four sentences or less. A lengthy conclusion can cause reader fatigue and lose its impact.
- Propose a Call to Action: If your essay involves a call to action, remind the reader what they should do. A call to action leaves a strong impression.
- No Introduction of New Ideas: The conclusion is not a place to introduce new ideas or arguments. Stick only to what has already been tackled in the main body of your essay.
- Link to the Theme: Find a meaningful way to link your conclusion to the theme presented in your essay. This gives a sense of completion to your writing.
Conclusions
Understanding how to craft an impactful and relevant conclusion will significantly impact your essay’s success. A good conclusion leaves a strong impression, and the most engaging conclusions often challenge the reader to think or act. Remove clichés and overused phrases for a stronger impact and pay special attention to your closing sentence as it will be the last impression. Like a skillful orator dropping the mic at the end of a powerful speech, your conclusion should make your readers feel that your essay was a worthwhile journey, leaving them pondering over its vibrant echo.