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  • Ending the Essay: Conclusions

So much is at stake in writing a conclusion. This is, after all, your last chance to persuade your readers to your point of view, to impress yourself upon them as a writer and thinker. And the impression you create in your conclusion will shape the impression that stays with your readers after they've finished the essay.

The end of an essay should therefore convey a sense of completeness and closure as well as a sense of the lingering possibilities of the topic, its larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion without closing it off.

To establish a sense of closure, you might do one or more of the following:

  • Conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by reiterating a word or phrase you used at the beginning.
  • Conclude with a sentence composed mainly of one-syllable words. Simple language can help create an effect of understated drama.
  • Conclude with a sentence that's compound or parallel in structure; such sentences can establish a sense of balance or order that may feel just right at the end of a complex discussion.

To close the discussion without closing it off, you might do one or more of the following:

  • Conclude with a quotation from or reference to a primary or secondary source, one that amplifies your main point or puts it in a different perspective. A quotation from, say, the novel or poem you're writing about can add texture and specificity to your discussion; a critic or scholar can help confirm or complicate your final point. For example, you might conclude an essay on the idea of home in James Joyce's short story collection,  Dubliners , with information about Joyce's own complex feelings towards Dublin, his home. Or you might end with a biographer's statement about Joyce's attitude toward Dublin, which could illuminate his characters' responses to the city. Just be cautious, especially about using secondary material: make sure that you get the last word.
  • Conclude by setting your discussion into a different, perhaps larger, context. For example, you might end an essay on nineteenth-century muckraking journalism by linking it to a current news magazine program like  60 Minutes .
  • Conclude by redefining one of the key terms of your argument. For example, an essay on Marx's treatment of the conflict between wage labor and capital might begin with Marx's claim that the "capitalist economy is . . . a gigantic enterprise of dehumanization "; the essay might end by suggesting that Marxist analysis is itself dehumanizing because it construes everything in economic -- rather than moral or ethical-- terms.
  • Conclude by considering the implications of your argument (or analysis or discussion). What does your argument imply, or involve, or suggest? For example, an essay on the novel  Ambiguous Adventure , by the Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, might open with the idea that the protagonist's development suggests Kane's belief in the need to integrate Western materialism and Sufi spirituality in modern Senegal. The conclusion might make the new but related point that the novel on the whole suggests that such an integration is (or isn't) possible.

Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay:

  • Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your main ideas.
  • Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up." These phrases can be useful--even welcome--in oral presentations. But readers can see, by the tell-tale compression of the pages, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your audience if you belabor the obvious.
  • Resist the urge to apologize. If you've immersed yourself in your subject, you now know a good deal more about it than you can possibly include in a five- or ten- or 20-page essay. As a result, by the time you've finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you've produced. (And if you haven't immersed yourself in your subject, you may be feeling even more doubtful about your essay as you approach the conclusion.) Repress those doubts. Don't undercut your authority by saying things like, "this is just one approach to the subject; there may be other, better approaches. . ."

Copyright 1998, Pat Bellanca, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

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How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on December 6, 2021.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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20 Essay Conclusion Examples to Help You Finish Strong

Have you ever heard that different people learn in different ways? Well, it’s true.

And while some people may be able to learn just by reading the theories on how to do something, you learn differently—you need actual examples.

Just like a protester, politician, or superhero, I’m here to lead by example. I’ve put together a list of essay conclusion examples that covers a range of topics and essay formats to serve as a stepping stone for your own writing.

Why Do You Need a Strong Conclusion?

Before I get into the essay conclusion examples, you should know why writing a strong conclusion is so important. Your conclusion isn’t just a summary of what you’ve already written.

True, it’s a little bit about summarizing, but it should take your essay one step further. Your conclusion should answer any unresolved questions and end your essay with a bang!

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essay conclusion examples

In short, an awesome essay conclusion is super important because it rounds out your essay and makes it feel complete.

Now on to the good stuff…

Analytical Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #1: analyze the theme of compassion for one character in the hunger games series..

The obvious choices for compassion in the Hunger Games may be Katniss or Peeta, but the character who personifies compassion best was Prim. Throughout the series, her compassion is seen when she keeps secrets from her mother for Katniss, when she heals Gale after he gets whipped, and through the last act of her life as she rushes to save children in the Capitol. She truly lives Albert Schweitzer’s words, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

Topic #2: What caused the Civil War?

The importance of each cause of the American Civil War can be debated, but what is fact is that there were several factors that led the South to secede. Slavery, states’ rights, and the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency—even though no state in the South voted for him—all contributed to the war. While it has been nearly 150 years since the Civil War ended, some of the leftover divide between North and South can still be seen in modern America.

Topic #3: Analyze Facebook’s influence on America’s youth.

essay conclusion examples

Though social media allows young users to connect with people across the world and get instantaneous news about the world around them, it also has come with many complications. From access to inaccurate information to the rise of cyberbullying, the bad can sometimes outweigh the good among younger users. With 73% of young Americans ages 12-17 years old using Facebook, it may be time to devise better rules for promoting responsible use.

Topic #4: Analyze the theme of disguise in The Taming of the Shrew .

The theme of disguise in The Taming of the Shrew is evident from the very beginning. The play within a play lets the reader know that every character is an actor. The main characters—Kate, Bianca, and Petruchio—all disguise their true identities and intentions for the same reason: to get what they want.

( Learn how to write an analytical essay outline .)

Expository Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #5: explain how to write an essay conclusion..

Essay conclusions are pretty simple once you know the framework. It all boils down to three main parts: a transition from the last body paragraph, a summary of the thesis statement and main points of the essay, and a closing statement that wraps everything up. If all students knew this simple formula, maybe essay writing would be easier for everyone.

Want extra guidance with the conclusion framework? Read  How to Write a Killer Essay Conclusion .

Topic #6: What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is common sense. First, a person must have a research question he or she wants answered and a little background knowledge on the subject. Then the person forms a hypothesis, or what he or she thinks the answer to the research question is, which the person tests with an experiment. Finally, the person should analyze the data and draw a conclusion. This method can be used both in and out of the scientific realm, testing everything from history to social issues.

Topic #7: What are the causes of homelessness ?

Passing by a homeless person is not uncommon, especially in urban settings. Homelessness can be caused by many factors, including job loss, lack of family support, and the diminishing availability of affordable housing. Although it is easy for some to think that homelessness is caused by mental problems or general laziness, there are other factors to consider. Only when the whole scope of the problem is known can society begin to come up with a comprehensive solution.

Topic #8: What is the main cause of global warming ?

essay conclusion examples

Most scientists agree that global warming is due to the rapid rise of greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. While some may argue that factory farms are the main cause of global warming and others may say it is modern society’s transportation methods, the main cause is clear: mankind.

( Learn more about writing expository essays .)

Narrative Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #9: write about what it would be like to be put into the pages of romeo and juliet ..

Being catapulted into the pages of Romeo and Juliet would definitely come with some culture shock. Men would be carrying swords and fighting each other in the street. Girls would be getting married at 13 years old. Had I the knowledge of what would become of the star-crossed lovers, I would have warned Romeo that Juliet’s death was a hoax and to wait until she woke up. This, of course, would make the play quite different, but I would feel that it was my duty after having spent so much time with the characters.

Topic #10: A time machine has taken you back to meet your favorite author ( Edgar Allan Poe in this case). Write about that meeting.

As Edgar and I were discussing the common themes and dark imagery of his works, the waiter interrupted us. I reached for the wine decanter, poured myself a glass, and asked if he would like some.

“No thanks,” he said, laughing grimly. “After all, it might be poisoned.”

Topic #11: Tell about your proudest moment .

Standing up for my little brother made me feel like the character who everyone likes in those after-school sitcoms. I was able to confront the kid who was bullying my little brother without using threats or physical force. In the end, encouraging the two to have an open dialogue brought them closer, and while they may never be best friends, at least they can respect each other.

Topic #12: Write about an event that made you who you are today.

My abuse did not and does not define me, but I would not be the same person had I not gone through it. It took a while and there were setbacks, but I’m a stronger, more compassionate person because of the traumatic events that happened. I hope others never have to go through the same thing I did, but if they do, I hope they can learn from my example and find the help they need to change their situation for the better.

( Learn more about writing narrative essays .)

Persuasive Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #13: should hermione have ended up with harry instead of ron in the harry potter series.

Harry may be the main character of the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling may have stated recently that even she thinks Hermione and Harry should have ended up together, but the characters are much too similar. They are both natural leaders, which would create a lot of relationship tension. Ron, on the other hand, is the Type B to balance Hermione’s Type A personality. Since Harry ended up with Ron’s sister, Ginny, all three main characters are married into the same family. That certainly would make holiday get-togethers much more entertaining.

Topic #14: Should college education be free?

essay conclusion examples

The amount of student loan debt is an indication that something is definitely wrong with the system. Although universities need an income to survive, getting a college education should still come at no direct cost to the student. Free education would allow for a more educated nation as a whole, it would leave some students with more time to work more on their studies than their jobs, and it could encourage universities to get more creative. If more universities embraced the Pay It Forward model , the United States might become one of the most educated countries in the world.

Topic #15: What is the most important thing high school students should be learning but aren’t?

There are many areas where public high school education could improve, but the most important is financial planning. While some may argue for better nutrition or fitness programs, that information is easily available online and even in commercials—and should actually be taught starting in elementary school. Stronger financial planning curricula would teach high schoolers how to establish credit, how to save for retirement, and how to budget. All of these are important for life in the real world but can be filled with confusing jargon and advertising schemes. With Americans having more than $11 trillion in debt , it is time the younger generation be taught how not to be another statistic.

Topic #16: Should kids get participation trophies ?

Many Baby Boomers believe that participation trophies serve as a symbol of millennials’ sense of entitlement. In reality, the participation trophy does not diminish any sense of competition or drive for improvement. When there are performance-based awards in addition to participation awards, it mirrors the real world where average-performing employees still get paid and well-performing people get bonuses, raises, and promotions.

( Learn more about writing persuasive essays .)

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #17: should nuclear weapons be banned in all countries.

Because of the political tensions between different countries, it is not likely that a worldwide ban on nuclear weapons would be followed by every world leader. It is important that other countries be able to protect themselves from potential attacks with equally strong weapons. However, more limitations on testing and launch authorizations should be enforced to ensure hot-headed leaders do not use or even advertise these dangerous weapons simply as a show of force.

Topic #18: Are pre-employment drug tests an invasion of privacy?

Although companies need to hire capable, dependable employees, they should not be able to dictate what their employees do in the comfort of their own homes. There are better ways of determining whether someone is right for a position, including education, past employment, personal and professional references, and trial periods.

Topic #19: Should prisoners have the right to vote ?

essay conclusion examples

Although some people fear that granting prisoners the right to vote may lead to more relaxed laws surrounding specific crimes, prisoners are part of the American population. A truly democratic process includes everyone’s voices, even those who have made mistakes.

Topic #20: Should parents be allowed to spank their children ?

Spanking has become an outdated and lazy way of punishing children. It teaches them that meeting other people’s bad behavior with violence is acceptable. If children are old enough to understand why they are being spanked, they are old enough to think about their bad behavior logically and understand why it was wrong.

( Learn more about writing argumentative essays .)

A Final Word on Final Paragraphs

As you probably noticed given the variety of essay conclusion examples above, there are a lot of ways to end an essay. Generally, there will be a summary, but narrative essays might carry an exception.

These types of essays allow you to be more creative with your conclusion. You should still try to end the essay with a sense of closure even if, as in the case of Topic #8, this means ending on a somewhat ominous note.

No matter how you learn, it’s pretty helpful to have practical examples. And now that you do, you can get to finishing your own essay.

Once your essay is drafted, have one of Kibin’s talented editors take a look at it for you.

Psst... 98% of Kibin users report better grades! Get inspiration from over 500,000 example essays .

strong concluding paragraph sentences

About the Author

Eden Meirow is a full-time copywriter and part-time freelance writer. Along with her BS in marketing from Florida State University and MA in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University, she has spent the past 7 years learning how best to reach and teach people using the power of words. When she's not working, she's constantly trying to expand her creativity through music, writing, art, and animation.

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Concluding sentence: easy writing guide.

January 21, 2021

Concluding Sentence

A concluding sentence should tie up an argument in a paragraph, essay, or paper. Unfortunately, many people make a mistake when writing essays and papers by leaving out this sentence. Others don’t even know what a conclusion sentence is and why it is important, leave alone knowing how to write it. So, let’s start by answering, what is a conclusion sentence?

What is a Concluding Sentence?

Every paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. But, what’s a concluding sentence? Well, this is the sentence that sums up all the information that has been presented in the paragraph. It tells the readers that you’re getting to the closure of the paragraph.

Essentially, this sentence completes a paragraph while restating the main argument or idea. Conclusion sentence starters include words and phrases like “thus”, “therefore”, “resulting”, “in brief”, “hence”, and “to sum up” are often used to start this sentence.

This sentence summarizes the main argument. It also ties the paragraph without rephrasing or your topic sentence. A concluding sentence in a paragraph wraps up the entire argument while guiding the readers regarding the information that you have provided.

How to Write a Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence definition may vary. However, this sentence should serve its purpose effectively. To achieve this, you should learn how to write a good concluding sentence. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a conclusion sentence.

When learning how to write concluding sentence, bear in mind that this is a final word on the topic. As such, it should leave readers with a sense of closure or completion. This should be the clincher instead of a summary. The essential points of your write-up should be presented in your essay conclusion. What’s more, this sentence should compel readers to focus on new views regarding the topic. And most importantly, it should end on a positive note.

How to Start a Concluding Sentence

There are many ways of starting this sentence. You can learn about these ways by checking out well written concluding sentence examples. For instance, you can use these concluding sentence starters:

To understand how these starters can be used, check these conclusion sentence examples for essays.

Example 1 : In conclusion, marijuana may become recognized as a healing tool one day because it has more than recreational value.

Example 2 : Lastly, the widespread abuse of marijuana and its profitability should compel lawmakers to decriminalize its use in the U.S

Example 3: Therefore, marijuana should be availed to the general public due to its therapeutic benefits.

Example 4 : Clearly, a significant correlation between health risks and marijuana risks that explain why it should be decriminalized exist.

Example 5 : In general, marijuana should be legalized globally because its use is as old as the history of mankind.

The effective use of starters signals the beginning of this paragraph to the readers. It also ensures a smooth transition from the explanation of the main points to the end of the paragraph.

Concluding Sentence Transitions

You’ve probably read a good concluding sentence example and come across what seems like a transition word. Well, some of these sentences start with transition words. Here are examples of such transitions:

A writer can also include their final thought. This is very common in write-ups that do not provide a chance for writers to interject their opinion. Here is a concluding sentence essay sample that includes the final thought and a concluding statement.

In short, you can gain both stamina and muscle by following these steps though all exercise programs take time to achieve the desired results.

In this example, the writer starts the sentence with a transition, then moves on to the concluding statement before giving their opinion about the program’s results.

Useful Tips and Insights

In addition to using conclusion sentence examples, follow these tips:

By reading a good conclusion sentence example, you will see how the author restates their thesis or topic sentence using the right synonyms. You will also learn to wrap up the paragraph with the right words. What’s more, a good example will show you the best way to use starters and transition words to signal the beginning of this paragraph.

The purpose of the last sentence in a paragraph is to remind the audience about the discussed topic. It also sums up all the information provided in that paragraph. Although you can use a concluding sentence generator, you should learn and practice writing it. This will enable you to give every paragraph that you write a great sense of completion or closure. Writing services may also come in handy here. In short, your readers will feel that you addressed the main point to its conclusion.

strong concluding paragraph sentences

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COMMENTS

  1. Ending the Essay: Conclusions

    Conclude by setting your discussion into a different, perhaps larger, context. For example, you might end an essay on nineteenth-century muckraking journalism by linking it to a current news magazine program like 60 Minutes. Conclude by redefining one of the key terms of your argument.

  2. How to Conclude an Essay

    A strong conclusion aims to: Tie together the essay’s main points Show why your argument matters Leave the reader with a strong impression Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

  3. 20 Essay Conclusion Examples to Help You Finish Strong

    Most conclusion paragraphs are four to five sentences long and should average between 50–75 words. They should be long enough to get your point across, but short enough that you’re not rehashing every idea you’ve ever had on the subject. Conclusion paragraphs begin by revisiting the main idea definition.

  4. How To Write A Concluding Sentence (With Examples)

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