Conclusion is an integral part of any piece of writing, whether it be an essay, a research paper, or even a letter. It serves as the final part of the piece and is responsible for summarizing the main points, tying everything together, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. In this article, we will explore the definition of a conclusion, its importance, and provide five examples of how to write a conclusion effectively.
Definition of a Conclusion
Conclusion is an integral part of any written work, be it an essay, research paper, or a thesis. It provides a summary of the main points discussed and draws a final verdict on the topic. A conclusion serves as the final impression of the writer’s work on the reader’s mind. Therefore, it is essential to write a well-structured, concise, and compelling conclusion to leave a lasting impact on the reader.
The primary purpose of the conclusion is to restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points discussed in the body of the text. It should also provide closure to the reader and leave them with a final thought or a call to action. A conclusion is the writer’s final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader and convince them of their perspective.
In writing a conclusion, it is crucial to consider the overall tone and style of the piece. The language used should be concise and straightforward, avoiding complex jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Additionally, the conclusion should be written in a manner that reflects the writer’s unique voice, style, and perspective.
A well-structured conclusion typically includes three elements: a restatement of the thesis statement, a summary of the main points discussed, and a final verdict or call to action. The restatement of the thesis statement should remind the reader of the main argument and its significance. The summary of the main points should provide a brief overview of the key arguments and evidence presented in the body of the text. Finally, the verdict or call to action should provide the reader with a final thought or a clear direction for future research or action.
One common mistake in writing a conclusion is introducing new information or arguments. The conclusion should only restate the main points and arguments discussed in the body of the text, not introduce new ideas or evidence. Introducing new information in the conclusion can confuse the reader and weaken the overall argument presented.
Another common mistake in writing a conclusion is being too vague or ambiguous. The conclusion should provide a clear and concise verdict or call to action that leaves the reader with a sense of closure. Being too vague or ambiguous can leave the reader unsure of the writer’s position and weaken the overall impact of the conclusion.
In ending, writing an effective conclusion requires careful consideration of the overall tone and style of the piece. The conclusion should be well-structured, concise, and provide a clear and compelling verdict or call to action. It should also avoid introducing new information or being too vague or ambiguous. By following these guidelines, writers can create a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader and convinces them of their perspective.
The Importance of a Conclusion
The importance of a conclusion cannot be overstated. A well-written conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the reader, reinforcing the writer’s main arguments and providing a sense of closure. It can also be an opportunity for the writer to leave the reader with something to think about, or to provide recommendations for further research or action.
Five Examples of How to Write a Conclusion
- The Call to Action Conclusion A call-to-action conclusion is effective in persuading readers to take a specific action. This is typically used in persuasive writing or research papers that advocate for a particular cause. The writer makes a strong case for their position and then provides a call-to-action that encourages the reader to take action. For example, a conclusion to a paper advocating for the adoption of renewable energy might read: “With our planet’s future at stake, it is up to all of us to take action. Let’s start by investing in renewable energy and doing our part to protect the environment for generations to come.”
- The Reflection Conclusion A reflection conclusion is a great way to end a personal essay or memoir. The writer reflects on their experiences and provides insights or lessons learned. This type of conclusion allows the writer to offer a sense of closure, and can be particularly effective when dealing with difficult or emotional subject matter. For example, a reflection conclusion to a personal essay might read: “Through this experience, I have learned that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. We may not have control over what happens to us, but we do have control over how we respond. And that, ultimately, is what makes all the difference.”
- The Summary Conclusion A summary conclusion is a concise summary of the main points and arguments made in the piece. This type of conclusion is effective when the writer has presented a lot of information and wants to make sure that the reader has a clear understanding of the key takeaways. For example, a summary conclusion to a research paper might read: “In conclusion, our study has shown that there is a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer. We have presented a variety of statistical evidence and have concluded that smoking cessation programs are essential in reducing the incidence of lung cancer.”
- The Future Implications Conclusion A future implications conclusion is effective when the writer wants to encourage further research or action. This type of conclusion can be particularly effective in research papers or academic writing, as it can help to frame the writer’s work in a larger context. For example, a future implications conclusion to a research paper might read: “While our study has provided important insights into the causes of income inequality, there is still much work to be done. Future research should focus on identifying practical solutions for reducing income inequality and creating a more just and equitable society.”
- The Quotation Conclusion A quotation conclusion is an effective way to end a piece of writing with a memorable and thought-provoking quote.
Quiz
- What is the purpose of a conclusion? A: The purpose of a conclusion is to summarize the main points of the essay or article and provide a final thought or opinion on the topic.
- Should a conclusion introduce new information? A: No, a conclusion should not introduce new information. It should only summarize the information that has already been presented.
- How long should a conclusion be? A: A conclusion should be brief and to the point, typically only a few sentences or a short paragraph.
- What are some common strategies for writing a strong conclusion? A: Some common strategies for writing a strong conclusion include restating the thesis, summarizing the main points, offering a final thought or opinion, or calling the reader to action.
- Should a conclusion be written before or after the rest of the essay? A: A conclusion should be written after the rest of the essay, as it is meant to summarize and reflect on the information presented in the body of the essay.
- What is the difference between a conclusion and a summary? A: A conclusion is a final thought or opinion on the topic, while a summary simply restates the main points of the essay or article.
- Can a conclusion contain quotations or statistics? A: Yes, a conclusion can contain quotations or statistics if they support the final thought or opinion being expressed.
- What is the tone of a conclusion? A: The tone of a conclusion is typically reflective or persuasive, as it aims to summarize and persuade the reader of the author’s final thoughts or opinions on the topic.
- Can a conclusion be left out of an essay or article? A: While it is not recommended, a conclusion can be left out of an essay or article. However, doing so may leave the reader feeling unsatisfied or confused about the author’s final thoughts or opinions on the topic.
- Should a conclusion be written in the same style as the rest of the essay? A: Yes, a conclusion should be written in the same style as the rest of the essay, using the same tone and language.
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