When it comes to finishing up an essay or research paper, writers often struggle with how to wrap things up in the conclusion paragraph. The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your audience and tie everything together. But how exactly do you start a conclusion paragraph? In this informative article, we’ll take a closer look at some effective techniques and strategies for crafting a strong and impactful conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. So, whether you’re a student, professional writer, or simply looking to improve your writing skills, read on to discover how to start your conclusion paragraph like a pro.
1. Importance of Strong Conclusion in an Essay or Article
A strong conclusion is an essential element of any writing piece. It serves as the final impression the reader will have and determines whether or not they will take the desired action or agree with the author’s point of view. A poorly written conclusion can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied or uninterested and could significantly impact the success of the essay or article.
It is crucial to understand that the conclusion serves as the writer’s last chance to make a lasting impression on the reader, leaving them with a clear understanding of the purpose and significance of the content. A well-written conclusion can effectively summarize the key points of an essay or article and provide a sense of closure and finality.
In addition, a strong conclusion can make or break the overall impact of an essay or article. It can leave the reader with a positive or negative lasting impression and could determine whether they agree or disagree with the writer’s argument. The conclusion should pull all the elements of the essay or article together, leaving the reader with a sense of clarity, understanding, and satisfaction.
Overall, it is essential to recognize the importance of a strong conclusion in any writing piece. It serves as the final impression and can significantly impact the overall success of the essay or article. By focusing on creating a clear, concise, and impactful conclusion, writers can ensure that their work leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
2. Strategies to Reiterate Thesis Statement in Conclusion Paragraph
The thesis statement is the backbone of an essay or article. It captures the main argument and sets the tone for the entire piece. Therefore, it is crucial to reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph to ensure that the reader remembers the main idea even after reading the whole essay. In this section, we will discuss some strategies to effectively restate the thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph.
2.1. Use Different Vocabulary
One of the most effective ways to reiterate the thesis statement is by using different vocabulary. This will help to prevent the conclusion from sounding repetitive. Look for synonyms and other words that mean the same thing as the terms used in the thesis statement. The use of different vocabulary will help to reinforce the main argument without sounding redundant.
2.2. Use Parallel Structure
Parallel structure is the repetition of a grammatical structure in sentences or phrases. It is another effective way to reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph. By using parallel structure, you can give more emphasis to the main argument. For instance, if the thesis statement starts with “Education is essential for…”, you can restate it in the conclusion paragraph by saying “In conclusion, education is critical for…”
2.3. Use a Thought-Provoking Question
Another technique to reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph is by posing a thought-provoking question. This will help to leave a lasting impression on the reader’s mind. The question should be related to the thesis statement and should help the reader to think critically about the topic. For example, if the thesis statement is “Social media has a negative impact on society”, the concluding paragraph can ask “Can we really afford to be so addicted to social media and suffer its negative consequences?”
By following these strategies, you can effectively reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph. Remember, the conclusion paragraph should leave a lasting impact on the reader, so make sure to restate the main argument confidently and convincingly.
3. Ways to Summarize Key Points in Conclusion Paragraph for Maximum Impact
In any piece of writing, the conclusion paragraph is one of the most important parts. It is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. A strong conclusion must be memorable, convincing, and leave the reader with a sense of closure. One way to achieve this is by summarizing the key points, arguments, or ideas presented in the essay or article.
1. Echo the Thesis Statement
One effective way to summarize the key points in a conclusion paragraph is to echo the thesis statement. By rephrasing or restating the thesis statement, the reader is reminded of the central idea of the essay or article. This not only reinforces the central message but also brings the essay or article full circle.
2. Focus on Major Ideas or Arguments
Another strategy for summarizing key points is to focus on the major ideas or arguments presented in the essay or article. This can be accomplished by creating a list of the major points addressed throughout the piece. Once these key ideas have been identified, the writer can then craft a summary paragraph that ties them all together.
3. Use Highlighted Phrases or Keywords
A third effective technique is to use highlighted phrases or keywords in the conclusion paragraph. This can be achieved by using bold or italicized text for key words or phrases throughout the piece. In the conclusion, these highlighted words can be used to create a summary paragraph that encompasses the main ideas or arguments into one concise statement.
In summary, summarizing key points is a crucial aspect of any conclusion paragraph. By utilizing effective strategies like echoing the thesis statement, focusing on major ideas or arguments, or using highlighted phrases or keywords, writers can craft memorable and impactful conclusions that leave a lasting impression on the reader.
4. Tips for Ending Conclusion with a Call to Action or Final Thought
In order to make your conclusion paragraph impactful, it’s important to end it with a call to action or a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
1. Consider Your Audience
When crafting your call to action or final thought, it’s important to consider your audience. What do you want them to do or take away after reading your essay or article? Think about their needs, wants, and behaviors and tailor your message accordingly.
2. Keep it Concise and Clear
Your call to action or final thought should be brief and to the point. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that can confuse your readers. Be direct and concise, and use clear language that is easy to understand.
3. Use Strong and Persuasive Language
To make your call to action or final thought more effective, use strong and persuasive language that motivates your readers to take action or remember your message. Use words like “must,” “should,” or “don’t miss out” to create a sense of urgency and importance.
4. Connect Your Call to Action or Final Thought to Your Thesis Statement
To create a sense of cohesion and unity in your essay or article, try connecting your call to action or final thought to your thesis statement. This will reinforce your main argument and leave a lasting impression on your readers.
By following these tips, you can end your conclusion paragraph with a call to action or final thought that is impactful, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to keep it concise, clear, and persuasive, and connect it to your thesis statement to create a sense of unity in your writing.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Composing a Conclusion Paragraph in Writing
A well-written conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the reader and tie up all loose ends of an essay or article. However, there are several mistakes that writers often make while composing a conclusion paragraph. Avoiding these mistakes can help improve the quality of your writing and convey your message effectively.
1. Repeating Information:
One common mistake that writers make is repeating information that has already been discussed in the body of the article or essay. The conclusion should be a summary of all the key points discussed in the article. Therefore, avoid restating information that has already been mentioned. Instead, focus on reiterating the main ideas in a concise manner.
2. Introducing New Information:
Another mistake that many writers commit is introducing new information in the conclusion paragraph. The conclusion should not introduce any new ideas or concepts. Instead, it should be a summary of all the ideas discussed in the body of the article. Remember, the conclusion is supposed to leave a lasting impression on the reader, and introducing new information can confuse or distract them.
3. Using Filler Phrases:
Using filler phrases can reduce the impact of your conclusion. Phrases such as “in conclusion” or “to summarize” are unnecessary and do not add any value to your writing. Instead, focus on using concise and direct language that effectively conveys your message.
4. Ignoring the Thesis Statement:
One of the key elements of a successful conclusion is reiterating the thesis statement. Ignoring the thesis statement in the conclusion can weaken the argument presented in the article. Therefore, ensure that the conclusion effectively ties in with the thesis statement and concludes the essay or article on a strong note.
5. Using Clichés:
Lastly, using clichés or generic statements can hurt the overall impact of your conclusion. Employing phrases such as “life is like a box of chocolates” or “actions speak louder than words” can make your writing seem uninspired. Instead, focus on using concrete and specific language that effectively conveys your message.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively compose a strong conclusion paragraph that leaves a lasting impression on the reader and ties up all the loose ends of the article or essay.
6. Examples of Effective Conclusion Paragraphs from Different Genres of Writing
In this section, we’ll take a look at some effective conclusion paragraphs from various genres of writing.
Literary Fiction
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice:
Fittingly, the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice features Elizabeth Bennet’s contemplation on love, specifically her own. Through her journey, Elizabeth has discovered that what she thought she wanted in a partner was not at all what she needed. This realization becomes clear in the novel’s final sentence: “But, as it was conjectured by Jane, and Bingley himself, that his attentions to Jane had been merely the effect of a common and transient liking, which ceased when he saw her no more; Elizabeth would not be prevailed on to go back with them, but withdrew herself to her own room, that she might think with freedom.”
Academic Writing
Article in a Biology Journal:
Despite several decades of research, the cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unknown. While genetic factors have been associated with PD, such as mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene, environmental factors have also been implicated. While the search for a definitive cause of PD continues, the importance of identifying potential risk factors remains paramount in the field of PD research.
Personal Essay
George Orwell’s “A Hanging”:
In “A Hanging”, Orwell details his experience of witnessing a prisoner’s execution while working for the British colonial government in India. The essay’s conclusion addresses the lingering impact of this event on Orwell, both emotionally and philosophically: “I saw that I had awakened the pew-renter who sleeps in every English workman. Though he had been famished, along with the rest, he at once saw reasons why the food should have been thrown away rather than given to the tramps. He admonished me quite severely. ‘They have to live in the midst of that filth! Did you not know that?’ At that moment Francis’s anecdote seemed extraordinarily funny. We all began laughing again.”
These examples show how conclusion paragraphs can effectively wrap up an essay or article, leaving readers with a lasting impression or message. By offering different approaches to concluding various genres of writing, writers can draw inspiration from examples and keep in mind the key elements of a successful conclusion.
7. Importance of Editing and Proofreading the Conclusion Paragraph for Clarity and Precision
Editing and proofreading are important steps in any kind of writing, and the conclusion paragraph is no exception. The conclusion paragraph should be a concise and clear summary of the entire essay or article. Editing and proofreading the conclusion paragraph helps to ensure that it achieves this purpose.
Clarity
One of the key goals of editing and proofreading the conclusion paragraph is to ensure that it is clear and easy to understand. This includes removing any unnecessary jargon, repetition, or confusing sentence structures. It also involves checking for spelling and grammatical errors that can obscure the intended meaning of the paragraph.
To achieve clarity, it’s important to read the conclusion paragraph several times and revise it until it delivers a clear and concise message. It may also be helpful to have someone else read the paragraph and provide objective feedback.
Precision
In addition to clarity, the conclusion paragraph must be precise and accurate. The paragraph should be a clear reiteration of the thesis statement and key points of the essay or article, without introducing any new ideas or information. It should be so precise that it serves as a map to the reader on the points covered.
To achieve precision, the conclusion paragraph should be compared to the thesis statement and key points to ensure that they match. Any inconsistencies should be corrected, and any information that needs to be added or removed should be done to achieve accuracy.
Editing and proofreading the conclusion paragraph is an essential step in effective writing. It helps to ensure that the concluding paragraph delivers a clear, concise, and accurate summary of the entire essay or article.
People Also Ask
1. What are some good ways to start a conclusion paragraph?
A good way to start a conclusion paragraph is to use a transition word or phrase, such as “in conclusion” or “to sum up,” to signal the end of your essay. You can also restate the thesis statement, summarize the main points, or provide a final thought or reflection.
2. How do you write a strong conclusion for an essay?
To write a strong conclusion for an essay, you should avoid introducing new information and instead focus on synthesizing and summarizing the main ideas from the body paragraphs. End with a memorable statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
3. What should be included in a conclusion paragraph?
A conclusion paragraph should include a restatement of the thesis statement, a summary of the main points, and a closing thought or reflection that relates back to the introduction or thesis statement. It should not introduce new information or arguments.
4. How long should a conclusion paragraph be?
A conclusion paragraph should typically be around 5-7 sentences long and not exceed 10% of the overall essay length. It should be concise and to the point while still effectively wrapping up the essay.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid in a conclusion paragraph?
Some common mistakes to avoid in a conclusion paragraph include introducing new information, repeating information from the body paragraphs word-for-word, and using vague or overused language. You should also avoid ending abruptly or without providing closure to the essay.
Conclusion
Starting a conclusion paragraph may seem daunting, but it is an important part of any essay that should not be overlooked. By summarizing your main points and providing a final thought or reflection, you can leave a lasting impression on your reader and effectively conclude your argument. Remember to keep it concise and avoid introducing new information or arguments.
