How to Write a Strong Conclusion for Your Essay
What is an Essay Conclusion?
Every content, advertisement, or film is most memorable for its beginning and ending. The same works with essays as well. That’s why, when writing an essay, the conclusion is just as important as a catchy introduction. While the introduction hooks readers and makes them keep reading, the conclusion helps to create a long-lasting impression. In an essay, the conclusion is not just a summary but a combination of arguments and their significance. So, а great essay without a well-written conclusion simply becomes a good one. In the same way, an incomplete and ill-crafted conclusion can ruin even the best essay.
So, how to write a conclusion for an essay, what are the main components of a strong conclusion, and what kind of tools can be helpful? This article is here to help!
Key Components of a Strong Conclusion Paragraph
A well-written conclusion paragraph generally should have three main elements: a restatement of the thesis, a summary of key points, and a final statement.
Restatement of the Thesis
Reminding your main argument in the conclusion paragraph is significant. Surely, you don’t have to copy and paste it the way it was in the introduction. Restatement should be written in other words and not be repetitive. You should show how your point of view has developed. Here is an example:
Example (Original Thesis): "The increasing reliance on technology in education greatly hinders the development of critical thinking skills in students."
Example (Restated Thesis): "Even though having huge advantages, the overuse of technology in the classroom is a threat to the development of students' analytical skills and abilities."
Summary of Key Points
Summarize the key points or evidence you presented in your body paragraphs. This should not be a detailed summary. Instead, it should be a brief reminder of the key findings. Focus on the points that support your restated thesis the best.
Example: “As this essay has shown, constant access to information can discourage students from deep analysis and critical thinking. Besides, the abundance of digital distractions can interfere with the concentration of the students in the classroom. And finally, the reliance on technology can create addictions. This, in turn, will limit students’ ability to think independently and solve problems creatively.”
Final Statement (Final Concluding)
The final statement is the third most important element that should be mentioned in the conclusion paragraph. Only by using it can you leave a lasting impression. The final statement can be a call to action or suggest further research. IT can also offer a final perspective on the topic. In this final step, you should leave the reader with something to consider. This is the only answer to how to write a conclusion for an essay.
Here is an example: "Educators and policymakers must thoughtfully evaluate how technology is used in education. They should prioritize teaching methods that improve critical thinking and independent learning. Finding a balance between the advantages of technology and the importance of deep intellectual work is key. This balance will give students the skills they need to succeed."
How to Write a Restatement of the Thesis
The restated thesis should act as a connection between your essay's body and your concluding remarks.
Use Different Wording: Avoid simply repeating your original thesis. Always rephrase it, use synonyms and different sentence structures.
Reflect the Essay's Main Ideas: The restatement should contain the key points you've covered in your essay.
Maintain the Original Argument: While the wording changes, the core argument should remain consistent. The restatement should reinforce your main point, not introduce a new one.
How to Summarize Key Points
The summary should provide a concise overview of your essay's main arguments.
Focus on the Most Important Points: Don't try to summarize every single detail. Instead, focus on the key arguments and supporting evidence that you've presented.
Use Clear and Concise Language: Keep the summary brief and to the point. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
Connect the Points to Your Thesis: Show how each key point contributes to the overall argument of your essay.
How to Write a Concluding Statement
The concluding statement is your final opportunity to engage the reader.
Offer a Final Image of an Essay: Share your thoughts on your argument. What are the broader implications of your findings?
Suggest Further Research: If appropriate, you can suggest areas for future exploration. What questions remain unanswered?
Issue a Call to Action (If Appropriate): If your essay addresses a problem or issue, you might consider ending with a call to action. What steps can the reader take to address the issue?
Leave a Lasting Impression: The concluding statement should resonate with the reader and leave them with something to think about.
How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay with GetCopy AI
Usage of different AI tools in writing an essay conclusion can be beneficial. GetCopy AI is an all-in-one tool in this process. As a wiring assistant, it can be used both by school and college students. GetCopy, as an AI-powered tool, helps you write well-researched essays, improve your writing style, and improve your conclusion paragraphs. You can make any essay more polished, insightful, and professional.
With GetCopy AI, you can edit the generated content as much as you want. You can change the outline, add more points, and much more. Its unique tool gives you a final output with your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. If you have any specific needs, you can easily tailor the essay to them. Even if you’re writing a class test with dozens of requirements, it will become much easier with GetCopy.
When creating a conclusion, GetCopy AI examines your essay's content, from the introduction to the body paragraphs, to generate a concluding paragraph. This paragraph will rephrase your thesis, summarize the main arguments, and provide a concluding statement.
If the AI-generated conclusion doesn't perfectly match your expectations, you have the freedom to edit it. You can adjust how the thesis is restated, modify the summary of key points, or rewrite the concluding statement entirely to ensure it aligns with your writing style and the overall argument of your essay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Conclusion Paragraph
Introducing New Information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or evidence. All new information should be included in the body paragraphs.
Example (Incorrect): "In conclusion, technology's impact on education is complex. Furthermore, studies have shown a correlation between screen time and attention deficit disorder (ADD)." (ADD information is new and shouldn't be here).
Weak or Generic Concluding Statement: Avoid ending with a cliché or a weak, uninspired statement. Your conclusion should be memorable and impactful.
Example (Weak): "In conclusion, technology is important, and we should use it wisely."
Apologizing for Your Views: Never apologize for your opinions or arguments. Present your ideas with confidence and persuasion.
Example (Incorrect): "While I'm not an expert, I believe that technology might have some negative effects on education."
Failing to Connect to the Thesis: Your conclusion should connect back to your thesis statement. It should demonstrate that you've stated your point effectively.
Abrupt Ending: Avoid ending your essay too abruptly. Your conclusion should look complete and show the end of your thoughts. Only this way the reader will feel satisfied.
Examples of Good and Bad Conclusion Paragraphs
Bad Conclusion Example: "So, as you can see, technology is bad. Kids are on their phones too much. We need to do something. The end."
Analysis: This conclusion is abrupt, lacks a restated thesis, offers no summary of key points, and provides a weak and generic concluding statement.
Good Conclusion Example: "In conclusion, while technology is beneficial and important in education, it can also bring disadvantages. One of them is intervention in developing critical thinking skills in students. As this essay has argued, the constant availability of information can hinder deep analysis; digital distractions impede focus, and over-reliance on technology fosters dependence rather than independent thought.
Of course, it is difficult for teachers to find a balance between the usage of technology and the improvement of creativity. But it is quite essential if they want to have creatively thinking students who are not dependent on technology. Only then can we ensure that students are equipped not just with information but with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the 21st century."
Analysis: The conclusion meets all the requirements above, from thesis to key points and final statement. After that, the reader understands the main message and perspective. When crafted well, the essay shouldn’t leave the reader confused, with a bunch of questions without specific answers. It is crucial that the reader understands the essence and realizes that he did not waste his time reading your essay.
FAQs
How long should а conclusion be?
The conclusion will only depend on the overall length of your essay. The main requirement is to keep it concise, typically around 5-7 sentences or one paragraph.
Can I introduce new information in my conclusion?
No. The conclusion should only contain the information that was already presented. Introducing new information will probably confuse the reader. Besides, it can weaken your argument.
Is it okay to just restate my introduction in the conclusion?
No. While you should restate your thesis, it needs to be paraphrased, not simply copied.
What's the difference between summarizing and just repeating my points?
Summarizing involves condensing your main points into a concise overview. Repeating simply re-lists them. A good summary should highlight the key ideas and connect them to your thesis.
Can I generate my conclusion paragraph with AI?
Sure, it is a popular practice. But it’s better to use AI tools that will keep the requirements of your task or assignment. Tools like GetCopy can generate custom text that will show your perspective and thoughts.
What if I'm not sure how to end my essay?
Try revisiting your thesis statement and key arguments. Think about the main message you want to convey and how you can leave your reader with a clear understanding of your perspective.