How to Write an Effective Conclusion Paragraph?

Definition of a Conclusion Paragraph

A concluding paragraph can be defined as,

“The last division of a discourse, narration or account often containing a summary of what went before”.

or

“A proposition or deduction, concluded from one or more premises that must follow from the major and minor premises in a syllogism”.

Importance of a Good Concluding Paragraph

Conclusions can be hard to write at times because the writer might get the feeling that there is nothing left to say as the preceding essay or paper would have included everything that needs to be there. This is where the writer forgets that the conclusion is what leaves behind an impression about the writer. The reader often remembers the last part of what has been read, the conclusion!

Tips for Formatting Concluding Paragraphs for Essays, Thesis and Research Papers

Creating a concluding paragraph may seem an unnecessary task to students. Often, students restate their thesis statement in their conclusion but do not form a complete concluding paragraph to strengthen the effect of the essay.

Integrate Introduction, Thesis Statement and Essence of Main Argument

You should always support your thesis statement and main arguments in the concluding paragraph to construct an integrated and focused essay. With this aim in mind, it is highly recommended to try a new approach towards writing a concluding paragraph.

This can be done by writing both the introductory and concluding paragraphs together after writing the first draft of the body of your essay.

Make Use of Transition Words

Transition words and phrases help you in developing a smooth flow of ideas and analysis as you connect one point to another while formatting your conclusion.

Below is a list of words and phrases for effective conclusion writing.

Additional Phrases

also again as well as

besides coupled with furthermore

in addition likewise moreover similarly

Consequential Derivation

accordingly as a result consequently for this reason for this purpose

hence otherwise so then subsequently

thereupon wherefore therefore thus

Comparison and Contrast

contrast by the same token conversely instead likewise on one hand

on the other hand on the contrary rather yet similarly

but however still nevertheless in contrast

Summary and Emphasis

after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, to summarize, for all that,

in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, particularly, finally, especially

in the long run, on balance, to sum up, above all, chiefly, assuredly, definitely, without doubt, with attention to,

above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly

besides coupled with furthermore

in addition likewise moreover similarly

Exemplary

that is specifically in particular for one thing for example for instance

chiefly especially for instance in particular markedly namely

particularly including specifically such as an instance of this this can be seen in

Format of a Conclusion Paragraph

1. The first sentence of your concluding paragraph should summit to the future, unfolding a scenario that relates to the essay’s topic.
2. The second sentence could suggest a future action that needs to be taken by the writer, reader or the society in general.
3. Now, the third and fourth sentences could relate to the thesis statement. This may further be extended to making a general observation about existence, nature, community, or society.
4. The last one or two sentences might put forward a broad-spectrum view or opinion of how you think of the topic. Your opinion might leave an excellent impression on the reader. Ending with a unique thought might lead to an exclusive impact on the reader.

What to Avoid?

It is highly unusual to introduce new ideas or arguments in the concluding paragraph. This is where you can get off track. Do not just rephrase your thesis or add the topic sentences for each body paragraph in your conclusion. Avoid portraying as if you are announcing what you have done in the essay. Do not apologize; avoid shedding doubt on the material that you have added in your essay.

Avoid making the conclusion too repetitive as it may lose its essence. Do not begin with “in conclusion”. Try to keep the conclusion as general as possible. Although a concluding paragraph is seen as an unnecessary repeat of ideas, it is in reality a fundamental essay element with its own rationale.