2.2.3. Writing Impactful Conclusions

Begin by succinctly recapitulating the main arguments or key ideas presented in your body paragraphs. This is not a word-for-word repetition but a fresh, concise synthesis that reminds the reader of the journey taken and the evidence considered.

In this part, you should restate the important ideas discussed in your essay. Instead of repeating them exactly as they were presented, provide a brief overview that captures the essence of your arguments. This helps readers remember the main points and understand the overall message of your essay. Imagine it as providing a summary of a book after finishing it—highlighting the central themes without going into every detail.

Think of your conclusion like a movie trailer. In a trailer, the key moments and themes of the film are showcased in a way that is engaging but not all-inclusive. Similarly, your conclusion should remind the reader of the main 'scenes' of your essay without giving away every detail.

Next, restate your thesis statement in new words, reflecting the deeper understanding or conviction gained through the essay's development. This reinforces your central argument, showing how it has been proven or elaborated upon by the preceding paragraphs. Ensure it is not merely copied from the introduction.

Here, you need to take your original thesis statement—the main argument you made at the beginning of your essay—and express it in a different way. This should illustrate how your perspective has developed and deepened as a result of your arguments and supporting evidence throughout the essay. It is crucial that you do not simply repeat the thesis; instead, you want to remind the reader of the core argument while showing how insightful your essay has become.

Consider how a professor might ask a student to rethink an original opinion based on new evidence. By the end of a course, the student may articulate their ideas more clearly than at the start, similar to how you want to present your thesis at the end of your essay. It shows growth and a better understanding of the topic.

Conclude with a strong, memorable statement that offers a broader perspective or a final resonance. This could be:

• A call to action: For argumentative essays, urging the reader to take a specific step or change their perspective.
• Broader implications: Connecting your specific argument to larger universal themes or societal issues.
• A future outlook: Speculating on what might happen next or what further research is needed.
• A return to the hook: Linking back to your opening statement or anecdote to create a sense of completion. Avoid introducing new arguments, evidence, or overly emotional appeals here. The goal is to provide a satisfying and thought-provoking ending.

In the last part of your conclusion, make sure to leave a lasting impression on your reader. You can do this by making a strong statement that echoes an important message of your essay. This could be a direct call for action by the reader, an insightful observation about wider implications of your topic, or even a prediction for what might happen in the future regarding the issue discussed. Additionally, if you started your essay with a story or a provocative idea (hook), consider tying it back into your conclusion to create a full-circle moment for the reader.

Imagine you're wrapping up a really engaging book discussion. As you summarize, you might refer back to the opening question that sparked your conversation, reminding everyone why the topic matters. Just like that discussion, your conclusion should connect back to the beginning, enhancing the reader's experience and providing a thoughtful closure.

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