That's a Wrap!

A conclusion has the final say. It delivers the last impression and provides the last punch. So being, learning to end well is an integral part of writing. Writing conclusions, however, can often be tricky. We search for the right balance of clever metaphor and summary and scramble for words that are just so, never feeling quite right. So what goes into a conclusion?

Many writers reach the end of their paper, throw a few lines together and call it a day. They sweep up loose information in the proverbial dustpan and dump it all into their final paragraph. Because the conclusion is the last piece of information they will read, the audience often remembers it the most. According to the University of Maryland, the conclusion is a “working part of the paper. This is the place to push your reader to think about the consequences of your topic for the wider world or for the reader’s own life!”

Unfortunately, there is no exact formula for a good conclusion. From essay to literary analysis or even between articles, each style warrants a different method. As the writer, you need to understand not only the requirements for the style you are writing in, but the reader’s wants as well. In general, however, a conclusion requires three main steps: restate your thesis, summarize your major points, and provide context.

Your article or paper should revolve around a thesis statement. Remind the reader what it is. Use your conclusion to bring your writing full circle. You took the reader on a journey to an unknown world. Now, they need to come back. By restating your thesis, you will remind your reader where they started, the initial steps of their journey.

In much the same way, a summary of your main points helps the reader remember the path they took. Hand them a set of binoculars and point them back to the landmarks you walked them through. The Writing Center at Harvard University describes this process as the “what.” A summary acts as a transition and provides a connection so the reader can see the bigger picture. Use this portion of the conclusion to explain your main points and give the reader a brief synopsis of all they just read.

Finally, provide context. This is the section where you point the reader in the direction you want them to go. The Writing Center at Harvard University defines this section as “so what.” This portion, although varying from paper to paper, is your chance to tell the reader why what they just read is important and the resulting steps they should take. After you took them on a journey and pointed them back to key sites, point them to their next adventure. You won’t be their guide anymore, but you can act as the voice in the back of their mind directing them on a new path.

While you are writing your conclusion, remember to avoid a few common pitfalls. Although you should restate your thesis, do not quote it verbatim. Your audience already read your main idea, they do not want a regurgitation. Instead, rephrase and reshape it.

When you summarize, keep it short. If your audience wants to read your body paragraphs again, they will go back. Cover your main points again, but avoid another deep dive. Look towards the bigger picture and allow your scope to broaden.

If a detail was not important enough to be covered in a body paragraph, avoid writing it into the conclusion. Including minor details will distract the reader and pull them away from your main focus. The conclusion is your final opportunity to push the reader in the right direction. Avoid throwing small tripping hazards into the mix. 

For many of the same reasons, avoid adding new information or rebuttals. If it was important to include, allow it to shine as a body paragraph. By shoving this information into the conclusion, it will get lost or interrupt the reader’s flow.

Writing can be tricky, but do not sell yourself short! Take confidence in the time you spent researching and crafting, and have pride in your work. Avoid apologetic or cliché language that casts all your hard work into the gutter. Use your conclusion to give your reader one last look at the importance of all you wrote.

Conclusions are one of the most difficult portions of the paper. We can often get caught up in the lackadaisical approach, throw together a sentence or two, call it a conclusion and move on. The reader, however, is not done reading. The last few sentences stick out the most, so we need to work to make our last lines potent. By rephrasing the thesis, touching on main points, and giving context, we communicate effectively. Take confidence in your writing, and go write that conclusion!