How to Write a Conclusion in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Restate Your Thesis Claim and Evidence
The conclusion is crucial in persuading your reader that your arguments are valid and add up. While the introduction acquaints the reader by telling them, “Here’s what I’ll prove and how,” the conclusion backs that up by saying, ” Here’s what I proved and how.” Therefore, these two paragraphs should mirror and support each other with the conclusion emphasizing the thesis proposed by the introduction at the start of the essay.
To restate your hypothesis and evidence, consider doing the following:
- Carefully examine your introduction to pinpoint your essay’s major claim
- Zero in on the evidence you used to explain and uphold your main concept/thesis across the essay
- Write your conclusion by rephrasing your thesis and reviewing your backup evidence
- Leverage phrases such as “as illustrated” and ” this essay confirmed” in their past tense.
Step 2: Provide New and Interesting Insight
Creating an interesting conclusion is not all about restating the thesis – you should have a conclusion that builds upon the significance of your essay’s argument and emphasizes it. Having an interesting insight in your conclusion may leave your professor wanting more after going through your essay. And there’s never a better sign of a well-written essay than that.
Remember that in this scenario, the conclusion should only give insight that a certain idea exists and that scholars should zero in on in the future: It should neither go deep about the concept nor suggest a new controversy.
The new perceptions or insights you plan to add to your conclusion should be from the research you’ve already conducted. It also never hurts to suggest new ideas you develop as you work on the body paragraphs in your conclusion.
The following are guiding points for new insights for your conclusion:
- The insight could be a concept that makes you want to revamp your essay if given more time
- A new perspective that can further justify your hypothesis
- You identify new ideas that contradict your claims, but you can still justify yourself
- A contrasting topic for which you can explain using the same hypothesis
Step 3: Forge a Personal Connection With the Reader
Last but not least, you can add small details about yourself to your conclusion paragraph. This information helps you build a relationship with your readers- your readers will be less likely to forget about you. Generally, look at this step as a way to relate the academic research or essay to your and your reader’s personal life. It forges an intimate human bond.
Typically formal essay writing avoids first and second-person pronouns, for example, “I” and “You.” However, they allow you to use them in your introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
Therefore, first-person pronouns can help you develop an emotional relationship with your reader. However, this connection should be related to the powerful claim.
The words “I” or “me” in your introduction should only play the role of bringing to the standard that the essay’s claim is yours. Also, use them once in the introduction.