Conclusion Paragraphs

How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph

What will you learn?

Learning Objectives: Review what a conclusion paragraph is Learn the two elements of a well-written conclusion

paragraph Examine the two elements The essay structure that is accepted and expected

by American academic institutions: high schools, colleges and educational resources.

Why do you need a conclusion?

A conclusion provides closure and meaning to the reader

The conclusion drives home the main points one last time

It tells the reader why they should be able to relate, and why they should care. “So What?”

Conclusion Paragraph Structure

First, look at your introduction again.

Attention Obtainer

Transition/Provide

Background

Thesis Statement + three points

The Introduction moves from a broad opening to narrow focus. It becomes more specific, more precise.

The Conclusion is the Reverse of the Introduction

Thesis

statement+ three points written as a summary

Broad Closing. So What? Why

does it matter?

The Conclusion moves from a narrow focus to a broad focus.

The Conclusion will be easy to complete once you write a strong Introductory paragraph.

Flip your Intro and reshape/summarize it into your Conclusion

Your broad closing should make a personal connection. “So What?” Why should it matter to you and me?

Introduction and Conclusion

Attention Obtainer

Transition/Provide

Background

Thesis Statement + three points

Thesis statement+

three

points written as a su

mmary

Broad Closing. So What? Why does it matter? Why is it worth my

time?

Conclusion Elements

1. Restate your thesis and summarize your three points.

2. Place your topic in a broader context by responding to the big “So What?” Tell the reader why they should care.

Conclusion Elements

1. Restate your thesis and summarize your three points. Summarize and paraphrase your thesis statement Make the same points, but use different language

Conclusion Elements

2. Place your topic in a broader context by responding to the big “So What?” Tell the reader why they should care.

What should the reader take away from this essay? Why should I care about what you are telling me? Place the topic in a broader context Make a personal connection The last line of the essay should give a vision or make a

connection to the reader Make a call for action Incorporate a quotation Offer a telling statistic Use a metaphor or simile

Revisit your Thesis Statement, Then Restate the Thesis and Summarize the

Three PointsThesis Statement

Although each man externally experiences the same conflict – to ward off the rats – internally, the men suffer differently. While the narrator lives on to tell the tale, Le Gleo’s mind torture’s him into solitary confinement, and Itchoua’s experience and knowledge was not enough to spare his infected body.

ConclusionUnder the difficult crisis of the rat invasion the internal nature of each of the men emerges. The narrator’s mild temperament is tested, and he applies calming tactics to maintain his stability. So he lives. Le Gleo is less fortunate. His mind falls victim to the rats, even though his body is healthy and unharmed; and, he ends up going crazy, living out the rest of his life in an asylum. Sadly, Itchoua falls to the rats domination in both mind and body. He gives up hope and dies from an infection born of rat bites. The character development of these men may teach us about ourselves and how we respond to life’s various trials. Each man’s outcome may reveal how our perception of events may relate to our own end. And, like the sight of an owl, sometimes we can be seen and known more clearly in the darkness of night.

Highlight the Conclusion!

ConclusionUnder the difficult crisis of the rat invasion the internal nature of each of the men emerges. The narrator’s mild temperament is tested, and he applies calming tactics to maintain his stability. So he lives. Le Gleo is less fortunate. His mind falls victim to the rats, even though his body is healthy and unharmed; and, he ends up going crazy, living out the rest of his life in an asylum. Sadly, Itchoua falls to the rats domination in both mind and body. He gives up hope and dies from an infection born of rat bites. The character development of these men may teach us about ourselves and how we respond to life’s various trials. Each man’s outcome may reveal how our perception of events may relate to our own end. And, like the sight of an owl, sometimes we can be seen and known more clearly in the darkness of night.

Highlighted Conclusion

ConclusionUnder the difficult crisis of the rat invasion the internal nature of each of the men emerges. The narrator’s mild temperament is tested, and he applies calming tactics to maintain his stability. So he lives. Le Gleo is less fortunate. His mind falls victim to the rats, even though his body is healthy and unharmed; and, he ends up going crazy, living out the rest of his life in an asylum. Sadly, Itchoua falls to the rats domination in both mind and body. He gives up hope and dies from an infection born of rat bites. The character development of these men may teach us about ourselves and how we respond to life’s various trials. Each man’s outcome may reveal how our perception of events may relate to our own end. And, like the sight of an owl, sometimes we can be seen and known more clearly in the darkness of night.

Improve and Expand Your Conclusion – Revise and Follow the Steps of Writing for your Entire

Essay

Reverse your Introduction Your conclusion should

improve and expand your thesis statement.

Reread and revise your thesis to make it better, stronger!

Follow the Five Steps of the Writing Process

Attention Grabber

Transition/Background

Thesis Statement

Summarize thesis statement and

three points

So What?

Closing review and reminders: