A strong conclusion is essential to an effective essay. The closing sentence is your last chance to leave a compelling final impression on the reader. An impactful conclusion accomplishes three key objectives:
Restating the Thesis
The conclusion should begin by restating your thesis statement in different words. This reminds the reader of your main argument and its significance. Do not simply copy and paste the original thesis sentence. Paraphrase it to reinforce the central concept.
Summarizing Key Points
Briefly summarize the key points made throughout the body of the essay. You do not need to rehash every detail. Highlight the main ideas, evidence, and facts that support your thesis. This demonstrates to the reader that you accomplished what you set out to do.
Closing with a Memorable Final Statement
End the essay with a memorable concluding sentence that emphasizes the importance of your thesis and leaves a lasting impact. This final statement should provoke deeper thought, express the wider significance of the topic, or issue a call to action.
Here are some examples of strong closing sentences:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Call to Action | If we do not act now to protect endangered species, Earth will continue to experience catastrophic biodiversity loss. |
| Universal Statement | War may sometimes be necessary, but it is never a solution without victims. |
| Rhetorical Question | If we limit funding for scientific research now, what profound discoveries may we be sacrificing in the future? |
| Prediction | Until society reforms healthcare policies to provide coverage for all, disparities in access will continue to inequitably impact the most vulnerable. |
Choosing the Right Style of Closing Sentence
The appropriate style for your final sentence depends on factors like your target audience, essay topic, and tone.
Call to Action
A call to action propels the reader to take a specific stance on an issue or enact change. This style is best for persuasive or argumentative essays that propose a solution. Make a stirring request for your readers to get involved.
Universal Statement
A universal statement expresses a general truth that relates to broader human values and principles. Use this when you want a philosophical, contemplative tone. Your final sentence should capture a profound reflection on life.
Rhetorical Question
Posing an open-ended question leads the reader to further ponder your topic even after finishing the essay. Employ this when you want to encourage deeper thinking. Your question should be thought-provoking but not too vague.
Prediction
Looking ahead to the future implications of your argument conveys importance and urgency. Predictions work well for cause-and-effect essays exploring real-world issues and solutions. Leave readers contemplating what might be.
Recommendation
Propose a logical next step the reader can take based on the evidence presented. Recommendations provide a sense of closure while promoting action. This direct call to the audience is fitting for problem-solution essays.
Examples of Good Closing Sentences
Here are examples of effective closing sentences for essays on various topics:
History Essay
“The ramifications of the Civil Rights Movement still reverberate today as the fight against inequality and racial injustice continues, proving the lasting power of collective social action.”
Literary Analysis Essay
“Orwell’s _1984_ serves as a prophetic warning against totalitarianism and the manipulation of language, revealing enduring truths about the human struggle for freedom.”
Admissions Essay
“My diverse experiences and ability to overcome challenges have prepared me to take advantage of everything [College Name] has to offer and succeed in your unique learning environment.”
Persuasive Essay
“If we do not oppose hatred and extremism when it first appears, history has shown that prejudice, racism, and violence can metastasize like a cancer, with horrific consequences.”
Research Essay
“Further research examining how social media algorithms promote partisan echo chambers could help illuminate solutions to heal our polarized discourse.”
Dos and Don’ts for an Impactful Closing Sentence
Follow these key tips when drafting the final sentence of your essay:
DO…
- Synthesize main points without repeating the introduction verbatim
- Keep your concluding thought clear and concise
- Aim for an emphatic tone and emotive impact
- Offer new insight, compelling perspective, or vision of the future
- Bridge from your specific topic to broader significance
DON’T…
- Introduce entirely new arguments or evidence
- Pose questions with no answers
- Use uncertain or passive language
- Include phrases like “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing”
- End abruptly without finality or closure
Proofreading Your Concluding Sentence
After drafting your closing sentence, proofread it carefully with these considerations in mind:
- Does your final statement align with the rest of the essay?
- Is your main argument clearly summarized?
- Have you avoided redundant or wordy phrasing?
- Is the tone impactful and appropriate for your audience?
- Does it provide closure as well as inspire deeper reflection?
- Is it thought-provoking and memorable?
Aim to leave the reader moved in some way, whether through compelling insights, a call to action, or implications for the future. The end of your essay should feel significant.
Example Essay Conclusion
Here is an example conclusion for a short essay analyzing Shakespeare’s _Hamlet_:
Conclusion
Throughout _Hamlet_, Shakespeare poses philosophical questions about life, death, and the moral dilemma of revenge. In the tragic final scene, Hamlet is finally motivated to take action, but only after his indecision has claimed the lives of Polonius, Laertes, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and his mother Gertrude. If Hamlet had chosen to act decisively and pursue revenge sooner, could these deaths have been prevented? Or is indecision and morality inherently intertwined? We can all relate to Hamlet’s struggles with doubt, overthinking, and concerns of morality. Perhaps Shakespeare’s true genius lies in crafting a finale that leaves us reflecting on the complexity of decision-making and the impossibility of knowing if our choices will lead to tragedy or justice in the future. Though set centuries ago, the play’s central human conflicts still echo today, proving William Shakespeare’s enduring insight into the most timeless of moral dilemmas.
Conclusion
An effective closing sentence is critical to creating a powerful essay conclusion. It should restate your thesis, summarize main points, and end with a thought-provoking final statement that resonates with readers. The style of your concluding sentence should match the overall tone and intent of the essay. Take time to carefully proofread and refine your final sentence during the editing process. When crafted effectively, an impactful closing sentence can transform a good essay into a great one by underscoring the significance of your central idea and leaving readers with a memorable final impression.