When writing the conclusion of an essay, research paper, or article, the opening sentence is crucial for providing a strong finish that reiterates key points and leaves the reader with a final impression. An effective concluding sentence helps wrap up the main ideas covered throughout the piece while relating back to the central thesis or focus. There are several techniques that can be used to craft a solid opening line to conclude a paper.
Summarize Main Points
One approach is to briefly summarize the main points or arguments made throughout the essay. This reminds the reader of the key ideas that have been presented and provides a concise overview of the main thrust of the piece. For example:
In summary, the evidence presented here demonstrates that inflation is caused by a combination of rising production costs, increased consumer demand, and excessive money printing by the Federal Reserve.
Or:
Thus, we can conclude that the uptick in violent crime in the city is attributable to lower education funding, lack of youth programs, and an overburdened police force.
These sentences succinctly recap the crux of the discussion so the reader comes away remembering the vital takeaways.
Echo Introduction
Another option is to echo the introduction and link back to the opening of the essay. This creates nice bookends that frame the piece. For instance, if the introduction featured a rhetorical question, the conclusion could answer it directly:
Introduction: How can we solve the epidemic of childhood obesity that is becoming so pervasive?
Conclusion: The solution to reducing rates of childhood obesity is a combination of funding nutrition education, taxing junk food, and improving access to healthy options.
Or the conclusion could rephrase the opening statement in a fresh way while still calling back to the original wording:
Introduction: The opioid crisis has devastated families across the country who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose.
Conclusion: Though the opioid epidemic has taken many lives, ongoing efforts in public education, treatment funding, and preventative interventions provide hope that we may one day overcome this crisis.
Final Thoughts
Presenting final thoughts on the larger implications of the topic is another apt way to begin a conclusion. This gives the reader something significant to take away that expands on the core discussion. For instance:
Moving forward, the insights gained here into gender inequality in the workplace will hopefully inspire further examination of hiring practices nationwide.
Or:
If we hope to heal racial divides in our communities, it is critical that we first recognize the systemic injustices still impacting people of color today.
Positioning some contemplative final remarks like this makes the conclusion more meaningful.
Call to Action
A call to action that motivates readers to take steps based on the paper can provide a stimulating opening for the conclusion. This could include a plea for change on an important social or political issue, a proposal for implementing solutions discussed in the paper, or suggestions for additional research. For example:
As citizens, we must urge our representatives to pass comprehensive gun reform if we want to build a safer society for future generations.
Or:
More controlled studies on the long-term effects of high-fat diets are required before we can design impactful interventions to improve this public health crisis.
Challenging readers to become more engaged will resonate strongly.
Prediction
Speculating on future outcomes related to the topic makes for an intriguing launch into the conclusion. By looking ahead, you invite readers to consider the lasting implications of the issue at hand. For instance:
If we maintain current levels of carbon emissions, scientists predict that global temperatures will rise by 2°C in the next 50 years, leading to catastrophic climate change effects.
Or:
Looking ahead, the methods for detecting cancer explored here are likely to significantly improve 5-year survival rates as screening becomes more accessible to the general public.
Projecting forward in this manner underscores the importance of the subject matter.
Quotation
Starting the concluding paragraph with a relevant quote can provide a memorable flair. Find a quote from an authority or expert that aligns with the central message of your essay. Or choose an apt quote that amplifies your main argument. For example:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” As Gandhi observed, we all have a responsibility to work towards the change we hope for.
Or:
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” – Mahatma Gandhi. Indeed, enacting true societal change requires passion and persistence in the face of adversity.
The right quote punch can deliver a bold final statement.
Rhetorical Question
Posing an engaging rhetorical question allows readers to ponder the wider implications of the topic even after finishing the piece. It sparks continued reflection. For instance:
How far are we willing to go to achieve true equality for all? Progress requires each of us to look deeply at our own biases and privilege.
Or:
Can we say the American dream is alive and well when income disparity continues to grow each year? There is still much work to be done.
The provocation of a rhetorical question sticks with readers well after they have read the last line.
Statistics
Hard-hitting statistics related to the essay topic make for an authoritative closing statement. This hammers home facts to leave readers with a sense of importance. For example:
The U.S. imprisons 655 out of every 100,000 people, more than any other country in the world including China, Russia, and Iran.
Or:
Less than 1% of rape cases lead to felony convictions according to FBI statistics.
Summarizing a startling fact or figure reinforces the implications at stake.
Recommendation
Close by offering specific recommendations based on the content of the piece. Readers will appreciate actionable advice stemming from your analysis. For instance:
Based on these findings, patients diagnosed with depression should be encouraged to engage in 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times per week as part of their treatment plans.
Or:
To increase voter turnout among young people, the voting age should be lowered to 16 to facilitate engagement in civics at an earlier age.
Providing practical suggestions shows readers the way forward.
Example Table
| Sentence Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Summary | Thus, we can conclude that the uptick in violent crime in the city is attributable to lower education funding, lack of youth programs, and an overburdened police force. |
| Echo Introduction | The solution to reducing rates of childhood obesity is a combination of funding nutrition education, taxing junk food, and improving access to healthy options. |
| Final Thoughts | If we hope to heal racial divides in our communities, it is critical that we first recognize the systemic injustices still impacting people of color today. |
| Call to Action | As citizens, we must urge our representatives to pass comprehensive gun reform if we want to build a safer society for future generations. |
| Prediction | Looking ahead, the methods for detecting cancer explored here are likely to significantly improve 5-year survival rates as screening becomes more accessible to the general public. |
| Quotation | “Be the change you want to see in the world.” As Gandhi observed, we all have a responsibility to work towards the change we hope for. |
| Rhetorical Question | How far are we willing to go to achieve true equality for all? Progress requires each of us to look deeply at our own biases and privilege. |
| Statistics | The U.S. imprisons 655 out of every 100,000 people, more than any other country in the world including China, Russia, and Iran. |
| Recommendation | To increase voter turnout among young people, the voting age should be lowered to 16 to facilitate engagement in civics at an earlier age. |
This table summarizes examples of good opening sentences for essay conclusions using a variety of techniques.
Avoid Introducing New Ideas
When crafting an effective conclusion, it is vital to avoid bringing up entirely new points or topics that were not previously discussed. The conclusion should focus on reiterating earlier material, not presenting brand new information. Readers will be confused if unfamiliar concepts suddenly appear at the end with no lead up or explanation. Keep the conclusion firmly grounded in summarizing previous content from the body paragraphs. Refrain from posing questions or conjectures that go beyond the scope of the essay’s focus.
Keep it Concise
A conclusion should be relatively brief compared to the length of the overall essay. All core arguments and evidence should have already been laid out. The concluding statements just need to tie everything neatly together in a few concise paragraphs. Take care not to ramble on repetitively or introduce superfluous fluff merely to fill space. Find the most streamlined way to restate the crux of the thesis statement, core factors, vital supporting proof points, and implications going forward. The ending should not drag on with unwarranted wordiness that dilutes its power. Less is more when finalizing the essay with brevity and poignancy.
Do Not Overstate
When presenting a final argument in the conclusion, take care not to overstate the claims being made. The concluding remarks should align with the tone and intent of the piece overall. Do not exaggerate by making bold declarations that cannot be firmly supported based on the evidence at hand. Subtlety and nuance are key. The conclusion is meant to reiterate the thesis in a convincing yet realistic manner, not overpromise on unrealistic outcomes. Maintain factual accuracy and avoid unverified exaggerations. Let the conclusion strengthen the presentation of arguments rather than stretching them beyond what has been demonstrated.
Proofread Thoroughly
Before submitting any paper, always carefully proofread the conclusion to prevent minor errors from sneaking in. Look out for typos, spelling mistakes, missing words, punctuation errors, grammatical glitches, or awkward phrasing that should be smoothed out. Reading the conclusion aloud often helps catch small mistakes. Double check that proper citation is included for any sources referenced. Verify facts, figures, and data points. Revise as needed for clarity, concision, flow, and tone. A thoughtfully polished conclusion elevates the professionalism of the overall piece.
Key Takeaways
When constructing the final paragraph of an essay or paper, keep these tips in mind:
- Summarize main arguments and evidence presented
- Link back to and answer opening introduction
- Offer contemplative final thoughts on the broader implications
- End with an engaging call to action, prediction, quote, or rhetorical question
- Avoid introducing brand new topics not already discussed
- Keep it brief and focused without wasting words
- Do not exaggerate claims beyond what can be supported
- Proofread carefully for errors and typos before final submission
An impactful conclusion provides closure and drives the essay’s central ideas home, giving readers something meaningful to reflect on. Following these guidelines will help strengthen the finishing touches of any effective essay or research paper.