Writing your concluding paragraph

The concluding paragraph A conclusion should: i. stress the importance of the thesis statement ii. give the essay a sense of completeness iii. leave a final impression on the reader Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper. A writer needs to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper.

So, in the concluding paragraph: 1. Summarize thesis and main points (Scope/Topic sentences) – Paraphrase, do not repeat. Come full- circle. 2. Answer the question ‘So what?’. Show your readers why this paper was important. Leave them thinking that your essay was meaningful and useful. 3. Leave a provocative concluding statement/thought

Thesis statement: Example Essay P91/92 There needs to be a balance between raising children and working. In order to find this balance, all members of Japanese society should participate in raising and paying for the cost of children. Paraphrased thesis statement in the concluding paragraph: P92 Japan’s entire social structure, including families, businesses, and the government, must work together to encourage families to have babies.

Satisfying ending/Final Comment You can make a provocative and satisfying ending by: 1. Referring back to your hook from the introduction. and/or 2. Making a powerful statement. For example, a question a call to action an interesting quotation a logical extension of the topic a prediction about the future

Japanese society is facing its most serious threat in recent years. Japan’s birthrate keeps falling steadily. If this continues, the population will get smaller and smaller. While the number of babies is decreasing, the average Japanese life span is increasing. It is one of the longest in the world. This is a national catastrophe because there are fewer working-age people who pay into the social security system, and there will eventually be too few workers. The Japanese can no longer delay addressing the issue of its shrinking population. The only way to grow the population is by bringing babies back to Japan. Japan’s entire social structure, including families, businesses, and the government, must work together to encourage families to have babies. Increasing the birthrate is a key defense against the shrinking of Japanese society. There needs to be a balance between raising children and working. In order to find this balance, all members of Japanese society should participate in raising and paying for the cost of children. In the long run, a vibrant young population helps everyone, including companies, families and taxpayers, in Japanese society. We had better take matters seriously for a bright Japanese future. Imagine your own old age, without any children. What would happen? Introduction Conclusion

Warnings and Cautions There are some things that you do not want to do in your conclusion!

1. Do not introduce new ideas! The conclusion is where you summarize and wrap up, not where you give new ideas or information. 2. Do not copy your thesis statement! You want to restate it-- use the same ideas, but in different words. 3. Do not just stop writing! A concluding paragraph is your last chance to make a good impression. 4. Do not weaken your argument! You should not apologize for your opinions. Your essay is your proof that you have good ideas, so don't back away from them. 5. Do not introduce the conclusion with ‘In conclusion...’ or other such expressions