How to Write a Concluding Paragraph Information obtained from http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-write-an-effective-introduction-paragraph-a97753

Since the conclusion paragraph is the last part of the essay, writers must make a strong summary statement to leave a memorable impression.

When to Write a Conclusion: Students should always align their introduction and conclusion paragraphs to create a unified, purposeful essay. Students can compose their introduction and conclusion paragraphs together after they have written the body of their essay. Try this new approach of writing the body of the essay first, the introduction paragraph second, and the conclusion paragraph last, and you will quickly reap the reward of a more structured essay.

Point to the Future The first sentence of the conclusion paragraph should point to the future in a way that relates to the topic. Describing a future scenario that relates to the essay's topic can be an intriguing way to introduce the final paragraph. For example, to conclude a persuasive essay on why students should not be required to wear uniforms, the concluding paragraph can start by pointing to the future: In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment that squashes a student’s individuality.

Suggest a Future Action The second sentence of the conclusion paragraph can suggest a future action that needs to be taken by the writer, the reader, or the character mentioned if they are writing a literary analysis essay. For example: As a stakeholder in this school, you should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms. This call to action is an especially effective technique if students are writing a persuasive essay because students want to rally their readers to promote change. For expository essays, students can suggest a next step in relation to the topic for the reader or for themselves as the writer.

Relate to the Thesis The third and fourth sentences can relate to the thesis statement. Use a restatement of the thesis to serve a specific purpose. You can make a deeper observation about life, human nature, community or society. Delve into the deeper meaning of their thesis and offer insight to readers rather than mere repetition of ideas. Example: With standardized testing being the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause students to lose yet another means of personal expression.

Express Opinions on the Topic Although it may be inappropriate to express personal opinions in the body of certain types of essays, the last sentence or two of the conclusion can be an effective location for student commentary on the topic. You may want to make a more general observation about how the topic applies to society or the world. Ending an essay with a unique thought can leave a lasting impression in the reader's mind. Example: Students face so many challenges in education with less time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about going to school.

Example Conclusion Paragraph: In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment that squashes a student’s individuality. As a stakeholder in this school, you should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms. With standardized testing being the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause students to lose yet another means of personal expression. Students face so many challenges in education with less time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about going to school.

You Try It! Now, write a conclusion paragraph to go along with one of the following thesis statements: Animal testing is a necessity. Animal testing is unjustifiable. Remember: Point to the future Suggest a future action Relate to the thesis Express opinions on the topic