Making Your Last Paragraph Count The Conclusion Making Your Last Paragraph Count The End

Definition and Purpose A Conclusion Definition and Purpose The conclusion is the last paragraph in your essay. A conclusion completes the essay and connects back to your thesis statement. Look at the example below.

First Sentence of Conclusion A Conclusion Thesis Statement Animals should not be used for scientific or medical research because most specimens are treated cruelly, a large percentage of those used in experiments are not protected by government agencies, and alternative methods of testing now exist. First sentence in conclusion connects back to ideas in thesis statement. In other words, it’s a restatement of the thesis statement. First Sentence of Conclusion Because animals are treated brutally, are not protected by the American Welfare Act, and are not needed as test subjects since alternative methods exist, animals should not be used for scientific or medical research.

A Conclusion So What? How and why is this topic important? In addition to referring back to your main idea, your conclusion needs to show your reader the importance of your thesis. It should contain a summary statement as well. When discussing the importance of your thesis, try to address questions such as… How and why is this topic important? How might this topic affect me or other people? What can be learned from this topic? What is the lesson or message?

Sample Conclusion Connects back to thesis statement (restatement) Because animals are treated brutally, are not protected by the American Welfare Act, and are not needed as test subjects since alternative methods exist, animals should not be used for scientific or medical research. Subjects are frequently abused during testing, and since 95 % of tested animals do not fall under the AWA’s protection, this type of treatment occurs frequently. Additionally, with the availability of top-notch computer programs and the use of human cells, animal testing is no longer needed. By viewing them as living creatures, it is evident that this inhumane practice must be abolished. Join the Human Society International and take the cruelty-free pledge to end to this long- held practice of using and abusing animals. Connects back to thesis statement (restatement) The writer again points out the reasons why animals should not be used in testing. (summary statements) The writer reminds us of his/her position by using a “call to action.” In other words, he/she encourages the readers to end animal testing by joining the HSI.

Let’s look at them side by side… Introductory Paragraph Concluding Paragraph Because animals are treated brutally, are not protected by the American Welfare Act, and are not needed as test subjects since alternative methods exist, animals should not be used for scientific or medical research. Subjects are frequently abused during testing, and since 95 % of tested animals do not fall under the AWA’s protection, this type of treatment occurs frequently. Additionally, with the availability of top-notch computer programs and the use of human cells, animal testing is no longer needed. By viewing them as living creatures, it is evident that this inhumane practice must be abolished. Join the Human Society International and take the cruelty-free pledge to end to this long- held practice of using and abusing animals. “Animals are not property or ‘things’ but rather living organisms, subjects of a life, who are worthy of our compassion, respect, friendship, and support.”- Marc Bekoff, Minding Animals When one thinks of the way animals are used in science and medicine, it is evident that the majority of researchers don’t agree with Bekoff, and use and abuse animals. Testing on live animals has been a common practice since 500 B.C. Even though this has resulted in benefits for humans, it is harmful to the animals themselves. Many are treated cruelly when other, more effective methods exist. Additionally, the results from animal experimentation may not even be reliable and/or accurate. Animals should not be used for scientific or medical research because most specimens are treated cruelly, a large percentage of those used in experiments are not protected by government agencies, and alternative methods of testing now exist.

Other Strategies for Concluding an Essay Use A Quotation A relevant quotation can bring good closure to your essay, especially if the quotation is from an expert on the topic in your composition.

Other Strategies for Concluding an Essay Make A Prediction A prediction talks about what might happen in the future. A prediction can be a good way to finish your essay. It can make your reader think about the possible results of your thesis statement.

Other Strategies for Concluding an Essay A Recommendation or Call to Action A recommendation is often used by a writer after he/she has discussed a problem in an essay. A recommendation can be used to suggest a solution or call the readers to take action about the problem in the essay.

Now it’s your turn… Directions: Now, write a conclusion paragraph for your essay. Share your conclusion paragraph with a partner. If the conclusion could be made stronger or more effective, discuss the questions below with your partner. Does the conclusion remind the reader of the thesis statement? Does the conclusion seem to be smoothly linked to the rest of the essay? What message or feeling is the reader left with, based on the conclusion? What techniques could help the conclusion be stronger?