4 Elements of a Satisfactory Conclusion A conclusion worthy of a dab (even if that is so last year).

Element 1: restate OS or BIS This is a MUST. Restate your opinion statement/big idea statement in a different way. This is your “so what” with a makeover. For example: in your introduction you said, “Students should have to wear uniforms to school.” How could you say that differently in your conclusion? “Schools should require students to wear uniforms.”

Element 2: restate your supporting details These are the topic sentences for each of your body paragraphs. The main reasons to support your opinion statement or big idea statement. “Schools should require students to wear uniforms. Uniforms allow students to focus on learning, not clothing. They reduce peer pressure and bullying, and they enhance school pride and unity.”

Element 3: give your “so why” Why is this topic important to you or to society? Why does this matter? Can you come up with a “so why” for the uniform opinion statement? “Schools should require students to wear uniforms. A good education is the foundation for a successful life, and uniforms allow students to focus on their education in a united community of learners.”

Element 4: Leave the reader with something to think about or do. Dig a bit deep for this one. Don’t just restate the question prompt in a new way. NOPE: Think about school uniforms. OKAY: Tell your principal you think school uniforms are a good idea. BETTER: Next time you complain as you put on your school uniform in the morning, appreciate the pride it brings to your school and how it makes many kids feel like they fit in.

You can use 2 elements of the 4 That’s right, you don’t have to use all four!!! You ALWAYS have to use element 1: restate your opinion statement or big idea statement. You can choose between element 2, 3, or 4 for the second element.

Can you state the four elements of a satisfactory conclusion? Element 1: restate your opinion or big idea statement from your introduction. Element 2: restate your main ideas from your body paragraphs. Element 3: Give your “so why” Element 4: Leave the reader with something to think about or do.