Concluding Paragraphs

Concluding Paragraph: Purpose Brings closure Sums up points Provides a final perspective

A Conclusion Should: Highlight the importance of your thesis Give your essay a sense of completeness Leave a final impression on the reader

A Conclusion Should NOT: Have any new information Back out of an argument Simply repeat things from the rest of your paper

Concluding Paragraph: What To Do Restate thesis in a way Restate major supporting points Show how your evidence has led to your conclusion

Restate Thesis In a New Way Look at your thesis statement and rework it. Avoid repeating key words and phrases – use a thesaurus! Example Thesis: Many Americans are buying smaller cars because of their competitive pricing, fuel economy, and high resale value. Example Conclusion: Reasonable prices, high gas mileage, and an elevated resale value have all contributed to the popularity of small cars.

Summary/Clincher Summarize your three main points Explain why your evidence proves each of these people is guilty Provide some sort of final thought related to consequences – tie this to your attention getter!

Final Thoughts Your conclusion is your last chance to prove your argument. Your reader should know the paper is ending and not be left with unanswered questions. Just follow this simple format, and you will be okay! Restate thesis in a new way Summarize main points Final Thought/Clincher