Constructing a Compelling Conclusion Paragraph

You can think of the progression of ideas in a conclusion paragraph as a right-side up triangle.

Your ideas should move/develop SPECIFIC BROAD TEXT UNIVERSAL

An effective conclusion ALSO contains three important components.

Restatement of Thesis (1 sentence) Remind readers of the ARGUMENT you are attempting to prove with your paper. DO NOT simply copy the original sentence from your introduction--reword your main idea! Cut your requirements in half—include stance and prongs.

Example Harrison Bergeron proves truly heroic, through his loyalty to change, his noble actions, and his extraordinary abilities.

Best Argument Reminder (1-2 sentences) Remind readers of your BEST points. Look to your body paragraphs for your best ideas, accusations, etc. DO NOT simply re-copy these original sentences from your body paragraphs--reword these ideas! This is your LAST CHANCE to wow & persuade your audience!

Example Through rebelliously kissing the ballerina, flying through the air amid gun shots, and continually refusing to wear his handicaps, Harrison heroically defies the government. 

Epiphany Statement (1-2 sentences) Think BIG PICTURE! Questions to Consider: What lesson(s) should readers be taking away from your paper and its argument? What ideas from your paper can readers apply to their own lives? How / why is this novel relevant / universal?

Example Not only are the futuristic citizens inspired by Harrison’s actions but so are readers as Harrison provides a wonderful example to all those needing to step away from government and heroically rebel.  As a result of Vonnegut’s text, readers can learn the importance of rising up and being a single voice of resistance in the face of oppression.