Session 5: Writing Powerful Conclusions Today’s Teaching Point: Argument writers call to mind familiar strategies to write strong conclusions, including not just restating a claim, but also leaving the reader with new thinking.

Powerful Conclusions Might… Restate the claim, finding another way to say the same thing Leave readers with something to think about Show how the claim of the essay has significance in your own life or the lives of your reader Suggest a further way of acting or of thinking Show how your own position slightly shifted Demonstrate how you are being fair to other viewpoints Describe the significance of your argument for stakeholders Offer additional insights, implications, questions, challenges

Critique the Writing of Older Students A former student is currently studying for the SAT and has been doing a ton of essay writing practice. Let’s study his work and give him some advice. I’m not going to tell you what his claim is because you should be able to figure that out if his conclusion has all of the parts it should have. Let’s take a look.

Student Writing With money, comes a great deal of selfishness. Some people think that money leads to bliss, and that bliss will ultimately lead to greater altruism and concern for the common good. However, the vast majority of people who fall upon great wealth tend to behave in increasingly selfish ways. There are those in the wealthiest tier of society who are known as altruistic. People such as Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet give copious amounts of money to charities. However, these billionaires make sure to take care of themselves first. They live self-centered lives of greedy wealth, despite so many who are living in poverty. These examples show that money leads to selfishness.

Thomas’s Conclusion Working Well Tips Clear Claim (What is it?) Make a suggestion to the billionaires to change. Gives Examples from Real Life Give a reflection. (Speak about how it can be hard to just think of yourself, keep working on it) Connects the Claim to Others Sets a Tone (Rich people are greedy)

Homework: Write Your Own Conclusion and Finalize Your Paper Write your Conclusion: Restate the claim, finding another way to say the same thing Leave readers with something to think about Show how the claim of the essay has significance in your own life or the lives of your reader Suggest a further way of acting or of thinking Show how your own position slightly shifted Demonstrate how you are being fair to other viewpoints Describe the significance of your argument for stakeholders Offer additional insights, implications, questions, challenges Finalize your Paper: Have the title and your name at the top of the page. Insert page numbers, pictures, charts/tables, etc… (Make this look professional!) Insert in-text citations! Check writing goals to make sure they are being improved. Bibliography at the end-Use sources that you have to help with this.