Writing a Conclusion Presented by rErika Wanczuk Based on a presentation by Gina Drago

A conclusion should… 1. stress the importance of the thesis statement, 2. give the essay a sense of completeness, and 3. leave a final impression on the reader. Your conclusion should restate your argument and wrap things up!

Restate your thesis Not verbatim (word for word), but restate your argument. Heres my thesis: Despite the negative connotation we associate with killing animals, Carlsons actions show his concern for Candy, his mercy for Candys dog, and his ability to enact positive change. My conclusion could say: Although it is indeed a sad occurrence when Carlson shoots Candys old dog, Carlsons actions demonstrate his concern for Candy, his mercy for Candys dog, and his ability to enact positive change.

Bring your essay full-circle Bring the reader back to your introduction to tie your essay together. Example: If your hook stated: Sometimes death is better than life, but it takes someone merciful to help you get there. Your conclusion could say something like: In the case of Candys old dog, death was better than life. It took a merciful character like Carlson to help Candys dog achieve the peace that only death could bring.

Be creative Dont be too worried about your conclusion. Youve already done the hard work convincing me in your body paragraphs. Your conclusion should just be the icing on the cake!

homework Your final essay is due at the start of class on Monday November 7, 2011 For each calendar day it is late, it is 5% off. That includes weekend days. Your Of Mice and Men packet is also due at the beginning of class. You may turn everything in stapled or in a folder. Remember to bring your Of Mice and Men book to class on Monday because you will be returning it.

Keep it up! Youve been working hard and youre almost done. Keep up the good work this weekend and next week so you can turn in an essay of which you are proud!

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