Update about in-text citation in your research paper: According to Ray Kurzweil, “if AI becomes an existential threat, it won’t be the first one” (Kurzweil). Even though this is redundant, make sure to give a parenthetical citation following every piece of source information, including evidence where you introduce the author beforehand.

Since the conclusion paragraph is the last part of the essay, writers must synthesize their arguments and bring it all home to to leave a memorable impression on the reader.

Point to the Future The first sentence of the conclusion paragraph can point to the future in a way that relates to the topic. Describing a future scenario that relates to the essay's topic can be an intriguing way to introduce the final paragraph. For example, to conclude a persuasive essay on why students should not be required to wear uniforms, the concluding paragraph can start by pointing to the future: In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment that squashes a student’s individuality.

Suggest a Future Action The second sentence of the conclusion paragraph can suggest a future action that needs to be taken by the writer or the reader. For example: As a stakeholder in this school, you should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms. This call to action is an especially effective technique if students are writing a persuasive essay because students want to rally their readers to promote change.

Relate to the Thesis The third and fourth sentences can relate to the thesis statement. Use a restatement of the thesis to serve a specific purpose. You can make a deeper observation about life, human nature, community or society. Delve into the deeper meaning of their thesis and offer insight to readers rather than mere repetition of ideas. Example: With standardized testing being the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause students to lose yet another means of personal expression.

Express Opinions on the Topic Although it may be inappropriate to express personal opinions in the body of certain types of essays, the last sentence or two of the conclusion can be an effective location for student commentary on the topic. You may want to make a more general observation about how the topic applies to society or the world. Ending an essay with a unique thought can leave a lasting impression in the reader's mind. Example: Students face so many challenges in education with less time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about going to school.

Example Conclusion Paragraph: In conclusion, a school with uniforms offers a bland environment that squashes a student’s individuality. As a stakeholder in this school, you should seek to preserve the individual spirit of students and vote “no” on school uniforms. With standardized testing being the driving force in education, students are expected to fit into some “one size fits all” mold. Uniforms would only further cause students to lose yet another means of personal expression. Students face so many challenges in education with less time to relax and be themselves. Expecting them to walk around like clones in uniforms will only cause students to be even less excited about going to school.

Concluding Paragraphs Of course, this is just a guideline for composing your concluding paragraph. These are minimum expectations, but you are welcome to use any strategy that you find most effective.

Overall Research Paper (structure) Introduction Body paragraphs (4 or 5) Oppositional Paragraph Conclusion

Classwork and Homework For Friday: using the provided outline, your introductory paragraph, your body paragraphs, and instructions you’ve received, compose the concluding paragraph for your research paper including, at a minimum, a point to the future, a call to action, a restatement of the thesis, and a concluding commentary. I will continue to conference with students one at a time today; remember that each step of this research paper is a grade. If you have any questions, come see me when I’m available.