Writing a Conclusion Presented by Erika 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. Here’s my thesis: Despite the negative connotation we associate with killing animals, Carlson’s actions show his concern for Candy, his mercy for Candy’s dog, and his ability to enact positive change. My conclusion could say: Although it is indeed a sad occurrence when Carlson shoots Candy’s old dog, Carlson’s actions demonstrate his concern for Candy, his mercy for Candy’s 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 Candy’s old dog, death was better than life. It took a merciful character like Carlson to help Candy’s dog achieve the peace that only death could bring.”

Be creative Don’t be too worried about your conclusion. You’ve already done the hard work convincing me in your body paragraphs. Your conclusion should just be the icing on the cake!

Homework On Friday, Nov. 15, bring a full, typed draft of your essay for peer review. On Tuesday, Nov. 19 th, bring in a revised draft for peer editing. Your final essay is due at the start of class on Thursday, November 21, 2013!!! For each calendar day it is late, it is 5% off. That includes school days, weekend days, and vacation days! All of your Of Mice and Men essay work is also due at the beginning of class. I will let you know how to turn it in. Remember to bring your Of Mice and Men book to class on because you will be returning it!!!

Keep it up! You’ve been working hard and you’re 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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