1. Strong conclusions
English 9

2. We need the strongest conclusions

3. A conclusion is like…

4. A conclusion is like…

5. A conclusion is like…

6. What makes a strong conclusion?
Discuss with a partner
Top 3 things to include
Top 3 things to avoid

7. According to Ms. Fournier:
A strong conclusion includes:
An opening transition sentence that reiterates (restates/enforces) the stance which you have taken throughout the essay
A short recap of the important points, but more importantly, a short, reworded summary of the most important REASONS why one should consider your stance/position
A final parting thought that shines light on the overall importance of changing our ways (as a society)

8. According to Ms. Fournier:
A strong conclusion excludes:
First person point of view – you have been stating your opinion all along. I know this is your opinion because you wrote your name at the top of the paper. You don’t have to start throwing in an “I believe” or “I think” statement

9. According to Ms. Fournier:
Do not simply list the “above things that have been discussed” ie. “In paragraph one, the importance of sugar in moderation was thoroughly discussed”. Please don’t do this. Rather, you can make a statement like: “As examined in the documentary “The Secrets of Sugar”, sugar in moderation can contribute to a number of key bodily functions such as energy production and a healthy metabolism.”

10. According to Ms. Fournier:
Do not bring up any new points!
It isn’t the time to save the best gift for last. It isn’t time to set up the play of the game that you’ve been saving for the very end. DON’T BRING UP ANYTHING YOU HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED IN YOUR PREVIOUS PARAGRAPHS.
Use your valid points in your body paragraphs.
If something is truly important, fit it in somewhere else!
Conclusion in a persuasive essay is meant to “bring it home”… The hard part was convincing your parents to get you a puppy. The crucial part is not to mess it up on the car ride home.

11. A rebuttal
Think of the argument the (imaginary) opposing side may argue against your opinion
Write down the exact statement that you believe is the main opposing force against your opinion (2 mins to formulate)
Your goal: acknowledge, but don’t accept the opposing statement!
Use your language wisely – this is absolutely crucial!

12. Acknowledgement
Recognize it. “Hear it out”. These are key argumentative strategies
Try it next time you need to hold your ground!
“Go clean your room because we are having company over”
Although a parent may believe that a successful dinner party goes hand in hand with a teenager’s bedroom cleanliness, research has proven that guests rarely witness what goes on behind closed doors, and the correlation between the two events has been disproven. With that being said, under no circumstances should an adolescent be obligated to clean their room simply to please a parent.

13. Key transition words/phrases:
In other words…
In short…
To be sure…
Without a doubt…
Obviously…
Unquestionably…
Although…
In brief…
Undoubtedly…
In any case…
Due to the fact…