1. Crash Course in Conclusion Paragraphs

2. Objectives
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W E Provide a concluding statement or section that supports the argument presented.
Understand the purpose of a conclusion and how to write one.

3. Purpose of Conclusion
The last paragraph of your essay should provide the reader with a sense of closure (a finished feeling).
Wrap up your thoughts (don’t introduce new ones).
Restate central argument and main points.
Leave your readers with strong, satisfied feeling (dessert).
NOTE: DO ALL OF THIS WITH NEW WORD CHOICE.

5. Structure of Conclusion
Restatement of Thesis
Summary of Main Points
Final Word (So What?)

6. Restatement of Thesis
Intro: The theme of Of Mice and Men is that the American Dream is unrealistic and impossible to achieve.
Conclusion: Of Mice and Men is a timeless classic with many important themes, but none is as prevalent as the difficulty of attaining the elusive American Dream.
Vary your word choice (mix it up).

7. Summary of Main Points
Briefly restate your supporting arguments (recap, like a reverse roadmap, but in the order you introduced them).
DON’T introduce new ideas.
Ex: Almost every character suffers the disillusionment of this impossible Dream. Curley’s wife dreams of fame and fortune but instead marries a man she does not love. Crooks longs for companionship but suffers loneliness due to the racial prejudice of the times. And finally, George wants nothing more than independence and stability but finds only hardship and disappointment.
Not too general, not too specific.

8. Final Word Like a hook, but at the end
You can even allude back to your hook!
If you’re trying to persuade your reader, perhaps end with a call to action.
Answer the question, “So what?” What’s the point of your essay? Why should I care?
If your topic has universal relevance to your reader, draw that connection
Ex: Even though Bruce Springsteen began writing songs decades after the Great Depression, his lyrics ring true for modern dreamers today; sometimes the American Dream just cannot become the American reality.

9. Reminders DON’T use personal pronouns: I, me, my, you
DON’T just end your essay abruptly
DON’T use ideas that are not your own
DO be creative and use your own personal style and voice (nothing wrong with a little humor if it’s apro-pro)

10. Contact me with questions