1. Conclusions

2. What is a Conclusion?
A Conclusion is the final paragraph in your essay:
Your Conclusion should:
Restate your thesis without directly repeating it.
Summarize the key points, or subtopics, in your essay.
Leave the reader with a So What? or lasting piece of information

3. What makes a good So What?
Memorable conclusions:
Pose a question to the reader.
Plan a course of action.
Leaving a lasting image.
Offer advice for further study.

4. Example #1: Posing a Question
It was the worst experience of his life. Andrew decided that it was the last time he would ever go on a roller coaster. Who could blame him?

5. Example #2: Offering a Solution
A criminal, no matter his/her age, should be dealt with according to the crime. The legal system is too lenient when it comes to juvenile offenders. Laws need to be rewritten immediately so that no more hard core criminals go free just because they are juveniles.

6. Example #3: Lasting Image
I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, before closing time. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents' arms as we waited for the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. I smiled to think that for at least a day I felt ten years old again.

7. Example #4: Call to Action
American Sign Language is a fast growing language in America. More and more universities and colleges are offering it as part of their curriculum and some are even requiring it as part of their program. This writer suggests that anyone who has a chance to learn this beautiful language should grab that opportunity.

8. Conclusions should Not…
Offer new information that was previously mentioned in the essay.
Focus on minor points.
Parrot the introduction
Be apologetic. Avoid phrases, “at least in my opinion,” or “I may not be an expert on this topic.”

9. Let’s Practice: Look at the following example
Let’s Practice: Look at the following example. Can you identify the restatement of thesis, subtopics, and the concluding remark?

10. Because of mounting public awareness of the dangers of distracted by cell phones, state legislators must begin to tackle this increasing problem. Solutions include enacting new laws, citizens must campaign for initiatives, and police need to hand out stiff fines. The time has come for states to adopt legislation restricting the use of cell phone in moving vehicles. Innocent lives are at risk this very moment.

11. Because of mounting public awareness of the dangers of distracted by cell phones, state legislators must begin to tackle this increasing problem. Solutions include enacting new laws, citizens must campaign for initiatives, and police need to hand out stiff fines. The time has come for states to adopt legislation restricting the use of cell phone in moving vehicles. Innocent lives are at risk this very moment.
Blue = Restate Thesis
Red = Subtopics
Purple = Final Remark

12. Summary Conclusions use the following sequence:
Thesis: Restate the thesis using different wording from your introduction.
Subtopics: Restate your subtopics using some details from your body paragraphs.
So What?: Leave the reader with a lasting piece of information.