What is a conclusion?

A conclusion brings a sense of closure and finality to a text. The concluding paragraph is very closely related to the introduction of an essay in the sense that it reinforces what has been discussed in the essay. 

Functions of the concluding paragraph:

• To make one last effort to convince the reader 

• To suggest larger implications now that the evidence has been presented 

• To provide a satisfying sense of closure

How to conclude?

1. Restate what you have discussed by merging ideas together in way that verifies and supports your argument and tie-in the conclusion with your introduction. If you consider that, in the introduction, you have ‘suggested’ various points, then your conclusion must be definite in the way it emphasizes your success in proving those points. 

2. Use language which is uncompromising in its delivery. It must have such air of authority that its stance is irreproachable. To achieve this, try to use an authoritative voice. An example of this would be beginning a sentence with: ‘It has now become clear that...’ or ‘Without doubt, the case has been proven for...’ Unless specifically requested, never write in first person narrative using the word ‘I’ as this is outside the usual convention of essay writing.

3. To make your conclusion sound academically accomplished, avoid using phrases which use the word conclusion or conclude such as: ‘In conclusion then..’ or ‘To conclude...’ but rather use constructive language which sounds absolute and proficient. For example, ‘A clear link has therefore emerged with Frankenstein’s monster and the Industrial revolution’

4. To know how to write an utstanding conclusion one must finalize the essay with a sentence that has impact and lasting effect on the reader. This can often be achieved by re-stating a viewpoint which you feel has been clearly proved or by ending with a powerful quote which echoes and agrees with the main thrust of your argument.

How can I conclude?

• Make a useful quotation, analogy or comparison. 

• Suggest specific actions that the reader should take in light of the information you've provided. 

• Speculate about what your thesis implies for the future. 

• Make a brief remark that sums up your feelings and main points. 

Things To Avoid

• The unnecessary summary

  Only lengthy, complex papers need a conclusion that summarizes the material covered in the paper.   

• The empty cliche 

"So ends the analysis of myself and the question of who  am I has been answered in a brief form." 

• The unnecessary announcement 

"And in conclusion, let me say....“

• The trite truism (人人皆知的套话)

"And as for the future, only time will tell." 

Assignment: 

• Read Textbook pp.179-92

• Rewrite the introduction and the conclusion of Essay #2, underline the topic sentence, the structure sentence and the thesis sentence in the introduction, and underline your conclusion in the last paragraph.

• Bring all of your journals next week!