3.4: Concluding Paragraph

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The conclusion paragraph of an expository essay is an author’s last chance to create a good impression. Hence, it is important to restate the thesis statement at the beginning of the paragraph in order to remind the reader of your topic and explanation. Since it is at the end of the paper, the conclusion paragraph also should add a sense of closure and finality to the clarification of the paper. It is important to re-emphasize the main idea without being repetitive or introducing an entirely new idea or subtopic. While you can conclude your conclusion paragraph by suggesting a topic for further research or investigation, do not make this question the focus of the paragraph. Thus, you should briefly and concisely reiterate the strongest clarifications of the paper, reminding the reader of the validity of your thesis or explanation and bringing closure to your paper.

Concluding Paragraph:

Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
Briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
Provide a strong and effective close for the paper.

Things to always do	Things to never do
Stress the importance of the thesis. Include a brief summary of the main idea. Be concise. Provide a sense of closure.	Rework your introduction or thesis statement. Use overused phrases. Example: “In summary...” or “In conclusion...” Announce what you have written in the body of the essay Example: “In this paper I have emphasized the importance of...” Apologize. Example: “Although I do not have all the answers...” Make absolute claims. Example: “This proves that the government should...”

Things to always do

Things to never do

Stress the importance of the thesis.
Include a brief summary of the main idea.
Be concise.
Provide a sense of closure.

Rework your introduction or thesis statement.
Use overused phrases.
Example: “In summary...” or “In conclusion...”
Announce what you have written in the body of the essay
Example: “In this paper I have emphasized the importance of...”
Apologize.
Example: “Although I do not have all the answers...”
Make absolute claims.
Example: “This proves that the government should...”

You may feel that the conclusion paragraph is redundant or unnecessary; However, do not forget that this is your last chance to explain the significance of your argument to your audience. Just as your body paragraphs strive to present the significance of each fact or quote you use, your conclusion paragraph should sum up the significance of your argument. Thus, you should consider making a bold statement in your concluding paragraph by evoking a vivid image, suggesting results or consequences related to your argument or ending with a warning. Through using these components, you not only make your conclusion paragraph more exciting, but you also make your essay and your argument, more important.

Review Questions

What are three of the main purposes of an introductory paragraph?
What should you never do in an introductory paragraph?
How should you refute counterpoints?
What is the formula for a well-argued body paragraph?
What should you include in a conclusion paragraph? What should never include in a conclusion paragraph?

Points to Consider

Write an expository essay about your favorite movie or book, paying special attention to why a certain book or movie is your favorite. Be sure to adequately summarize the movie or book in order to provide a concise and comprehensible explanation. Additionally, be sure to use concrete details and examples to explain why you enjoy the book or movie you are writing about. Simply summarizing the plot will not explain to the reader why the book or movie is entertaining to you.
Write an expository essay about a historical event, indicating at least three factors that contributed to its development. For instance, you could discuss how factors, such as World War I, led to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. A factor could be an event, an individual or a movement that is historically significant. In order to properly show how certain factors caused or contributed to a specific event, you must clarify both the factors and the event itself.