Do you ever write a spectacular essay, but don’t know how to end it? I know I definitely have. I write all my thoughts, but struggle tying them together in a concise conclusion that will leave the reader thinking and reflecting about my essay. This blog is going to offer you some advice on how to end your superb, well-thought-out essay. Conclusions can seem intimidating, but don’t have to be if you follow a few pieces of advice.
Re-stating the Introduction
I know it may seem wrong to repeat yourself in the conclusion, but it really isn’t. The reader has just finished reading all of your insightful points and has probably already forgotten about your introduction. Use the conclusion to re-state your introduction, take the same ideas and re-word them to ground the reader again in the main points of your essay. Summarizing the point again can be helpful and allow the reader to collect their thoughts at the end of the essay. If a conclusion introduced a new idea and mentioned other random thoughts, then readers would most likely become confused. It’s perfectly fine to center your ideas again in the conclusion and re-state your introduction. It is not only beneficial for the writer to do this, but also for the reader.
How Do I Leave my Reader Pondering Life?
It is very difficult to craft a conclusion to leave the reader reflecting on your ideas or opinion you just proposed. However, it can be done well if you explicitly state your opinion and propose either a question for the reader to reflect on or a powerful quote. Think about writing something that will make the reader want to go out and make a change in the world, or be inspired to write something of their own. A conclusion can be a small little inspirational moment for the writer to get their point across and influence the reader one last time. Don’t be afraid to be concise, clear, and creative. Attempt to leave your reader inspired and wanting to investigate your claims more after reading your essay.
Using Transitions in a Conclusion
When jumping from a main body paragraph to the conclusion, it is important to use some type of transitional phrase. Transitions help a paper flow and connect ideas. Some specific transitional phrases that can be used for conclusions are in brief, in conclusion, overall, on the whole, and in the final analysis. These phrases will guide the reader and make the transition to the conclusion easier to write and smoother to read.
Writer’s Block When Ending a Paper
Sometimes you have worked for hours on a paper attempting to perfectly construct your argument. It takes a lot of brain power to just write the paper, but then you’re faced with the daunting task of the conclusion and can’t think of anything else to write. At that point it is OK, if time allows, to close the computer or put down the pen and take a break. Sometimes the best thing for a tired mind is rest and reflection. If you come back to your paper after a day or even a few hours, it is amazing how productive you can be. The best ideas can come after you have stepped away from your work for some time!
Contributed by: Emma Rizzutti, Writing Center intern
The Writing Corner 
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