Spencer Lanoue
Writing a conclusion might seem like a small part of a larger writing task, but it holds immense power in leaving your reader with a lasting impression. Whether you're wrapping up an essay, a report, or even a novel, a well-crafted conclusion can tie your arguments together and provide closure. In this post, let's explore the art of writing conclusions that resonate, inspire, and, most importantly, feel complete.
What a Strong Conclusion Should Do
A good conclusion is like the final chord in a song—it brings everything together and wraps it up neatly. But what exactly should a strong conclusion achieve? Let's break it down.
Summarize Key Points: A conclusion should succinctly restate the main points or arguments you've discussed in your piece. It’s not about repetition but about reinforcing what you’ve already said.
Provide Closure: Think of the conclusion as the final stop on a journey. It should give your reader a sense of completion and satisfaction, knowing they've reached the end of your narrative.
Leave a Lasting Impression: Whether through a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a call to action, a conclusion should resonate with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.
Connect to the Bigger Picture: Sometimes, it’s helpful to tie your specific points to a broader context, helping readers see the relevance or implications of your writing.
Here's an example of a conclusion that ties together a persuasive essay on climate change:
As we've seen, climate change is not merely a future threat but a present-day reality impacting millions worldwide. Through immediate action, including reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and supporting sustainable practices, we can mitigate its effects. Our planet's future depends on the choices we make today; let's choose to be part of the solution.
Notice how this conclusion summarizes the main points, encourages action, and connects to a larger issue? It’s all about leaving the reader with something to think about.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wrapping Up
Even the most experienced writers can stumble when it comes to conclusions. Avoiding these common pitfalls can elevate your writing from good to great.
Avoid Introducing New Information: Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or arguments. Doing so can confuse readers and weaken your overall message.
Steer Clear of Clichés: Phrases like "in conclusion" or "to sum up" can feel overused and can detract from the strength of your writing.
Don’t Merely Repeat the Introduction: While it’s important to revisit your thesis or main points, simply repeating your introduction can make your conclusion feel redundant.
Avoid Being Too Vague: Vague conclusions that lack specificity can leave readers feeling unsatisfied. Be clear and concise in your final thoughts.
Don’t End Abruptly: An abrupt ending can leave readers hanging. Make sure your conclusion feels like a natural endpoint to your narrative.
Imagine a conclusion that abruptly ends like this:
In summary, exercise is important. There are many benefits. Thank you.
This doesn't provide closure or a lasting impression. Instead, aim for something more engaging and thoughtful.
Ways to Leave a Lasting Impression
A memorable conclusion doesn’t just summarize; it elevates your entire piece. Here are some strategies to ensure your conclusion sticks with your audience.
Pose a Thought-Provoking Question: Ending with a question can encourage readers to ponder your subject further. It’s a subtle way to keep the conversation going beyond the page.
Use a Relevant Quote: A well-chosen quote can encapsulate your message or add credibility to your argument. Just make sure it aligns with your overall theme.
Provide a Call to Action: Especially in persuasive writing, a call to action can motivate readers to take steps related to your topic, whether it’s changing a habit or supporting a cause.
Connect to a Broader Theme: Tying your conclusion to a larger theme can help readers understand the broader implications of your work and see its relevance in a wider context.
End with a Personal Reflection: Sharing a personal insight or revelation can add a unique and authentic touch to your conclusion, making it more relatable.
Consider this conclusion from a personal essay on perseverance:
Reflecting on my journey, I've realized that resilience isn't about never falling, but about rising each time we do. Every setback has shaped me into who I am today, and I stand ready to face whatever comes next. Isn't that what life's all about—embracing the climb, one step at a time?
This conclusion uses personal reflection to leave a lasting impact, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
Real Examples That Work Well
Seeing examples in action can help solidify these concepts. Let’s look at some conclusions across different writing formats.
Essay Conclusion
In an essay about the effects of social media on mental health, the conclusion might look like this:
While social media offers unprecedented connectivity, its impact on mental health cannot be ignored. By fostering meaningful offline relationships and practicing digital mindfulness, we can navigate the digital landscape without compromising our well-being. It's up to us to create a balanced and healthy relationship with technology.
This conclusion ties back to the essay's main arguments, offers solutions, and leaves the reader with an empowering message.
Report Conclusion
For a business report on market trends, a conclusion might read:
Our analysis indicates a significant shift towards sustainable products, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly options. By investing in green technologies and transparent practices, companies can not only meet this demand but also lead the way in ethical business. The future belongs to those who innovate and adapt.
This conclusion not only summarizes findings but also suggests a forward-looking strategy.
Novel Conclusion
In a novel, the conclusion might wrap up character arcs and themes:
As the sun set over the horizon, Emily knew her journey was just beginning. The challenges she faced had taught her the value of friendship, courage, and hope. With her heart full of dreams and a newfound sense of purpose, she stepped into the future with confidence.
This conclusion provides closure for the character's journey and leaves readers with a sense of hope and possibility.
Crafting Conclusions for Different Purposes
Different types of writing require different kinds of conclusions. Here’s how you can adapt your conclusion to fit various formats.
Persuasive Writing
In persuasive writing, your conclusion should reinforce your argument and motivate your readers to take action. It’s not just about restating your points but about inspiring change.
By supporting local farmers and choosing organic produce, we can reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier lifestyle. Let’s take a stand today for a better tomorrow.
Narrative Writing
In narrative writing, your conclusion should provide resolution to the story and reflect on the themes. It’s the moment where everything comes together.
With each letter she penned, Clara found solace in her words. Writing had become her refuge, a way to make sense of a world that often felt overwhelming. In her stories, she discovered her voice and, more importantly, herself.
Informative Writing
In informative writing, your conclusion should summarize the essential information and emphasize its relevance. It’s about reinforcing understanding.
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power offer viable solutions to our energy crisis. By investing in these technologies, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Creative Writing
For creative writing, your conclusion can be more open-ended, allowing readers to interpret and reflect. It’s about leaving an emotional or thought-provoking impact.
As the final notes of the melody faded away, Sarah closed her eyes and smiled. Music had always been her escape, a world where she could be anything she wanted. And in that moment, she felt free.
Techniques for Making Conclusions More Impactful
Sometimes, making small tweaks can significantly enhance the impact of your conclusion. Here are some techniques to consider.
Use Vivid Language: Descriptive language can paint a picture in the reader's mind, making your conclusion more memorable.
Create a Sense of Urgency: In persuasive writing, conveying urgency can prompt readers to act quickly.
Draw a Parallel: Refer back to a story or example you used earlier in your piece to create a satisfying full-circle moment.
Incorporate Humor: A touch of humor can make your conclusion more engaging, as long as it fits the tone of your piece.
Utilize Repetition: Repeating a key phrase or idea can reinforce your message and make it more memorable.
Consider this example from a humorous essay about the trials of learning to cook:
In the end, I may not have mastered the art of soufflé, but I did learn one thing: cooking is just like life—sometimes it flops, but you've got to keep whisking and hoping for the best. Who knew eggs could teach you so much?
This conclusion uses humor and repetition to leave a lighthearted impression.
The Role of Emotion in Conclusions
Emotion can be a powerful tool in crafting conclusions that resonate. Here's how to effectively incorporate emotion into your writing.
Tap into Universal Experiences: Relatable emotions like joy, nostalgia, or curiosity can connect with readers on a deeper level.
Use Personal Insights: Sharing personal anecdotes or reflections can add authenticity and emotional depth to your conclusion.
Evoke Empathy: Encouraging readers to empathize with your subject can strengthen your message and make it more impactful.
Balance Emotion with Logic: While emotion can enhance your conclusion, it’s essential to balance it with logical reasoning, especially in persuasive or informative writing.
An emotional conclusion for a memoir might read:
As I stood at the edge of the old dock, memories flooded back—of summers filled with laughter, of bonds formed and promises made. It was here that I learned to love, to lose, and ultimately, to let go. And though the years have passed, the lessons remain, etched in my heart like the gentle ripples on the lake.
This conclusion uses vivid imagery and emotion to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection.
How Spell Can Help
Writing a compelling conclusion can be tricky, but that’s where I come in. With Spell, you can write your first draft in seconds and refine it for clarity and impact. Whether you’re crafting an essay, a report, or a personal story, I can help you structure your thoughts and ensure your conclusion leaves a lasting impression. Want to see how it works? Get started for free and experience a new way to write and edit with ease.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a conclusion that resonates involves summarizing your main points, providing closure, and leaving a lasting impression. By avoiding common mistakes and using techniques like vivid language and emotion, you can create a conclusion that truly stands out. With Spell, you can effortlessly draft and refine your conclusion, ensuring your writing is polished and impactful. Discover how I can help you write your first draft in seconds and enhance your writing process.
