You’re sprinting towards the finish line of your essay, report, or article. The end is in sight, victory is near… but wait. There’s one last hurdle, and it’s deceptively tricky: the conclusion. It’s that final sentence, that closing paragraph, that can make or break your entire piece.
And here’s the truth: Your conclusion is the ultimate test of whether you’ve truly grasped the essence of your message and can leave a lasting impact.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you how to write a conclusion that don’t just end your piece, but make it unforgettable.
We’ll cover everything from restating your main points to crafting a killer call to action. We’ll even break it down for different types of writing – essays, research papers, you name it.
Plus, we’re throwing in some bonus wisdom fromBlinkist book summaries along the way. Because just like Blinkist gives you the key takeaways from the best fiction and nonfiction books, we’re here to give you the key takeaways on writing unforgettable conclusions.
A conclusion is the final part of a piece of writing, where the main points are summarized and a final thought or call to action is presented. It aims to provide closure, reinforce the central message, and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
The specific content within a conclusion hinges on the nature of your work. However, a well-rounded conclusion generally serves to:
And just like a great conclusion, the key to making your ideas memorable lies in crafting them to be “sticky.” In their book Made to Stick,Chip and Dan Heath explore the principles behind ideas that stick, offering valuable lessons for writing conclusions that leave a lasting impact:
You’ve laid the groundwork, presented your evidence, and made your case. Now it’s time to seal the deal with a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Here are some essential strategies to help you master the art of crafting a strong conclusion for any piece of writing:
Imagine your conclusion as a gentle echo of your core message, reverberating in the reader’s mind. Don’t simply copy-paste your thesis statement; instead, rephrase it in a fresh and impactful way.
Original Thesis: “Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health.”
Restated in Conclusion: “Incorporating exercise into your daily routine isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, both physically and mentally.”
The goal is to remind the reader of your central argument while offering a new perspective or insight based on the evidence you’ve presented.
If you’ve just created a long piece of writing, it can be easy for the reader to forget certain points you’ve made throughout. To make sure they leave with everything they need to know, summarize your key points in your conclusion.
Keep this short, though, to avoid repeating yourself too much. And go beyond a simple summary by synthesizing your main points, too. Tell the reader how exactly these points all come together to support your overall argument
Create a sense of completion by referencing something you mentioned in your introduction. This could be a story, a question, a statistic, or a quote. By bringing your writing full circle, you’ll leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction and closure.
Example: “Remember the story of John, who struggled with anxiety until he discovered the power of running? His transformation highlights the profound impact exercise can have on mental well-being.”
This technique not only reinforces your message but also adds a touch of elegance to your conclusion.
You want your conclusion to be clear and concise, but don’t be afraid to amp up the emotion slightly. Use powerful words, create a strong visual image, and be direct with the point you’re trying to make.
If your piece of writing is trying to convince the reader of something, this is your chance to tap into emotion to make it happen.
Depending on the type of writing, consider including a call to action. This could be a question to ponder, further research to conduct, or a specific action to take.
Your call to action could be:
A well-crafted call to action empowers the reader and encourages them to apply your message to their own lives.
As you write your conclusion, constantly ask yourself, “So what?” This simple question will help you ensure that every sentence adds value and contributes to the overall impact of your writing.
Example: “So what if exercise improves cardiovascular health? It means you’ll have more energy to pursue your passions, spend time with loved ones, and live life to the fullest.”
By addressing the “so what?” question, you’ll go beyond stating facts and demonstrate the real-world implications of your message.
In his book Hooked,Nir Eyal explores the psychology behind habit-forming products and experiences. One key takeaway is the importance of creating a sense of anticipation and reward. A principle can also be applied to your conclusion:
While the general principles we’ve discussed apply to all forms of writing, essays require a slightly more tailored approach. Here’s how to ensure your essay conclusions not only summarize your points but also showcase your understanding and insight:
Especially when writing a conclusion for an argumentative essay, it’s crucial to maintain that formal tone while also reasserting your stance with conviction. Your conclusion should serve as the final, resounding echo of your thesis statement, leaving no doubt about your position on the issue.
In Ultralearning,Scott Youngexplores strategies for accelerated learning and skill acquisition. One key takeaway is the importance of “directness” – focusing your efforts on the specific skills you want to master. And this principle applies to essay writing as well, take a look:
Research papers demand a conclusion that’s both concise and impactful, showcasing the significance of your findings and paving the way for future exploration. Here’s how to craft a conclusion that meets these high standards:
In Thinking, Fast and Slow,Daniel Kahnemandelves into the two systems of thinking that drive human decision-making. He highlights how System 1 thinking, which is fast and intuitive, can often lead to biases and errors.
Now that you know what to include in your conclusion, let’s explore what to leave out. Steering clear of these common pitfalls will ensure your writing ends on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on your readers.
The ideal length of your conclusion depends on the type and length of your writing.
As a general rule of thumb, aim for a conclusion that’s approximately10-20% of your overall word count. This ensures you provide adequate closure without overstaying your welcome.
Remember, a great conclusion does more than just summarize; it solidifies your message, sparks further thought, and leaves a lasting impression.
Want more writing tips? We’ve coveredhow to write better emails,how to write a memo, andhow to write a congratulatory message on achievement.
And if you can’t get enough of our handy Blinkist book summaries, check out our curated collection: Best Books on Writing: Inspiration for putting words on the page.
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Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.
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