How to Write a Conclusion for Every Writing Project
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.
What is a Conclusion?
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:
- Reiterate the Core Message: Echo the central point or argument that has guided your entire piece.
- Synthesize Key Points: Concisely encapsulate the most salient information and arguments, demonstrating their interconnectedness.
- Provide Closure: Offer a sense of resolution and completeness, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction.
- Leave a Lasting Impression: Ignite contemplation or inspire action, ensuring your message resonates long after the final sentence is read.
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:
Made to Stick
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph
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:
1. Restate Your Main Point
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.
2. Summarize Your Arguments
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
3. Refer Back to the Introduction
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.
4. Use Powerful Language
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.
5. Include a Call to Action
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:
- Download the app today to start your 30-day free trial.
- Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the expert advice that will 10x your business.
A well-crafted call to action empowers the reader and encourages them to apply your message to their own lives.
6. Ask Yourself “So What?”
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:
Hooked
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay
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:
- Answer the Essay Question Directly: Your conclusion should leave no doubt in the reader’s mind that you’ve fully addressed the prompt or question posed in the essay.
- Synthesize, Don’t Just Summarize: Go beyond a mere recap of your main points. Instead, synthesize your arguments to reveal a deeper understanding of the topic. Show how your various points connect and contribute to a larger picture.
- Offer Insights or Implications: A strong essay conclusion leaves the reader with something to ponder. Consider the broader implications of your arguments, suggest potential avenues for future research, or offer a personal reflection on the topic.
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:
Ultralearning
- 30 min reading time
- audio version available
How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper
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:
- Clearly Answer the Research Question: Your conclusion should directly and unequivocally address the central research question or hypothesis that guided your study.
- Summarize Findings and Significance: Provide a clear and concise overview of your key findings, emphasizing their importance and relevance to the field. Highlight any unexpected discoveries or new insights that emerged from your research.
- Suggest Avenues for Future Research: Based on your findings, suggest potential areas for further investigation. This demonstrates your understanding of the broader implications of your research.
- Maintain Objectivity and Clarity: Adhere to a formal and objective tone throughout your conclusion. Avoid personal opinions or overly subjective language.
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.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
- 28 min reading time
- audio version available
What Not to Include in Your Conclusion
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.
- New Ideas, Research, or Experts: Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or arguments. Resist the temptation to bring up fresh evidence or cite experts you haven’t previously mentioned. Instead, focus on synthesizing the information you’ve already presented.
- The Words “In Conclusion”: While it may seem helpful to explicitly signal the end of your piece, phrases like “in conclusion” or “to summarize” can feel clunky and redundant. Let the natural flow and structure of your writing indicate that you’re wrapping things up.
- Copy-and-Paste Repetitiveness: Avoid simply regurgitating your main points or arguments in the same way you presented them earlier. Instead, rephrase and reframe them, offering a fresh perspective or insight gained from the body of your work.
How Long Should a Conclusion Be? Finding the Sweet Spot
The ideal length of your conclusion depends on the type and length of your writing.
- A short essay may only require a paragraph or two,
- While a research paper could warrant a more extensive conclusion to address further research possibilities.
- For a brief article, a few concise sentences might suffice.
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.
- Restate your main argument in a fresh and impactful way.
- Synthesize your key points, showcasing their interconnectedness.
- Address the “so what?” question, demonstrating the value of your insights.
- Consider including a call to action to empower your reader.
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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