Strategies for Writing a Conclusion

Conclusion is one of the main parts of an essay. It reflects the whole essay in less words. However, it is one of the most difficult parts as well. Because many writers feel that nothing is left to say in conclusion. But, keep that in mind that conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. So your conclusion should be impressive. 

A conclusion should:

• stress the importance of the thesis statement,
• give the essay a sense of completeness, and
• leave a final impression on the reader.

Suggestions

• Your conclusion should answer the question “So What?"

Show your readers why this paper was important. Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful.

• Redirect your readers
• Give your reader something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world. If your introduction went from general to specific, make your conclusion go from specific to general. Think globally.

• Create a new meaning
• You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture.

Strategies

• Echoing the introduction: Echoing your introduction can be a good strategy if it is meant to bring the reader full-circle. If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay was helpful in creating a new understanding.

• Challenging the reader: By issuing a challenge to your readers, you are helping them to redirect the information in the paper, and they may apply it to their own lives.
• Looking to the future: Looking to the future can emphasize the importance of your paper or redirect the readers' thought process. It may help them apply the new information to their lives or see things more globally.
  
• Posing questions: Posing questions, either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion. It may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning.

Example

Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidate's qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us what knave the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap?