Writing a Conclusion

A composition doesn’t just come to an end; it comes to a conclusion. In the conclusion

of a composition- usually the final paragraph- you sum up the ideas you have developed
and leave the reader with a firm understanding of your position on the subject.

Conclusions….

A successful conclusion SHOULD A conclusion SHOULD NOT

♦ wrap up the ideas you have developed
♦ follow logically from the rest of your
composition
♦ leave the reader with something to
think about
♦ introduce new facts, ideas, or
arguments
♦ change the point of view by using the
pronoun I
♦ simply repeat the introduction

Techniques for “Wrapping it Up”

Although all good conclusions “wrap things up,” they do so in many different
ways.

 Review and Summarize the main points you have presented in the body of your
composition.
 Restate the central idea in a new way, reflecting the deeper understanding you have
developed in your paper.
 Make a generalization about the information you have presented, relating the topic
to a larger context.
 Make a prediction based on your understanding of the topic.
 End with a quotation from someone discussed in your composition.
 End with a call for action, urging the reader to do something to solve a problem.
 End with a question that leaves the reader with something to think about.