Common Methods of Conclusion

By Miriana Rosa

Common Methods There are four different ways in which

you can write a concluding paragraph for your essay.

The four common methods are:1. End with a summary and final thought.2. Include a thought-provoking question

or short series of questions3. End with a prediction or

recommendation.4. End with a quotation.

End with a summary and final thought

It is important that you restate your thesis statement and supporting points in your conclusion paragraph.

Example: To conclude, online shopping at home, then, has several advantages. Such shopping is convenient, saves you money, and saves you time. It is not surprising that growing numbers of people are doing the majority of their shopping on the internet, for everything from plant seeds to televisions.

Include a though-provoking question(s)

A question should follow logically from the points you have already written.

A question must deal with one of these areas:1. Why the subject of your paper is important.2. What might happen in the future.3. What should be done about this subject.4. Which choice should be made.

In your conclusion, you may provide an answer to your question. Make sure the question is related to your thesis.

EXAMPLE Finally, What, then, will happen when most of the population will be over sixty years old? Retirement policies could change dramatically, with the age-sixty-five testimonial dinner and gold watch postponed for five or ten years. Even television would change as the Red Bull generation replaces the Pepsi generation. Glamorous gray-haired models would sell everything from toilet paper to televisions. New soap operas and situation comedies would reveal the secrets of the “sunset years.”. It will be a different world indeed when the young find themselves outnumbered.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE In conclusion, keeping physically fit, mailing out greeting cards, and filling out applications for technology grants are three very realistic goals for me. Now that I’ve planned out my resolutions carefully, I know I have a better chance of making them happen. With determination and will power, how can I possibly fail?

End with a prediction or recommendation

Like questions, predictions and recommendations also involve your readers.

A prediction states what may happen in the future.

A recommendation suggests what should be done about a situation or problem

Example of a Prediction In the end, if people stopped to think before acquiring pets, there would be fewer instances of cruelty to animals. Many times, it is the people who adopt pets without considering the expense and responsibility involved who mistreat and neglect their animals. Pets are living creatures. They do not deserve to be treated as carelessly as one would treat a stuffed toy.

Example of a Recommendation

Finally, stereotypes such as the ditzy blonde, harried executive, and annoying in-law are insulting enough to begin with. In magazine ads or television commercials, they become even more insulting. Now these unfortunate characters are not just being laughed at; they are being turned into hucksters to sell products to an unsuspecting public. Consumers should boycott companies whose advertising continues to use such stereotypes.

End with a quotation You can end your conclusion paragraph with a

quote from someone important.

If you want to use a quote, make sure it's relative to an important point made before, or that it's hard hitting and captures the audience. It should basically leave an impression.

A quote in the conclusion should only be used to sort of restate your thesis.

Example with quotation In conclusion, keeping physically fit, mailing out greeting cards, and filling out applications for technology grants are three very realistic goals for me. Instead of complaining about how I feel or what I don’t have, I’m going to take Maya Angelou’s advice when she says: “If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” I’m going to make some changes. If I keep these promises I’ve made to myself, I know I’ll have a better life and a better attitude.

Notice You may use any one of the methods, or

a combination of methods, in one concluding paragraph.

All conclusions should be related to what has been said before in the essay; be sure you don’t present irrelevant information that has not been prepared for in the body of the essay.