How to write a conclusion

Writing a strong conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It should tie your entire piece together, reinforcing your main argument without simply repeating what you have already said.

Here is a step-by-step guide to writing an effective conclusion, whether you are writing an essay, a research paper, or a report.

Step 1: Restate Your Thesis (In a New Way)

Remind the reader of your main point, but do not copy and paste your original thesis statement.

• What to do: Rephrase the core argument using fresh vocabulary and perspective, showing how the evidence you presented throughout the paper supports it.
• Example: Instead of saying “Social media causes anxiety,” you might say “Ultimately, the data reveals that excessive digital connectivity places a heavy psychological toll on modern users.”

Step 2: Summarize Your Main Points

Briefly synthesize the key arguments or evidence you discussed in your body paragraphs.

• Keep it concise: This is not the place to introduce new evidence, quotes, or deep analysis. Just remind the reader of the path you took to reach your conclusion.
• Focus on the “So What?”: Explain how these points fit together to prove your overarching thesis.

Step 3: Provide a Broader Context or “So What?”

This is often the most important part of a strong conclusion. Answer the reader’s unspoken question: Why does this matter?

• Connect to a larger picture: Relate your topic to a broader trend, a future implication, or a real-world application.
• Propose a next step (if applicable): Suggest what research should happen next or what actions readers can take based on your findings.

Step 4: End with a Memorable Final Thought

Give your reader a sense of closure. Depending on your tone and topic, you can end with:

• A striking final sentence that resonates.
• A call to action.
• A returning image or metaphor introduced in your introduction (framing).

Quick Rules: What to Avoid

• Avoid cliches: Do not start with phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “All in all.” They feel mechanical and outdated.
• No new evidence: If you introduce a brand-new fact, statistic, or source in the conclusion, the reader will feel like a new paragraph should have started.
• Keep it brief: Conclusions should generally be concise—about one well-developed paragraph (5 to 7 sentences) for a standard essay.