How to Write an Essay Conclusion
Your conclusion is your last impression—make it count. Learn to synthesize arguments, reinforce your thesis, and leave readers with lasting impact.
Why Conclusions Matter
Your conclusion is your final opportunity to convince readers. A weak ending can undermine even the strongest arguments, while a powerful conclusion reinforces your thesis and leaves readers thinking about your ideas long after they finish reading.
Think of your conclusion as the inverse of your introduction—start specific (your thesis and arguments), then widen to broader significance. Most conclusions are 3-5 sentences (about 10% of total essay length) and accomplish four key goals: restate your thesis, synthesize your arguments, address significance, and end memorably.
The Four-Part Structure
Every strong conclusion follows this proven formula:
Restate Your Thesis
Remind readers of your main argument, but don't just copy-paste. Rephrase it in light of the evidence you've presented. Show how your argument has been proven.
Example: Original thesis: "Universities should eliminate standardized tests." Restated: "Given their correlation with family income rather than academic potential, standardized testing requirements perpetuate educational inequality."
Synthesize Key Points
Briefly recap your main arguments—but synthesize, don't just summarize. Show how your points work together to support your thesis.
Example: Instead of "I discussed three problems," say "These factors—economic barriers, predictive invalidity, and available alternatives—converge to demonstrate why testing reform is essential."
Address "So What?"
Explain why your argument matters beyond the essay. What are the broader implications? Why should readers care? This elevates your conclusion from summary to significance.
Example: "By rethinking admissions criteria, universities can identify true potential rather than privilege, creating pathways for diverse talent that benefits both students and society."
End Memorably
Close with a thought-provoking statement, call to action, or compelling question. Leave readers thinking about your argument long after they finish reading.
Example: "The question is not whether we can afford to change our admissions systems—it's whether we can afford not to."
Complete Conclusion Example
Here's how all four parts work together in a cohesive conclusion:
THESIS RESTATEMENT:The evidence clearly demonstrates that standardized testing requirements perpetuate educational inequality rather than measure academic potential.
SYNTHESIS:The correlation between test scores and family income, coupled with research showing poor predictive validity for college success, reveals that these exams measure privilege more than ability.
SIGNIFICANCE:By eliminating these requirements, universities can identify genuine potential across socioeconomic backgrounds, creating more equitable pathways to higher education that benefit both students and society.
MEMORABLE ENDING:The question facing higher education is not whether standardized tests are convenient—it's whether we're willing to perpetuate inequality for the sake of tradition.
Common Conclusion Mistakes
Introducing New Information
Avoid: Don't bring up new arguments, evidence, or ideas in your conclusion. If it's important enough to mention, it belongs in the body.
Copy-Pasting Your Thesis
Avoid: Don't repeat your thesis word-for-word. Rephrase it to show how your arguments have proven it. Let your evidence inform how you restate your position.
Using Clichéd Phrases
Avoid: "In conclusion," "To sum up," "In summary." These phrases are redundant—readers know it's the conclusion. Just start your final argument.
Ending Weakly
Avoid: Weak endings like "That's all I have to say" or apologetic tones. End confidently—your research and arguments speak for themselves.
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References & Further Reading
Harvard College Writing Center. (2024). Conclusions. Harvard University. Retrieved from writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu
The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2024). Conclusions. Retrieved from writingcenter.unc.edu
Grammarly. (2024). How to Write a Conclusion. Retrieved from grammarly.com
Scribbr. (2024). How to Write an Essay Conclusion. Retrieved from scribbr.com