Conclusion Paragraph Yeah you made it to the

Conclusion Paragraph Yeah, you made it to the end. Now, wrap it up.

Let’s think, why is a conclusion paragraph important? Without one, you’re leaving the reader hanging. (it’s a shock to the reader when the essay just “stops” – shouldn’t there be more? ? ) You want to use this last opportunity to get your point across. You want to leave the reader thinking about your words, opinion or point of view.

Great conclusions might… • Leave readers with something to think about • Show the claim of the essay connects to your own life or may connect to the lives of the readers • Suggest a further way of thinking or acting • Show your thinking about the claim changed after you did your research

How do I do that? • There are two main parts to a conclusion paragraph. – A summary statement that is one or two sentences that re-states the controlling idea in a new way. – A final thought that creates a lasting impression on the reader.

Let’s see some examples. Check out this introductory paragraph. What’s the Controlling Idea? The final bell rings. It’s the last day of school, and summer has finally come! Students don’t have to think about school for at least another 2 1/2 months. That is the way it should always be. Schools should continue using the traditional calendar and not a year-round schedule. Even though some students would benefit from a shorter amount of time away from school, there are numerous downsides to year-round school that affect the financial needs of schools and the personal needs of students.

Now, here’s the conclusion paragraph to this essay. It is evident that year-round schooling is not the best option for the school calendar. By changing the calendar, education would be affected, school costs would go up, and students would lose their summer vacation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional school year. Why change something that works so well? The final bell rings. Let’s make sure this bell means that the “real” summer vacation has come. Green = summary statement Blue = Final thought

Here’s another example from an expository prompt. For many people, being able to fly is a life-long dream. Some people achieve that dream by becoming a pilot or taking a helicopter ride. However, being able to fly without the aide of a vehicle would be the ultimate experience. If I were able to choose any super power, it would be the ability to fly.

Now, here’s the conclusion paragraph to this essay. Super heroes can have many different super powers, but for me there would be nothing better than being able to fly through the air. It would be exhilarating to have complete freedom, to be able to get to places others could never go, and to travel without needing any vehicle. Some may be satisfied with getting around the old fashioned way, but not me. Soaring with the wind in my face beats using a plane any day. Green = summary statement Blue = Final thought

You practice. Restating the Controlling Idea. • Claim Statement: Americans should buy the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value. • Summary Statement: Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today's market.

Practice one more time. Restate the Controlling Idea. Claim statement: Even though citizens now have the right to smoke if they want to, tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains our country of valuable resources. SUMMARY STATEMENT: Banning tobacco is a necessity and is in the best interest of all citizens. Our health, environment and valuable resources should not be compromised any longer.

Writing your final thought. • Some techniques: – Restate, or respond to, your hook. Example: Hook: If you were given the chance to live forever, would you take it? Final thought: Whether or not to take the chance to live forever is a difficult decision to make. I know my choice. Losing friends and loved ones is too painful. I’ll choose mortality any day.

Writing your final thought. • Technique – Using a feeling/prediction sentence Example: You wrote a paper on the dangers of anorexia. Final thought: If we all took a minute to understand the symptoms of anorexia, we may be able to help those affected by the disease.

Writing your final thought. • Technique – Leave the reader with a question. Example: You have written an essay about the supporting not having school uniforms. Final thought: I don’t want my freedom of expression limited by the school or anyone else, do you?

Writing your final thought. • Technique – Use a call to action (argumentative essays only) Example: You have written an essay about banning smoking. Final thought: The citizens of this country need to stand together. Call or email your congressman today and demand new legislation to ban smoking!

Practice What final thought technique is used here? Getting a better job is a goal that I would really like to accomplish in the next few years. Finishing school will take me a long way to meeting this goal. To meet my goal, I will also prepare my resume and search for jobs. My goal may not be an easy one to achieve, but things that are worth doing are often not easy.

Final thoughts • Don’t leave your reader on a cliff – finish your essay with a conclusion paragraph. 1) Include a summary statement (approximately two sentences) 2) Give a final thought. 3) Let paper stand alone. Do not refer to “my paper, the paper, etc” in the paper itself. 4) You are not “wrapping” up your essay – you are opening it up to the reader so that they continue to think about it even after they are done 5) NEVER – EVER say “That is why …”