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Conclusions
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Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper:
In a general way,
- Restate your topic and why it is important,
- Restate your thesis/claim,
- Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
- Call for action or overview future research possibilities.
Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.
The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:
Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).
Tell them (body).
Tell them what you told them (conclusion).
How to Write a Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay: Your Simple Guide
Are you tired of staring at a blank page, unsure of how to wrap up your argumentative essay effectively? You're not alone. Writing a conclusion can be challenging, but fear not! By mastering a few simple techniques, you can leave your readers with a lasting impression that reinforces your main points and leaves them thinking.
After all the hard work you've put into researching and presenting your arguments, the conclusion serves as the final flourish, the last chance to drive your point home. It's the moment where you can leave your reader nodding in agreement or contemplating a new perspective. So, how exactly do you write conclusions for argumentative essays that tie everything together seamlessly?
In this article, our argumentative essay writing service explains the art of creating the perfect ending for your paper. So, without further ado, let's delve into some valuable tips and illustrative examples for your next endeavor.
The Purpose of a Conclusion of an Argumentative Essay
A good argumentative essay conclusion paragraph serves as the final opportunity to reinforce your argument's validity and leave a lasting impression on your reader.
- Summarizes Key Points : First, one of the primary functions of the conclusion is to recap the main points of your essay. This helps remind the reader of the core arguments you've presented throughout your paper.
- Reinforces Your Thesis Statement : Your thesis statement is the backbone of your argumentative essay. In the conclusion, reiterate your thesis in a concise manner to remind the reader of the central claim you've been advocating for.
- Provides Closure : A well-crafted conclusion provides closure to your paper. It signals to the reader that your argumentative claim has been fully explored and concludes the discussion on a satisfactory note.
- Call to Action or Further Reflection : Depending on the topic of your argumentative essay, you may choose to end with a call to action, encouraging readers to take a specific stance or course of action. Alternatively, you can prompt further reflection by posing thought-provoking questions related to your argumentative thesis.
- Leaves a Lasting Impression : Lastly, the conclusion is your chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader. By synthesizing your arguments and leaving them with a memorable closing statement, you can ensure that your paper resonates with your audience even after they've finished reading.
Elements of an Argumentative Essay Conclusion
Now that we understand the purpose of a conclusion in an argumentative essay, let's break down the key components that make up a strong and impactful ending:
- Restate the Thesis : Begin by restating your thesis statement. However, avoid simply copying and pasting your original argument verbatim. Instead, rephrase it in a way that emphasizes the significance of your argument and its relevance to the broader discussion.
- Summarize Key Points : Provide a brief summary of the main assertions presented in your argumentative essay. Focus on highlighting the most compelling evidence and key insights that support your thesis. Keep this summary concise to avoid rehashing all the details discussed in the body paragraphs.
- Offer Closure : Signal to the reader that your paper is coming to an end by offering closure. You can achieve this by using transitional phrases that indicate the conclusion of your assertion, such as 'In Summary' or 'To summarize.' This helps guide the reader towards the final thoughts of your argumentative essay.
- Reinforce the Argument's Importance : Take a moment to emphasize the significance of your argument and its implications. Explain why your perspective matters and how it contributes to the ongoing conversation or debate surrounding the topic. This reinforces the relevance of your essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
- End with a Strong Closing Statement : Finish your conclusion with a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a reflection on the broader implications of your argument. Aim to leave your reader with something to ponder long after they've finished reading your essay.
Formatting the Conclusion Paragraph for Argumentative Essay
Formatting the conclusion of your argumentative essay is just as important as crafting its content. Here are some key elements to consider when structuring your ending:
- Length : Keep your conclusion concise and to the point. Aim for around 3-5 sentences, depending on the overall length of your essay. Avoid introducing new propositions or evidence in the ending; instead, focus on summarizing and reinforcing your main points.
- Transitional Phrases : Use transitional phrases to signal the beginning of your conclusion. Phrases like 'In conclusion,' 'To sum up,' or 'Ultimately' can help guide the reader towards the final thoughts of your argumentative essay.
- Consistency with Essay Structure : Ensure that your conclusion aligns with the overall structure of your writing. It should seamlessly transition from the body paragraphs and provide a satisfying conclusion to the claim presented in the introduction.
- Tone : Maintain a confident and assertive tone throughout your conclusion. Avoid introducing uncertainty or hedging language that may weaken the impact of your argument.
As for the formatting specifics, you can ensure that the paragraph is well-structured, coherent, and visually appealing by following these points:
- Alignment : Keep left alignment consistent with the rest of the essay.
- Font and Size : Use the same font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and size (e.g., 12) as the body text.
- Spacing : Maintain double spacing between lines without additional spacing between paragraphs.
- Indentation : Indent the first line of each paragraph, typically half an inch or 1.27 cm.
How to Write a Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay in 7 Steps
Crafting a powerful conclusion for your argumentative essay doesn't have to be tricky. In fact, by adding a few extra touches, you can make your ending even stronger.
- Restate Your Thesis with Emphasis : As discussed previously, begin by rephrasing your thesis statement to remind the reader of your main argumentative claim.
- Summarize Key Points : The next step is to provide a brief summary of the main arguments you've presented in your paper. Focus on highlighting the most compelling evidence and key insights that support your thesis, avoiding unnecessary repetition.
- Highlight the Significance of Your Argument : Emphasize the importance of your argument and its implications. Explain why your perspective is relevant and how it contributes to the broader discussion or debate surrounding the topic.
- Appeal to Emotion or Ethics (if applicable) : Depending on the nature of your argument, you may choose to appeal to the reader's emotions or ethical values in the ending. Use emotionally resonant language or ethical appeals to reinforce the moral or humanitarian significance of your argumentative claim, encouraging the reader to empathize with your perspective.
- Offer a Solution or Next Steps : If your claim addresses a problem or issue, consider offering a potential solution or suggesting actionable steps that can be taken to address the problem. This demonstrates your commitment to finding practical resolutions and encourages the reader to consider possible courses of action.
- Encourage Further Inquiry or Discussion : Stimulate intellectual curiosity by inviting the reader to continue exploring the topic further or engage in further discussion. Pose thought-provoking questions or suggest areas for future research, encouraging the reader to delve deeper into the complexities of the issue.
- Reiterate the Overall Impression : Reflect on the overall impression you want to leave with the reader and reiterate the key takeaway points of your essay. Emphasize the lasting impact of your stance and leave the reader with a clear understanding of its significance in the broader context.
Sample Effective Conclusion Paragraphs
Now, let's take a look at some real-life examples to drive home the points we've been discussing. The illustrations below showcase the strategies we've outlined on how to write a good conclusion for an argumentative essay. These examples will give you a better sense of how to apply these techniques in your own writing.
- Thesis Statement : 'Mandatory vaccination policies are essential for protecting public health.'
- Conclusion : 'To summarize, while debates surrounding individual rights and government mandates may continue, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the efficacy and necessity of mandatory vaccination policies. By ensuring high vaccination rates, we can effectively prevent the spread of deadly diseases and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations. It's imperative that policymakers prioritize public health initiatives based on scientific evidence to protect our communities from preventable outbreaks.'
- Thesis Statement : 'The criminalization of homelessness exacerbates social inequality and undermines human rights.'
- Conclusion : 'In summary, punitive measures targeting homeless individuals only perpetuate cycles of poverty, marginalization, and despair. Instead of criminalizing homelessness, we must prioritize compassionate, evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide support services to those in need. By investing in affordable housing, mental health resources, and social services, we can create communities that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their housing status.'
Steer Clear of These Common Conclusion Writing Mistakes
When learning how to conclude an argumentative essay, it's crucial to avoid falling into common traps that can undermine the effectiveness of your conclusion. Here are some tips to steer clear of these pitfalls:
- Steer Clear of Adding New Information : Your conclusion isn't the place to introduce fresh arguments or evidence. Stick to summarizing what you've already covered in your essay to maintain clarity and focus.
- Avoid Parroting the Introduction : While it's fine to revisit your thesis and main arguments, don't simply repeat what you've said in the introduction. Instead, offer a fresh perspective or insight that adds depth to your argument.
- Be Specific, Not Vague : Keep your language precise and avoid generalizations. Being too vague can dilute the impact of your conclusion, so strive for clarity and specificity.
- Don't Forget Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints, even if briefly, to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the issue. Ignoring counterarguments can make your ending seem biased and weak.
- End with a Bang, Not a Whimper : Finish strong with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it's a thought-provoking question or a call to action, make sure your conclusion packs a punch and leaves your reader thinking.
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