how to write a conclusion paragraph for an expository essay

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Writing Powerful Expository Essay Conclusions

An expository essay, with its analytical and detailed exploration of a subject, often presents a challenge when concluding. While the body of the essay provides necessary facts, evidence, and analysis, the conclusion acts as the final impression, the lasting mark you leave on your reader.

How do you craft a conclusion that wraps up your arguments, reinforces your thesis, and leaves a resonating impact without being repetitive? This guide explores the process of writing an impactful expository essay conclusion, ensuring your reader leaves with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of your topic.

Steps to Writing An Expository Essay Conclusion

Here are some steps to writing a strong conclusion for an expository essay:

Restate the Thesis: A Deep Dive into Reframing Your Central Argument

By the time you’re writing your conclusion, you’ve taken the reader on an intellectual journey. You’ve presented evidence, perhaps countered opposing viewpoints, and built a comprehensive argument. Reflect on this journey and use its momentum to revisit your thesis with more depth and a broader perspective.

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One straightforward paraphrasing approach is using synonyms for key terms in your original thesis statement. However, ensure that any synonyms used still capture the essence of the meaning you want to convey.

Instead of starting with the main claim and then providing your supporting points (as you might have in the introduction), you can reverse this order in the conclusion. Begin with a brief recap of the main supporting points and then lead into the central claim, reframed.

Based on your evidence and arguments, there might be a slightly different angle or a more nuanced perspective you can introduce while restating the thesis. This doesn’t mean changing your argument but enriching it based on the journey of the essay.

Your introduction might have presented the thesis in a more detached or neutral tone. In the conclusion, however, you can introduce a slight emotional tint. Not in a way that makes the essay opinionated but in a manner that underscores the importance or relevance of your thesis to real-world contexts.

Summarize Main Points: Synthesizing the Heart of Your Argument

Summarizing isn’t merely an act of repetition. Instead, it’s about extraction and synthesis. Within the sprawling landscape of your essay, the main points stand tall. Recapping them in the conclusion ensures that these landmarks become the memorable takeaways, the ideas that linger in the reader’s mind long after reading.

Not every point in your essay will hold equal weight. Discerning which ideas or arguments were pivotal to your thesis is essential. Was there a particular piece of evidence that was especially compelling? Or perhaps a line of reasoning that formed the backbone of your argument? These are the elements to bring into your summary.

While the body of your essay allows for detailed exploration, the summary in your conclusion should be concise. Aim to capture the essence of each main point in a sentence or two. Avoid delving into the minutiae or the intricate sub-points. The goal is clarity and brevity.

A summary isn’t just a list; it should have a flow, a narrative arc that traces the trajectory of your argument. Start with your initial points, move to the central arguments, and conclude with the most impactful evidence or analysis. This linear progression helps the reader retrace their steps through your essay, reinforcing the logical structure of your argument.

As you recap the main points, ensure they tie back to your thesis. The reader should see how each point, in its way, supported, illustrated, or furthered your central argument. This not only strengthens the persuasive power of your conclusion but also reiterates the cohesiveness of your essay.

Connect to a Broader Context

Every topic, no matter how niche, exists within a broader framework. You boost your specific subject with added significance by linking it to this larger context. The reader begins to grasp the wider implications of your argument, seeing how the particulars of your topic ripple out into bigger ponds of thought or action.

To effectively connect to a broader context, it’s crucial to identify the larger themes or arenas your topic touches upon. If, as in the example, you’ve discussed a particular nursing technique, consider what it might mean for patient outcomes on a larger scale or how it could influence hospital protocols or healthcare policies. Perhaps it might even bear relevance to global healthcare standards.

While it’s beneficial to paint the bigger picture, ensuring that the connections you draw are logical and based on evidence or sound reasoning is essential. Making grandiose claims is tempting, but it’s more effective (and accurate) to present measured, well-considered links between your topic and its broader implications.

Once you’ve connected your topic to a larger context, you’re naturally pointing the reader towards further areas of inquiry. While your essay might have delved deep into one specific nursing technique by linking it to the broader world of healthcare, you’re suggesting that more topics, ideas, or debates should be explored.

Provide Final Insights

While the primary aim of an expository essay is to inform, it should also provoke thought. After being presented with facts and analyses, a reader should be left with a lingering thought or a series of questions that prompt them to reflect on the topic further or see it in a new light.

For instance, in understanding the complexities of a specific healthcare practice, one might start to wonder about its socio-cultural implications or the ethical dilemmas surrounding it. Moreover, presenting final insights isn’t just about offering a fresh perspective and deepening the reader’s understanding of the topic.

After immersing in the subject, it’s like looking at it again but with a magnifying glass, noticing aspects and details that weren’t apparent at the initial glance. This deeper layer of reflection could involve understanding the historical context of a discussed technique, its potential future implications, or its interrelations with parallel fields of study.

End with a Strong Closing Sentence

The importance of ending with a strong closing sentence cannot be overstated. It explainsnthe essence of your essay, solidifying the message you’ve conveyed throughout your writing. Moreover, it serves as the ‘seal’ of your argument, ensuring your message is clear and memorable.

Consider, for instance, the impact of finishing an essay on the evolution of nursing practices with a statement like, “In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing stands as the heart and soul, pulsating with innovation and compassion.” Such a line re-emphasizes the importance of the subject while also creating a vivid image that’s likely to stick in the reader’s mind.

Quotes, if aptly chosen, can also serve as powerful closing remarks. For example, ending an essay on patient care with a quote like Florence Nightingale’s “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse” can underline the dedication inherent in the nursing profession.

Alternatively, a brief anecdote that encapsulates the essence of the essay can serve as a poignant closing. If discussing the emotional challenges nurses face, ending with a personal reflection or a brief story about a particular moment of emotional strength or vulnerability can be deeply impactful.

Avoid Introducing New Information

Imagine an essay as a well-planned journey for your readers. You start by setting the scene, charting the path, and guiding them through the complexities and intricacies of the topic. Readers are primed to absorb the final insights and appreciate the overarching message when they conclude.

Introducing new information here is akin to taking a detour just as you’re about to reach your destination. Instead of a satisfactory culmination, there’s an unexpected twist that can leave readers feeling lost or frustrated. Furthermore, new data or arguments in the conclusion can raise more questions than they answer.

After all, the conclusion doesn’t provide the space or framework to flesh out these new insights with the same rigor and detail as in the essay’s body. As a result, readers might be left with the impression of an incomplete argument or, worse, question the validity of the essay’s core message.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect conclusion can be complex, requiring a delicate balance of summary, reflection, and rhetoric. It requires a delicate balance of summary, synthesis, and insight. By following the steps outlined above, you ensure that your conclusion effectively encapsulates your arguments, leaves a lasting impression on your reader, and provides a satisfying sense of closure to your essay.

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Video Overview
Quick Example
Formatting Guide

An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

This form of essay is structured around the clear, factual presentation of information, devoid of the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

The primary goal is to inform or explain rather than persuade.

Unlike an argumentative essay, which is built around defending a particular point of view with evidence and persuasion, an expository essay maintains a neutral stance, focusing on delivering straightforward facts and explanations.

An example of expository writing could be an article explaining the process of photosynthesis.

The article would systematically describe each stage of how plants convert sunlight into energy, detailing the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

It would explain the sequence of reactions – first, second, third, fourth, fifth – that occur and the importance of each step in supporting the life of the plant.

An expository essay generally follows this essay format:

expository essay format and structure template

A) To persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint
B) To inform or explain a topic clearly
C) To present the writer’s personal opinions and arguments
D) To entertain the reader with creative writing
A) An expository essay uses creative storytelling techniques
B) An expository essay remains neutral and avoids personal opinions
C) An expository essay focuses on persuading the reader with evidence
D) An expository essay prioritizes the writer’s personal experiences

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

impacts of globalization on education essay

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

expository essay definition and features, explained below

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

Clarity and Conciseness
Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
Objective Tone
Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
Objective thesis statement (see below)
Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

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How To Write The Best Conclusions For Your Expository Essays

Importance of closure.

No matter what you are writing, it has distinct phases of progression before coming to end. But writers should keep in mind the importance of closure and how to move through the writing before it. A closure or conclusion serves a very important purpose in an essay as it ties all the loose ends and provides a fitting closing to the discussion.

Before setting out to write the whole essay, writers should understand the importance of conclusions and mold their writing around them. This will help them in keeping a steady pace and sign off naturally. Otherwise, the whole discussion could fall apart.

Introduction to Expository Essays

Before we move on to cover the tips and professional ways to conclude an expository essay, let us take a look at the expository essay itself.

Defining an expository essay is not a difficult feat. Simply put, this essay conveys factual information to the readers based on facts and hard figures. There is no room for the writer to showcase his signature prose style, both in an understated or overstated manner.

There is no single class of expository essays as they are divided into different types and forms to convey the point better. The most common types include cause and effect essays, compare and contrast essays, classification essays, as well as definition essays.

Another thing that sets an expository essay apart from narrative and descriptive essays is its reliance on objective content and unbiased tone and voice. However, it is similar to those when it comes to the structure and formatting of the essay.

Distinguishing Features of An Expository Essay

When we try to understand and learn a thing, it is necessary to understand the things that make it or break it. In the case of expository essays , writers need to learn the hallmarks or distinguishing features of expository essays that set them apart.

This section is dedicated to taking a look at the characteristics that are exclusive to expository essays only. Also, they are prerequisites because their absence will denature the write-up.

Objectivity At Its Core

If you did not know already, it is the best time to know that there is no room for subjectivity and sentimentalism in expository essays. One of its hallmarks is objectivity and actionable knowledge across the sections. That’s why writers cannot express their personal opinions or commentary because it will affect the very foundations of the essay. Arguments and developments must be backed by empirical evidence alone. Anything less and it will not be an expository essay.

Neutral Voice And Tone

Descriptive essays are adorned with flowery phrases and figurative language because they add to the value of the subject or topic. Similarly, a narrative essay carries the biases and subjectivity of the writer, including charged or suggestive language. This is not possible in an expository essay. One of the traits of these essays is that they carry a neutral voice and tone. Anything opinionated or suggestive can affect the whole structure and contents of the essay.

Organized Information

Across different types of expository essays and different topics, the flow of the text remains the same. It is important to provide pieces of empirical evidence but they should be presented in an organized fashion. This helps writers compose well-researched sections and helps readers to follow and understand the context. That’s the reason how-to articles and manuals for vocations are written in expository format. This avoids ambiguity and helps readers reach predictable conclusions.

Ideas To Compose Exceptional Conclusions

Now that we have covered the nature and traits of expository essay writing, let us get to the core of this blog – writing conclusions to those essays.

Many novice writers and students give a lot of time and effort to introductions but wing it through to the conclusion. This results in poor structure overall and leaves readers with a bad taste in their mouths.

In this section, we will share some interesting yet doable ideas with students that will help them in writing strong conclusions to their expository essays.

Circling The Introduction

A conclusion should summarize the discussion from the introduction and the main body and produce in a compact form. This is the part and parcel of writing a conclusion of an essay . If you are at odds as to what to do with the conclusion of your expository essay, you can try to circle the discussion around the introduction. Use phrases and ideas from the introduction, especially the context, and lie the loose ends there.

Reiteration of Major Ideas

Writing a conclusion is about reinforcing the arguments and their evidence for the readers before they sign off. Still, this does not mean that they cannot carry the value of their own. Writers should not simply compress the main ideas and simply restate them in the conclusion. They can add value by expressing them in a more palatable manner. It will not only make it memorable but catchy and understandable, especially if you utilize one-liners.

No Place For New Development

The introduction is where writers set a hook, provide context, and then transition to the main body with the thesis statement. In the main body, all the developments happen, such as arguments and ideas along with their supporting materials. In the conclusion, it is time to wrap up the discussion and not reignite it with new developments, especially when the new ideas are contradictory to those in the main body. This should be kept in mind.

How to Write The Best Conclusions For Expository Essays

Now, let us go through the practical steps of writing conclusions for expository essays. Novice writers and students must keep all the steps in mind and practice them when they sit down to write their expository essays.

Highlighting The Thesis

If we trace the common threads between different sections of the essay, we can see that the topic and the thesis keep the structure from falling apart. Whether you need to write the introduction or the conclusion, keeping those common threads in mind can save a lot of time and hustle.

They add true value and character to the essay. So, highlighting the thesis in a new light can save the conclusion of your expository essay.

Outlining The Whole Section

Just like you outline the essay before setting out to write it, it is best to outline the conclusion part. This will help in composing a taut section with no room for errors and inconsistencies. You can start the conclusion with its hook, such as a transitional phrase. Then write the body which is the summary of all the main points and postulates developed in the main body of the essay. Then, conclude the conclusion with a catchy memorable line.

Making An Independent Section

Many experts believe that conclusions should be able to keep up on their own. It means they should be composed in such a way that they can serve as an independent section of the whole essay. We have seen that many students go through the conclusions of essays before reading the whole essay. So, it should be able to give a taste of the whole discussion succinctly and briefly. Even if that’s not possible, it should check all the boxes.

Signing Off At High Notes

Putting effort into the introduction is understandable and commendable, but shirking efforts during writing the conclusion is not acceptable. Like the ending of a movie or a novel, it should truly conclude the discussion, not merely end the text. There are many ways to achieve that effect.

We have discussed many in the above sections. Whatever way a student uses, it should let them sign off on high notes with one-liners and catchy statements for the desired effect.

Common Pitfalls In Writing Conclusions

This is a bright red flag for conclusions when they introduce a new argument. Writers have more than enough space in the main body to develop and prove arguments. There is no need to create and introduce new ones before signing off. This can contradict or confuse the reader which is against the purpose of writing an expository essay in the first place.

Of course, we are not suggesting that writers should use over-the-top language and phrasing in the conclusion. But we urge that they use assertive and objective language to get their points across. As we have discussed earlier, it is possible to make up for a poor introduction or the main body, but there is no remedy for a poor conclusion.

After discussing the arguments and covering the bases, it is natural for writers to feel opinionated. So, it is possible that the conclusion can have suggestive language or even outright commentary on the whole narrative. If that is the case with the first draft of your essay, you should proofread and edit it to remove the unwanted elements.

Why is the conclusion an important section of an expository essay?

A conclusion adds value to the whole essay before signing off. Since readers will read this section in the end and probably remember most of it, it is best to compose it in a way where it offers exceptional value. Otherwise, it is a lost opportunity for the writers.

What is the ideal word count for the closing section?

In a conventional essay structure, one paragraph is assigned for the conclusion as it is for the introduction. Writers should not be concerned with the word count in the earlier drafts. But if they have to, it should be around 125 to 150 words.

Can I add to the arguments in my conclusion?

No, you may not. The conclusion to an expository essay is there to tie the loose ends and summarize the discussion from the main body. You may reinforce the ideas further but it is best to never introduce new ideas or forward new arguments in the conclusion.

Do I need to stay objective while writing the conclusion to my expository essay?

Yes, objectivity is the key to writing expository essays. Biases and subjectivity can create ambiguity. This is against the nature and premise of expository essays. That’s why objectivity is the main ingredient of expository essays.

What is the effect of unbiased voice and tone in expository writing?

Expository essays consist of actionable content that can help readers reach the desired conclusion. For instance, manuals and how-to articles are written in this format where readers can achieve a feat through the write-up. That’s the reason unbiased voice and tone are one of the hallmarks of expository writing.

How can I make the word count for the conclusion while summarizing major points?

There is no need to worry about the word count for the conclusion in the early drafts. You should focus on the quality first. Then, when everything is in its place, you can cover the word count.

Touching All Bases For Readers’ Sake

Expository essay writing is the sum of all its parts that can add more value when they are combined. The main sections, including the introduction, the main body, and the conclusion are nothing if they are taken in isolation.

The conclusion is one of the major sections of an expository essay. Novice writers and students often wing the process of concluding the essay. In this guide, we have covered many bases, including how to write a good conclusion, the things you should avoid in the closing section, and more.

So, students should connect with this resource whenever they need to write exceptional conclusions to their essays!

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Expository Essays

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What is an expository essay?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

Please note : This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.

A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of: