Writing a strong conclusion is a vital skill for any writer, whether you’re crafting an essay, article, or thesis. The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers by summarising your main points and reinforcing your argument.
In this post, we’ll explore what a conclusion is, how to structure one effectively, and share conclusion examples to guide you. Whether you’re working on a short article or tackling the complexities of your PhD thesis, these tips will help you finish with impact.
What Is a Conclusion?
A conclusion is the final section of your written piece, where you tie together the ideas and arguments you’ve presented. It offers closure and helps your audience understand the significance of your work.
In simpler terms, the conclusion answers the question: “So what?” It ensures your readers walk away with a clear understanding of your key message and its broader implications.
How to Write a Conclusion
Follow these steps to craft a strong and compelling closing section:
1. Restate the Main Argument
Begin your conclusion by summarising the primary argument or thesis of your piece. Use fresh wording instead of repeating your introduction verbatim.
For example:
- In an essay: Restate the thesis and key points.
- In an article: Recap the main message, your findings or key takeaways.
- In a PhD thesis: Highlight the significance of your research findings.
2. Summarise Key Points
Briefly revisit the key ideas or evidence you’ve presented in your work. This helps reinforce your argument without introducing new information.
3. Provide a Final Insight
Offer a thought-provoking remark, recommendation, or call to action to leave a lasting impression. This can be a question, a prediction, or a reflection on the broader implications of your topic.
4. Keep It Concise
A conclusion should be succinct and focused. If you’re wondering how long should a conclusion be, the answer depends on the length of your piece. For most essays and articles, a conclusion should be one paragraph. For longer works like a thesis, it may span several pages.
Tips for Writing a Strong Conclusion
1. Avoid New Information
Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments, evidence, or ideas. Stick to summarising and reinforcing points made earlier.
2. Maintain a Professional Tone
Ensure your tone aligns with the purpose of your writing. For example, a thesis conclusion should be formal and analytical, while an article can be more conversational.
3. Use Transition Words
Phrases like “In conclusion,” “To summarise,” or “Ultimately” can help signal the end of your discussion and guide the reader smoothly to the conclusion.
4. Customise for Your Audience
Think about who your audience is and what they would value most. For example:
- An academic reader might appreciate a reflection on the significance of your findings.
- A general audience might prefer actionable advice or a clear takeaway.
Conclusion Examples
1. Essay Conclusion
To conclude, climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. By adopting renewable energy, reducing waste, and embracing sustainable practices, individuals and governments can collectively address this challenge. The time to act is now, and every small effort contributes to a larger impact.
2. Article Conclusion
Ultimately, embracing mindfulness can significantly improve mental well-being. As you begin your mindfulness journey, remember that consistency is key. Even a few minutes each day can lead to transformative results.
3. Thesis Conclusion
In conclusion, this research provides new insights into renewable energy integration within urban environments. By demonstrating the effectiveness of smart grids and energy-efficient buildings, this study lays the groundwork for future developments in sustainable urban planning. Further research should explore the socio-economic impacts of these technologies on diverse communities.
How to Write a Conclusion for an Article
Crafting an article conclusion follows similar principles but often emphasises engaging the reader and providing actionable advice. Use these strategies to close your article effectively:
- Summarise the Takeaway: Highlight the most important points your reader should remember.
- Call to Action: Encourage readers to take the next step, whether it’s applying your tips or exploring the topic further.
- Leave Them Thinking: End with a question or insight that prompts reflection.
Example:
To summarise, building confidence is a journey that requires self-reflection and practice. Why not take the first step today by setting a small, achievable goal?
Addressing PhD-Level Conclusions
PhD candidates often struggle with writing conclusions for their thesis. Unlike a short essay or article, a thesis conclusion needs to be more extensive and nuanced.
Key Considerations for PhD Conclusions:
- Summarise Contributions: Highlight the originality of your work and its contributions to your field.
- Reflect on Limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of your research and suggest areas for future study.
- Discuss Implications: Explain how your findings can be applied in real-world or academic contexts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Repetition
While restating your main argument is essential, avoid repeating it word for word from the introduction. Instead, rephrase it to show growth and depth.
2. Overcomplicating the Message
Simplicity is key. Your conclusion should summarise and synthesise, not confuse the reader with overly complex language.
3. Ending Abruptly
A strong conclusion flows naturally and doesn’t feel rushed. Use transitions to guide the reader to the final sentence smoothly.
Final Thoughts on Writing Conclusions
Whether you’re writing a journal article or a comprehensive thesis, a well-crafted conclusion is essential. It ties together your ideas, reinforces your message, and ensures your audience understands the value of your work. By following these tips and studying conclusion examples, you’ll be well-equipped to create impactful conclusions for any writing project.
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