whats a good closing statement for an essay

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How to Conclude an Essay (with Examples)

Last Updated: December 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Writing a Strong Conclusion

What to avoid, brainstorming tricks.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,234,726 times.

So, you’ve written an outstanding essay and couldn’t be more proud. But now you have to write the final paragraph. The conclusion simply summarizes what you’ve already written, right? Well, not exactly. Your essay’s conclusion should be a bit more finessed than that. Luckily, you’ve come to the perfect place to learn how to write a conclusion. We’ve put together this guide to fill you in on everything you should and shouldn’t do when ending an essay. Follow our advice, and you’ll have a stellar conclusion worthy of an A+ in no time.

Tips for Ending an Essay

• Rephrase your thesis to include in your final paragraph to bring the essay full circle.
• End your essay with a call to action, warning, or image to make your argument meaningful.
• Keep your conclusion concise and to the point, so you don’t lose a reader’s attention.
• Do your best to avoid adding new information to your conclusion and only emphasize points you’ve already made in your essay.

• “All in all”
• “Ultimately”
• “Furthermore”
• “As a consequence”
• “As a result”

• Make sure to write your main points in a new and unique way to avoid repetition.

• Let’s say this is your original thesis statement: “Allowing students to visit the library during lunch improves campus life and supports academic achievement.”
• Restating your thesis for your conclusion could look like this: “Evidence shows students who have access to their school’s library during lunch check out more books and are more likely to complete their homework.”
• The restated thesis has the same sentiment as the original while also summarizing other points of the essay.

• “When you use plastic water bottles, you pollute the ocean. Switch to using a glass or metal water bottle instead. The planet and sea turtles will thank you.”
• “The average person spends roughly 7 hours on their phone a day, so there’s no wonder cybersickness is plaguing all generations.”
• “Imagine walking on the beach, except the soft sand is made up of cigarette butts. They burn your feet but keep washing in with the tide. If we don’t clean up the ocean, this will be our reality.”
• “ Lost is not only a show that changed the course of television, but it’s also a reflection of humanity as a whole.”
• “If action isn’t taken to end climate change today, the global temperature will dangerously rise from 4.5 to 8 °F (−15.3 to −13.3 °C) by 2100.”

• Focus on your essay's most prevalent or important parts. What key points do you want readers to take away or remember about your essay?

• For instance, instead of writing, “That’s why I think that Abraham Lincoln was the best American President,” write, “That’s why Abraham Lincoln was the best American President.”
• There’s no room for ifs, ands, or buts—your opinion matters and doesn’t need to be apologized for!

• For instance, words like “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” may be great transition statements for body paragraphs but are unnecessary in a conclusion.

• For instance, say you began your essay with the idea that humanity’s small sense of sense stems from space’s vast size. Try returning to this idea in the conclusion by emphasizing that as human knowledge grows, space becomes smaller.

• For example, you could extend an essay on the television show Orange is the New Black by bringing up the culture of imprisonment in America.

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• Always review your essay after writing it for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and don’t be afraid to revise. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-resources/grammar/transition-signals
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html
• ↑ https://www.pittsfordschools.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=542&dataid=4677&FileName=conclusions1.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cuyamaca.edu/student-support/tutoring-center/files/student-resources/how-to-write-a-good-conclusion.pdf
• ↑ https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185935

About This Article

To end an essay, start your conclusion with a phrase that makes it clear your essay is coming to a close, like "In summary," or "All things considered." Then, use a few sentences to briefly summarize the main points of your essay by rephrasing the topic sentences of your body paragraphs. Finally, end your conclusion with a call to action that encourages your readers to do something or learn more about your topic. In general, try to keep your conclusion between 5 and 7 sentences long. For more tips from our English co-author, like how to avoid common pitfalls when writing an essay conclusion, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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7 Best Closing Essay Examples: How to Write a Strong Conclusion

A strong conclusion can make a world of difference in your essay. It’s not just about summarizing your points but leaving a lasting impression on your reader. If you’re struggling with how to end your essay effectively, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best closing essay examples and offer tips on how to craft a conclusion that sticks.

• What is a Good Essay Conclusion?

Before diving into examples, let's clarify what makes a good essay conclusion. A strong conclusion should:

• Summarize Key Points : Briefly recap the main arguments or points discussed in your essay.
• Provide Closure : Ensure that the essay feels finished and all questions are answered.
• Leave a Lasting Impression : Use a memorable quote, a compelling insight, or a call to action to end on a strong note.
• Reflect the Introduction : Sometimes, tying your conclusion back to the introduction can create a satisfying bookend for your essay.
• Example 1: The Reflective Conclusion

"In conclusion, my journey through the world of literature has been enlightening and transformative. The themes of love, loss, and redemption have not only deepened my understanding but also shaped my worldview. As I close this chapter, I’m reminded that every end is a new beginning, and the stories we read and write continue to live on within us."

Why It Works:

This conclusion reflects on the writer's personal growth and ties back to the broader themes discussed in the essay. It leaves the reader with a sense of closure and continuity.

• Example 2: The Call to Action

"As we’ve seen, climate change is an urgent issue that demands immediate action. It’s not enough to simply be aware; we must take steps to reduce our carbon footprint, advocate for sustainable practices, and hold leaders accountable. The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Let’s make a difference together."

This conclusion uses a call to action to engage the reader and encourage them to take steps toward solving the issue discussed. It’s powerful and motivational.

• Example 3: The Quotation

"'The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.' – Franklin D. Roosevelt. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let’s remember these wise words. Doubt can be paralyzing, but with faith in our abilities and a commitment to progress, we can achieve great things."

Using a quotation can add authority and depth to your conclusion. This example ties the quote to the essay’s theme, leaving the reader with an encouraging thought.

• Example 4: The Thematic Connection

"From the dawn of time, humans have sought to understand their place in the universe. Our exploration of space is not just a quest for knowledge but a journey to discover ourselves. As we look to the stars, let us also look within, for the answers we seek are often closer than we think."

This conclusion connects the essay’s theme to a broader human experience, making it both profound and relatable. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and introspection.

• Example 5: The Summary

"In summary, the impact of social media on mental health is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. While it offers a platform for connection and support, it also poses risks of addiction and anxiety. Moving forward, it’s crucial to find a balance that maximizes benefits while minimizing harm."

A straightforward summary can be effective if your essay covers a lot of ground. This example succinctly recaps the main points and suggests a balanced approach.

• Example 6: The Story

"As I watched the sun set over the horizon, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. Each step, each decision, each moment led to this serene ending. Life, much like this essay, is a series of interconnected events, and it’s the journey, not the destination, that truly matters."

Using a personal story can make your conclusion more engaging and memorable. This example ties the story back to the main theme, creating a sense of closure and reflection.

• Example 7: The Future Perspective

"Looking ahead, the advancements in technology promise a future where possibilities are endless. However, it’s up to us to ensure that these innovations are used for the greater good. By fostering ethical practices and inclusive policies, we can create a future that benefits everyone. The potential is limitless, and the responsibility is ours."

This conclusion looks to the future, providing a sense of optimism and responsibility. It encourages the reader to think about the implications of the essay’s topic in the long term.

• Tips for Writing a Strong Conclusion

1. Echo the Introduction

Bringing your conclusion full circle by referencing your introduction can create a satisfying sense of closure. If you started with a question, anecdote, or quote, revisit it in your conclusion.

2. Be Concise

Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion. Stick to summarizing and synthesizing the points you’ve already discussed.

3. Use Strong, Confident Language

Your conclusion is your final chance to make an impact. Use confident language that reinforces your arguments and leaves a lasting impression.

4. End with a Bang

Whether it’s a powerful quote, a call to action, or a thought-provoking statement, make sure your last sentence is strong and memorable.

Writing an effective conclusion is essential to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Whether you choose to end with a reflective thought, a call to action, or a memorable quote, make sure your conclusion ties back to your main points and provides a sense of closure. With these seven examples and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of the essay conclusion. Happy writing!

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30 ‘In Conclusion’ Synonyms and How To Use Them Write Better Essays

A strong closing section is essential for any essay. Whether you’re writing an argumentative essay, an exposition, or a narrative essay, the conclusion needs to be one of the most impactful parts of your writing. If you’re looking at ‘in conclusion’ synonyms, then you likely need some help with crafting an impactful summary section.