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Hello! I have an in-class essay about To kill a mocking bird (Identify 3 characters that demonstrate heroism in the book and explain why they are heroes.) and I have written body paragraphs on the three characters (Atticus, Mrs.Dubose, Boo Radley) but I have no idea how to write the conclusion. Should I summarize the three body paragraphs, then end on a quote? I have a really good quote by Kevin Costner. Any help is greatly appreciated :D

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How to Conclude an Essay (with Examples)

Last Updated: July 22, 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. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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 3,217,430 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
• ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions
• ↑ 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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How to Conclude an Essay: A Guide for Academic Writing

Every essay requires a proper conclusion. It is particularly important in academic writing where texts can be several dozen pages long. A conclusion helps the audience remember the contents of your essay and retain important information. In this article, you will learn how to write a conclusion for an essay.

Why the conclusion matters

When writing essays, we always strive to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the topic. We do our research, present different perspectives, and provide examples. Our goal is to convince the audience that our position is right, and we do everything we can to prove our worth.

But all this effort goes to waste if we fail to create an equally thought-out conclusion. The conclusion is the final part of an academic paper that serves as a summary of all aforementioned points. While the main body of the essay provides arguments for (or against) a certain point of view, the conclusion ties your line of reasoning together. 

Conclusions allow your audience to remember the main idea behind your work without going back to reread it from the beginning. That’s why learning how to end an essay is a necessary step in any academic paper.

What does the conclusion consist of?

While essay conclusions are usually expressed in one paragraph, there are important parts that you need to include to write a perfect essay:

• Restatement of the key topic . Reminding of the main argument helps to reinforce the central idea of your essay.
• Main points . The recap of the main arguments helps to reinforce the key ideas you've discussed and shows how they support your thesis.
• Final thought . A final thought should tie your arguments together.
• Closure . This part should highlight the significance of your topic and emphasize the importance of your argument.

Even though you have to give a recap of everything you’ve written before, you should avoid repeating the same phrases. Remember that the conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader, so make sure it is clear, concise, and impactful.

How to write a conclusion for an essay: overview

To understand how to make a conclusion in an essay, you need to follow a specific plan. All parts of an essay have a beginning and an end, and the conclusion is no exception. Let’s explore the following overview and find out how to start a conclusion in an essay.

Step 1. Reread your paper

This might seem redundant to you, but before you start thinking of words to conclude an essay, you should refresh your memory. Students often forget what their line of argument is about, so their conclusion sometimes does not match their initial idea. That is why you should always reread your text to remind yourself of what you are trying to prove.

Step 2. Rephrase your thesis

Start your conclusion by repeating your initial thesis statement. This helps to remind your audience of the central argument of your essay. However, you should use different words to conclude an essay than you did in the introduction to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

Step 3. Provide a summary of your arguments

Summarize the key ideas or arguments that you discussed in the body of your paper. Focus on the most important aspects that support your thesis. Make sure to be concise and brief in your recap. In addition to that, you should avoid adding new information that has not been discussed before.

Step 4. Give your final thoughts

In this part of your conclusion, you should offer a broader insight into the topic that ties everything together. This could involve explaining the significance of your topic, showing how your arguments can help your audience understand the issue, or suggesting the results of your analysis. You can also give your opinion about the possible solution to the issue or suggest further research.

Step 5. Finish your conclusion

As for how to end a conclusion, you should use idiomatic phrases and words to conclude an essay like all in all , in summary , all things considered , in conclusion , etc. to indicate the end of your essay and ensure your writing is smooth. Your conclusion should be brief and not repetitive to show that you can analyze your writing and make new deductions. Provide a memorable closing statement to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Summary: How to Conclude an Essay

A conclusion is a vital element of academic essays. To write a successful conclusion, you should analyze your entire essay and relay your line of reasoning using non-repetitive phrases.

If you have trouble wording your essay conclusion, you should try essay generator Aithor. Author is an AI-powered generator created specifically to help students with their academic writing. Use Aithor now and create a compelling conclusion to your essay in a matter of seconds.

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Essay Curve

How to Conclude an Essay – 6 Tips for The Perfect Finish

How to Conclude an Essay? Crafting a compelling conclusion is the final touch in the intricate art of essay writing. As writers, we often devote significant attention to captivating introductions and meaty body paragraphs, but the conclusion holds equal importance. It’s the last opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader and reinforce the significance of your argument or narrative.

In this guide, we’ll explain the strategies and techniques for crafting a powerful essay conclusion. From summarizing key points to leaving a thought-provoking insight, we’ll explore how to wrap up your essay with finesse and impact. Join us as we unlock the secrets of effective essay conclusions and elevate your writing to new heights.

Table of Contents

How to Conclude an Essay – Leaving a Lasting Impression

Leaving a lasting impression in an essay is vital for ensuring that your message resonates with your audience long after they’ve finished reading. Here are some simple tips and examples to help you achieve this:

• Craft a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly convey the main argument or purpose of your essay, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion.
• Summarize Key Points: Recap the main points or arguments discussed in your essay, highlighting their significance and relevance to your thesis.
• Reiterate Your Thesis: Restate your thesis statement in a concise manner, reminding the reader of the central message you’ve conveyed throughout the essay.
• Provide a Final Insight: Offer a thought-provoking insight or reflection that ties together the themes and ideas explored in your essay.
• End with Impact: Close your essay with a powerful statement, question, or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Example: “In conclusion, the importance of preserving our environment cannot be overstated. By taking small, individual actions and advocating for systemic change, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.”

Understanding the Purpose of the Conclusion

Before delving into the specifics of how to conclude an essay, it’s essential to understand the purpose of this critical section. The conclusion serves several key functions, including:

• Summarizing Key Points: It provides a concise recap of the main arguments or points discussed in the essay, reinforcing their significance.
• Reiterating the Thesis: It restates the thesis statement, reminding the reader of the central argument or purpose of the essay.
• Providing Closure: It offers a sense of closure by bringing the essay to a satisfying conclusion and tying up any loose ends.
• Leaving a Lasting Impression: It leaves the reader with a final thought, insight, or call to action that resonates beyond the confines of the essay.

Strategies for Crafting an Effective Conclusion

Now that we understand the importance of the conclusion, let’s explore some strategies for crafting one that leaves a lasting impact:

1. Summarize Key Points:

Begin by summarizing the main points or arguments presented in the essay. Keep this summary brief and focused, highlighting the most significant aspects of your discussion.

2. Restate the Thesis:

Next, reiterate the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. Emphasize the central argument or purpose of the essay, reminding the reader of its importance.

3. Provide a Final Insight or Thought:

Offer a final insight, reflection, or thought that ties together the themes and ideas explored in the essay. This can be a thought-provoking observation, a call to action, or a suggestion for further exploration.

4. Avoid Introducing New Information:

Ensure that the conclusion does not introduce any new information or arguments that have not been previously discussed in the essay. The conclusion should focus on reinforcing existing ideas rather than presenting new ones.

5. End with Impact:

End the conclusion with a strong and memorable statement that resonates with the reader. This could be a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a poignant reflection that leaves a lasting impression.

Examples of Effective Essay Conclusions

To illustrate these strategies in action, let’s consider some examples of effective essay conclusions:

“In conclusion, while the road to success may be long and challenging, it is paved with determination, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failure. As we embark on our own journeys, let us remember that success is not defined by our achievements, but by our ability to overcome obstacles and pursue our dreams with unwavering passion.”

“In summary, the importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated. By taking small, individual actions and advocating for systemic change, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.”

Final Thoughts in an Essay

In any essay, the final thoughts serve as the culmination of the writer’s ideas and arguments , leaving a lasting impression on the reader. This concluding section offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the topic, provide closure, and reinforce the central message of the essay.

Whether summarizing key points, offering a thought-provoking insight, or suggesting avenues for further exploration, the final thoughts encapsulate the essence of the essay and leave the reader with a sense of completeness.

By crafting compelling final thoughts, writers can ensure that their essays resonate with readers long after they have finished reading, leaving a lasting impact and prompting further reflection.

Writing a Conclusion Paragraph

Writing a conclusion paragraph is the final opportunity for writers to leave a lasting impression on their readers. This crucial section serves to summarize the main points discussed in the essay, reiterate the thesis statement, and provide closure.

A well-crafted conclusion ties together the various threads of the essay’s argument or narrative, offering a sense of resolution and completeness. It may also include a final thought, reflection, or call to action that leaves the reader with something to ponder.

By carefully considering the content and tone of the conclusion paragraph, writers can ensure that their essays end on a strong note, leaving a memorable impact on their audience.

Why is the conclusion important in an essay?

The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the significance of the essay’s main points.

What should I include in the conclusion of an essay?

The conclusion should summarize the main points, restate the thesis statement, provide a final insight or thought, and leave the reader with a sense of closure.

How long should the conclusion be?

The length of the conclusion will vary depending on the length and complexity of the essay, but it is typically one to two paragraphs in length.

Should I introduce new information in the conclusion?

No, the conclusion should not introduce new information or arguments that have not been previously discussed in the essay. Instead, it should focus on reinforcing existing ideas.

How can I make my conclusion impactful?

You can make your conclusion impactful by summarizing key points, restating the thesis, providing a thought-provoking insight or reflection, and ending with a strong statement that resonates with the reader.

Can I use quotations in the conclusion?

Yes, you can use quotations in the conclusion to emphasize key points or provide additional insight. Just be sure to properly cite the source of the quotation.

What is the difference between a summary and a conclusion?

A summary provides a brief overview of the main points discussed in the essay, while a conclusion offers a final reflection or insight that ties everything together and leaves the reader with a sense of closure.

Should I rephrase my thesis statement in the conclusion?

Yes, rephrasing the thesis statement in the conclusion helps to remind the reader of the central argument or purpose of the essay and reinforces its significance.

How can I leave a lasting impression with my conclusion?

You can leave a lasting impression with your conclusion by ending with a strong statement, leaving the reader with something to think about, or providing a call to action that encourages further reflection or action.

Conclusion: Crafting a Compelling Essay Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of essay endings is essential for any writer seeking to leave a lasting impression on their audience. By summarizing key points, restating the thesis, providing a final insight, and ending with impact, you can craft a conclusion that resonates with your reader and elevates your writing to new heights. Remember, the conclusion is your last opportunity to leave a lasting impression, so make it count.

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Free PDF: The 4 questions every SOP must answer → Master’s or PhD

How to End a Statement of Purpose (4 Things Brilliant Applicants Do)

• By Jordan Dotson
• Updated: April 22, 2024

As anyone who’s ever watched Game of Thrones knows, a bad ending can ruin everything. A decade of work, gone down the drain. Where once you were filled with hope and excitement, now you have a nasty taste in your mouth. Know that feeling? Well, so does every grad school admissions reader, because there’s little as disappointing as an SOP with an…awkward…conclusion. They’re just so much easier to reject . But you can avoid this problem. You can revel in stacks of hard-earned admissions letters as long as you follow the timeless rules of writing. Let’s learn how to end a statement of purpose properly, and so transform your Dream School into your biggest fan.

Table of Contents

Cheat Sheet: How to End a Statement of Purpose for Grad School

Brief reference to your introduction story, restate your “sentence of purpose”, reaffirm your desire to study at dream university, optional: career goals statement, two amazing examples of how to end a statement of purpose, how to write a statement of purpose conclusion (if you want to get rejected), never say “thank you” in a statement of purpose conclusion, conclusion on sop conclusions.

An excellent statement of purpose conclusion will include 3 sentences (with an optional 4th if you’re super ambitious):

• A brief reference to your Introduction Story
• A restatement of your “Sentence of Purpose”
• A reaffirmation of your desire to study at Dream University
• OPTIONAL: A “Career Goals Statement”

Each of these elements will connect, in some way, to your introduction. Thus, they’ll create a sense of circularity. The ending will actually feel like an ending, and the reader will walk away feeling excited and hopeful about your future.

Let’s examine these sentences one-by-one!

If you’ve wisely followed our free SOP Starter Kits (for Master’s and PhD applicants), then you already know that the most successful SOPs start with an open-ended story…and conclude that story in the final paragraph.

Consider this Public Health PhD statement of purpose (7 applications, 5 admits!). It begins with the story of a tragic news headline directly related to her proposed research:

“The headlines kept me awake late into a weekday night: six Asian women shot dead in Georgia…”

Then, in the conclusion, it reminds us of this story with a single sentence:

“It shouldn’t take a once-in-a-lifetime tragedy and temporary media buzz to spotlight these overlooked groups when my peers and I have been grappling with racism and acculturation for as long as we can remember.”

Likewise, when you’re contemplating how to end your statement of purpose, try to take us back to the beginning. Use some tiny bit of language to remind the reader how your intellectual journey started. Thus, you’ll give us a powerful sense of completion, of harmony, of circularity, as well as the feeling that you’re a great writer!

Get Your Free SOP Starter Kit

Learn the exact steps to writing an intelligent, persuasive SOP that earns multiple admissions! These guides will leave you feeling super confident and ready to hit “submit.”

Your essay has a thesis statement, right?

I sure hope so, because your thesis—your “sentence of purpose”—is the #1 most important sentence in your SOP . It explains your goals with boldness and clarity. Here’s a beautiful example:

“This is why I apply to Gotham University today: to learn to disentangle data, construct valid inferences, and design clinical trials which apply statistical methods for improved cancer-screening tests and treatments.”

Your conclusion should recycle and paraphrase this statement. These are your all-important goals, after all! When your reader reaches the end of your essay, you want those goals to be blazing in their mind. For example:

“For all these reasons, I feel certain that Gotham will be a vital step toward achieving my goal of designing clinical trials for improved cancer-screening tests and treatments”

Notice how easy it is to understand this applicant’s goals? We don’t even need to read the rest of the essay. We know exactly what she wants to achieve: to design clinical trials for improved cancer screening. By stating this with confidence, she, in turn,  gives us confidence in her .

That’s a pretty powerful effect!

This part is easy. Tell them you’re going to work hard. Tell them you’d be honored to get admitted. Tell them you’re certain that this school will help you achieve you goals. Don’t splatter them with awkward flattery (read on below to find out why this is a bad idea). But do be honest and convey that you really really want to go to this school!

“If given the opportunity to enroll, I am confident I have the capability, tenacity, and enthusiasm to thrive in this program and unfold this new chapter in my life-long intellectual journey to understand the uniqueness of what it means to be human.”

Don’t feel like you have to write something so effusive, however. Simplicity and clarity are always welcome! An excellent statement of purpose could just as well end this way:

“If given the opportunity to enroll, I am confident that Stanford University will help me achieve these goals.”

In 1-2 sentences, explain your career goals after graduation. If you’re a PhD applicant, or have truly ambitious goals, you might write two sentences explaining both your short-term and long-term career aspirations. It could look something like this:

“Upon graduation, I hope to attain a _____ role in a company like _____ or _____, both of whom are currently developing fascinating new ______ solutions applicable to the _____ industry.”

This quick guide explains in detail how to craft these oh-so-important statements (you should always include one in your SOP somewhere ). Once again, they ensure that your admissions reader remembers exactly which big goals you’re chasing in their graduate program. As long as those goals align with their goals , they won’t even have to wonder if you’re their ideal student. They’ll already know. You’ll already have made that clear.

Where To Place These 4 Elements in your SOP Conclusion

Anywhere you like!

Honestly, as long as you include 3-4 of these elements, your statement of purpose conclusion will be strong. It’s really up to you and your own writing style. In the examples below, you’ll see how two insanely successful applicants structured the end of their SOPs. They both give you a great template to follow.

PhD Mechanical Engineering/Robotics

• Reference to the Introduction Story
• Restatement of “Sentence of Purpose”
• Career Goals Statement
• Affirmation of desire to study at Dream University

Statement of Purpose Conclusion:

Developing a blueberry-sensing AGV from idea to mass deployment has been a rewarding learning experience. 1 It has given me a taste of the excitement and fulfillment that comes from directing novel engineering investigations, and diving deeply into learning new techniques, frameworks, and tools. It has also opened my eyes to the fact that a PhD is the perfect environment for me to grow my research skills, help innovate the field of robotics, achieve my long-term goal of advancing automated manufacturing, and bring environmentally-friendly technology to the forefront of the industry. 2 After graduate study, I hope to start or join an early-stage start-up 3 and lead from a deeply technical point of view; the analytical research mindset, technical knowledge, and academic connections from a Mechanical Engineering PhD from Gotham will be invaluable towards this goal. 4

Master’s Education/Psychology

Now, having broken free from the “troubled student” label and discovered my own academic passion, 1 I am determined to develop intellectual tools to help similar students in Chinese high schools through methodologies based on cognitive dissonance 2 . I aim to accomplish this goal through intensive study of developmental psychology and motivation, and hopefully by working closely with professors Edward Nygma, Selina Kyle, and Viktor Fries. My broad academic and research background in economics and psychology ensure my compatibility with the Human Development and Education program, and I believe that pursuing an Ed.M. at Gotham will fully prepare me to effect real change for students in China and beyond 3 .

There are two incredibly common mistakes applicants make when concluding their SOPs:

Problem #1: Waiting Too Long to Explain “Why This School”

This problem is particularly annoying—it’s the problem that inspired the creation of WriteIvy! Every year, thousands of applicants submit boring SOPs that read like long autobiographies. Then, they add little awkward paragraphs—at the very end—that explain why they love Dream University.

In the olden days of the 80s and 90s, this was all you had to do to get admitted. There weren’t many applicants. It wasn’t nearly as competitive. Frankly, everyone submitted these trash essays, and as long as their credentials were solid, they’d got accepted. I call these “Boomer Essays.”

Today, graduate admissions is MUCH more competitive.

The best applicants don’t write this way anymore. The best applicants make a huge effort to write statements of purpose that follow the timeless lessons of rhetoric and the lost art of persuasion . They know good writing is the key to getting admitted.

In fact, many faculty consider this type of essay—with the “why us” portion tacked on at the end—worthy of immediate rejection:

“It’s a kiss of death when I read a personal essay that describes an applicant’s life-long goal of serving humankind and has a paragraph tacked on to the end that “personalizes” the essay for the particular school to which it was sent.”

Who would you accept? The smart young scientist who writes like a genius? Or the smart young scientist who writes like an impatient, thoughtless, disgruntled Boomer?

Luckily, fixing this is easy: follow the SOP Starter Kits! (Conveniently available here for Master’s and PhD applicants.)

Problem #2: Empty, Vapid Flattery

Everybody loves flattery…as long as they respect the person giving it.

If an MIT professor tells you you’re brilliant, whoa, you’re flattered! That means you’re really smart! If a snot-nosed 6-year old tells you you’re brilliant, however…well it’s cute and it makes you smile, but you know it doesn’t really mean you’re smart. It just means you’re smarter than a 6-year old.

Much the same, universities don’t care when a snot-nosed bachelor’s graduate—one who’s never once set foot on their campus—tells them how wonderful they are. How would you know? What qualifications do you have to claim that they’re a “world-class institution”? Are you an authority on world-class universities? Or do you just blindly repeat everything you read in U.S. News and World Report ?

Thus, never include any kind of general flattery or unfounded compliments in your statement of purpose conclusion. It only makes you look snot-nosed.

Flattery to Avoid

World-class facilities!

Esteemed faculty!

This prestigious program!

Internationally renowned professors!

…in fact, if you just stay away from the words “world-class,” “esteemed,” and “renowned,” you’ll probably be alright.

An essay is not a letter. Repeat that to yourself a few times: An essay is not a letter .

essay [noun] a short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.

letter [noun] a written or printed communication addressed to a person or organization and usually transmitted by mail.

There are some schools (mostly in Europe) who refer to their application essays as “letters of intent.” For those guys, you can feel free to write a nice letter and sign it “Thank you so much and with all love and care from your desperate applicant, Bob.” For everyone else: write an essay.

Essays are not addressed to individual people. They’re carefully crafted arguments that are equally applicable to anyone who might read them. By saying “thank you” in a statement of purpose, you signal (even if subconsciously) that you don’t fully understand the nature of the document you’re writing.

Would you say “thank you for reading” at the end of a research paper?

No, of course not.

Keep that same professional attitude when you end your statement of purpose.

The end of your essay should never be awkward. It should never—like Game of Thrones—leave the audience scratching their chins and wondering, “ Wait, is that really it? ” Luckily, this is easy to avoid if just make sure to include 3-4 of these sentences:

Then, make sure NOT to do these 3 things:

• Don’t wait until the last paragraph to describe why you want to study at Dream University;
• Don’t fill the conclusion paragraph with empty, vapid flattery;
• Don’t say “thank you,” as if your essay were a letter.

Follow those rules, follow the SOP Starter Kits, and you’ll all but guarantee the admissions reader smiles when she reaches the end of your statement of purpose. She’ll walk away glowing and muttering to herself:

“Man, that essay was really great. Now THIS is a student I want to see in my class.”

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The sop starter kits.

These FREE (and highly insightful) guides will tell you exactly what to write, step-by-step, and leave you feeling super-confident and ready to hit “submit.”

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Different Ways To End Your Essay Without Saying "In Conclusion"

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39 Different Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay (Rated)

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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The phrase “In conclusion …” sounds reductive, simple and … well, just basic.

You can find better words to conclude an essay than that!

So below I’ve outlined a list of different ways to say in conclusion in an essay using a range of analysis verbs . Each one comes with an explanation of the best time to use each phrase and an example you could consider.

Read Also: How to Write a Conclusion using the 5C’s Method

List of Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay

The following are the best tips I have for to say in conclusion in an essay.

1. The Weight of the Evidence Suggests…

My Rating: 10/10

Overview: This is a good concluding phrase for an evaluative essay where you need to compare two different positions on a topic then conclude by saying which one has more evidence behind it than the other.

You could also use this phrase for argumentative essays where you’ve put forward all the evidence for your particular case.

Example: “The weight of the evidence suggests that climate change is a real phenomenon.”

2. A Thoughtful Analysis would Conclude…

My Rating: 9/10

Overview: I would use this phrase in either an argumentative essay or a comparison essay. As an argument, it highlights that you think your position is the most logical.

In a comparison essay, it shows that you have (or have intended to) thoughtfully explore the issue by looking at both sides.

Example: “A thoughtful analysis would conclude that there is substantial evidence highlighting that climate change is real.”

Related Article: 17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself

3. A Balanced Assessment of the Above Information…

Overview: This phrase can be used to show that you have made a thoughtful analysis of the information you found when researching the essay. You’re telling your teacher with this phrase that you have looked at all sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion.

Example: “A balanced assessment of the above information would be that climate change exists and will have a strong impact on the world for centuries to come.”

4. Across the Board…

My Rating: 5/10

Overview: I would use this phrase in a less formal context such as in a creative discussion but would leave it out of a formal third-person essay. To me, the phrase comes across as too colloquial.

Example: “Across the board, there are scientists around the world who consistently provide evidence for human-induced climate change.”

5. Logically…

My Rating: 7/10

Overview: This phrase can be used at the beginning of any paragraph that states out a series of facts that will be backed by clear step-by-step explanations that the reader should be able to follow to a conclusion.

Example: “Logically, the rise of the automobile would speed up economic expansion in the United States. Automobiles allowed goods to flow faster around the economy.

6. After all is Said and Done…

Overview: This is a colloquial term that is more useful in a speech than written text. If you feel that the phrase ‘In conclusion,’ is too basic, then I’d also avoid this term. However, use in speech is common, so if you’re giving a speech, it may be more acceptable.

Example: “After all is said and done, it’s clear that there is more evidence to suggest that climate change is real than a hoax.”

7. All in All…

Overview: ‘All in all’ is a colloquial term that I would use in speech but not in formal academic writing. Colloquialisms can show that you have poor command of the English language. However, I would consider using this phrase in the conclusion of a debate.

Example: “All in all, our debate team has shown that there is insurmountable evidence that our side of the argument is correct.”

8. All Things Considered…

My Rating: 6/10

Overview: This term is a good way of saying ‘I have considered everything above and now my conclusion is..’ However, it is another term that’s more commonly used in speech than writing. Use it in a high school debate, but when it comes to a formal essay, I would leave it out.

Example: “All things considered, there’s no doubt in my mind that climate change is man-made.”

9. As a Final Note…

My Rating: 3/10

Overview: This phrase gives me the impression that the student doesn’t understand the point of a conclusion. It’s not to simply make a ‘final note’, but to summarize and reiterate. So, I would personally avoid this one.

Example: “As a final note, I would say that I do think the automobile was one of the greatest inventions of the 20 th Century.”

10. As Already Stated…

My Rating: 2/10

Overview: I don’t like this phrase. It gives teachers the impression that you’re going around in circles and haven’t organized your essay properly. I would particularly avoid it in the body of an essay because I always think: “If you already stated it, why are you stating it again?” Of course, the conclusion does re-state things, but it also adds value because it also summarizes them. So, add value by using a phrase such as ‘summarizing’ or ‘weighing up’ in your conclusion instead.

Example: “As already stated, I’m going to repeat myself and annoy my teacher.”

11. At present, the Best Evidence Suggests…

My Rating: 8/10

Overview: In essays where the evidence may change in the future. Most fields of study do involve some evolution over time, so this phrase acknowledges that “right now” the best evidence is one thing, but it may change in the future. It also shows that you’ve looked at the latest information on the topic.

Example: “At present, the best evidence suggests that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is the greatest influence on climate change.”

12. At the Core of the Issue…

Overview: I personally find this phrase to be useful for most essays. It highlights that you are able to identify the most important or central point from everything you have examined. It is slightly less formal than some other phrases on this list, but I also wouldn’t consider it too colloquial for an undergraduate essay.

Example: “At the core of the issue in this essay is the fact scientists have been unable to convince the broader public of the importance of action on climate change.”

13. Despite the shortcomings of…

Overview: This phrase can be useful in an argumentative essay. It shows that there are some limitations to your argument, but , on balance you still think your position is the best. This will allow you to show critical insight and knowledge while coming to your conclusion.

Often, my students make the mistake of thinking they can only take one side in an argumentative essay. On the contrary, you should be able to highlight the limitations of your point-of-view while also stating that it’s the best.

Example: “Despite the shortcomings of globalization, this essay has found that on balance it has been good for many areas in both the developed and developing world.”

14. Finally…

My Rating: 4/10

Overview: While the phrase ‘Finally,’ does indicate that you’re coming to the end of your discussion, it is usually used at the end of a list of ideas rather than in a conclusion. It also implies that you’re adding a point rather that summing up previous points you have made.

Example: “Finally, this essay has highlighted the importance of communication between policy makers and practitioners in order to ensure good policy is put into effect.”

15. Gathering the above points together…

Overview: While this is not a phrase I personally use very often, I do believe it has the effect of indicating that you are “summing up”, which is what you want out of a conclusion.

Example: “Gathering the above points together, it is clear that the weight of evidence highlights the importance of action on climate change.”

16. Given the above information…

Overview: This phrase shows that you are considering the information in the body of the piece when coming to your conclusion. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for starting a conclusion.

Example: “Given the above information, it is reasonable to conclude that the World Health Organization is an appropriate vehicle for achieving improved health outcomes in the developing world.”

17. In a nutshell…

Overview: This phrase means to say everything in the fewest possible words. However, it is a colloquial phrase that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing.

Example: “In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.”

18. In closing…

Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for ‘In conclusion’ and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay. Make sure you follow-up by explaining your position based upon the weight of evidence presented in the body of your piece

Example: “In closing, there is ample evidence to suggest that liberalism has been the greatest force for progress in the past 100 years.”

19. In essence…

Overview: While the phrase ‘In essence’ does suggest you are about to sum up the core findings of your discussion, it is somewhat colloquial and is best left for speech rather than formal academic writing.

Example: “In essence, this essay has shown that cattle farming is an industry that should be protected as an essential service for our country.”

20. In review…

Overview: We usually review someone else’s work, not our own. For example, you could review a book that you read or a film you watched. So, writing “In review” as a replacement for “In conclusion” comes across a little awkward.

Example: “In review, the above information has made a compelling case for compulsory military service in the United States.”

21. In short…

Overview: Personally, I find that this phrase is used more regularly by undergraduate student. As students get more confident with their writing, they tend to use higher-rated phrases from this list. Nevertheless, I would not take grades away from a student for using this phrase.

Example: “In short, this essay has shown the importance of sustainable agriculture for securing a healthy future for our nation.”

22. In Sum…

Overview: Short for “In summary”, the phrase “In sum” sufficiently shows that you are not coming to the moment where you will sum up the essay. It is an appropriate phrase to use instead of “In conclusion”.

But remember to not just summarize but also discuss the implications of your findings in your conclusion.

Example: “In sum, this essay has shown the importance of managers in ensuring efficient operation of medium-to-large enterprises.”

23. In Summary…

Overview: In summary and in sum are the same terms which can be supplemented for “In conclusion”. You will show that you are about to summarize the points you said in the body of the essay, which is what you want from an essay.

Example: “In summary, reflection is a very important metacognitive skill that all teachers need to master in order to improve their pedagogical skills.”

24. It cannot be conclusively stated that…

Overview: While this phrase is not always be a good fit for your essay, when it is, it does show knowledge and skill in writing. You would use this phrase if you are writing an expository essay where you have decided that there is not enough evidence currently to make a firm conclusion on the issue.

Example: “It cannot be conclusively stated that the Big Bang was when the universe began. However, it is the best theory so far, and none of the other theories explored in this essay have as much evidence behind them.”

25. It is apparent that…

Overview: The term ‘ apparent ’ means that something is ‘clear’ or even ‘obvious’. So, you would use this word in an argumentative essay where you think you have put forward a very compelling argument.

Example: “It is apparent that current migration patterns in the Americas are unsustainable and causing significant harm to the most vulnerable people in our society.”

26. Last but not least…

Overview: The phrase “last but not least” is a colloquial idiom that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing. Furthermore, when you are saying ‘last’, you mean to say you’re making your last point rather than summing up all your points you already made. So, I’d avoid this one.

Example: “Last but not least, this essay has highlighted the importance of empowering patients to exercise choice over their own medical decisions.”

27. Overall…

My Rating: 7.5/10

Overview: This phrase means ‘taking everything into account’, which sounds a lot like what you would want to do in an essay. I don’t consider it to be a top-tier choice (which is why I rated it 7), but in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to use in an undergraduate essay.

Example: “Overall, religious liberty continues to be threatened across the world, and faces significant threats in the 21 st Century.”

28. The above points illustrate…

Overview: This phrase is a good start to a conclusion paragraph that talks about the implications of the points you made in your essay. Follow it up with a statement that defends your thesis you are putting forward in the essay.

Example: “The above points illustrate that art has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on humanity since the renaissance.”

29. The evidence presented in this essay suggests that…

Overview: I like this phrase because it highlights that you are about to gather together the evidence from the body of the essay to put forward a final thesis statement .

Example: “The evidence presented in this essay suggests that the democratic system of government is the best for securing maximum individual liberty for citizens of a nation.”

30. This essay began by stating…

Overview: This phrase is one that I teach in my YouTube mini-course as an effective one to use in an essay conclusion. If you presented an interesting fact in your introduction , you can return to that point from the beginning of the essay to provide nice symmetry in your writing.

Example: “This essay began by stating that corruption has been growing in the Western world. However, the facts collected in the body of the essay show that institutional checks and balances can sufficiently minimize this corruption in the long-term.”

31. This essay has argued…

Overview: This term can be used effectively in an argumentative essay to provide a summary of your key points. Follow it up with an outline of all your key points, and then a sentence about the implications of the points you made. See the example below.

Example: “This essay has argued that standardized tests are damaging for students’ mental health. Tests like the SATs should therefore be replaced by project-based testing in schools.”

32. To close…

Overview: This is a very literal way of saying “In conclusion”. While it’s suitable and serves its purpose, it does come across as being a sophomoric term. Consider using one of the higher-rated phrases in this list.

Example: “To close, this essay has highlighted both the pros and cons of relational dialectics theory and argued that it is not the best communication theory for the 21 st Century.”

33. To Conclude…

Overview: Like ‘to close’ and ‘in summary’, the phrase ‘to conclude’ is very similar to ‘in conclusion’. It can therefore be used as a sufficient replacement for that term. However, as with the above terms, it’s just okay and you could probably find a better phrase to use.

Example: “To conclude, this essay has highlighted that there are multiple models of communication but there is no one perfect theory to explain each situation.”

34. To make a long story short…

My Rating: 1/10

Overview: This is not a good phrase to use in an academic essay. It is a colloquialism. It also implies that you have been rambling in your writing and you could have said everything more efficiently. I would personally not use this phrase.

Example: “To make a long story short, I don’t have very good command of academic language.”

35. To Sum up…

Overview: This phrase is the same as ‘In summary’. It shows that you have made all of your points and now you’re about to bring them all together in a ‘summary’. Just remember in your conclusion that you need to do more than summarize but also talk about the implications of your findings. So you’ll need to go beyond just a summary.

Example: “In summary, there is ample evidence that linear models of communication like Lasswell’s model are not as good at explaining 21 st Century communication as circular models like the Osgood-Schramm model .”

36. Ultimately…

Overview: While this phrase does say that you are coming to a final point – also known as a conclusion – it’s also a very strong statement that might not be best to use in all situations. I usually accept this phrase from my undergraduates, but for my postgraduates I’d probably suggest simply removing it.

Example: “Ultimately, new media has been bad for the world because it has led to the spread of mistruths around the internet.”

37. Undoubtedly…

Overview: If you are using it in a debate or argumentative essay, it can be helpful. However, in a regular academic essay, I would avoid it. We call this a ‘booster’, which is a term that emphasizes certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is a difficult thing to claim, so you’re better off ‘hedging’ with phrases like ‘It appears’ or ‘The best evidence suggests’.

Example: “Undoubtedly, I know everything about this topic and am one hundred percent certain even though I’m just an undergraduate student.”

38. Weighing up the facts, this essay finds…

Overview: This statement highlights that you are looking at all of the facts both for and against your points of view. It shows you’re not just blindly following one argument but being careful about seeing things from many perspectives.

Example: “Weighing up the facts, this essay finds that reading books is important for developing critical thinking skills in childhood.”

39. With that said…

Overview: This is another phrase that I would avoid. This is a colloquialism that’s best used in speech rather than writing. It is another term that feels sophomoric and is best to avoid. Instead, use a more formal term such as: ‘Weighing up the above points, this essay finds…’

Example: “With that said, this essay disagrees with the statement that you need to go to college to get a good job.”

Do you Need to Say Anything?

Something I often tell my students is: “Can you just remove that phrase?”

Consider this sentence:

• “In conclusion, the majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”

Would it be possible to simply say:

• “ In conclusion, The majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”

So, I’d recommend also just considering removing that phrase altogether! Sometimes the best writing is the shortest, simplest writing that gets to the point without any redundant language at all.

How to Write an Effective Conclusion

Before I go, I’d like to bring your attention to my video on ‘how to write an effective conclusion’. I think it would really help you out given that you’re looking for help on how to write a conclusion. It’s under 5 minutes long and has helped literally thousands of students write better conclusions for their essays:

You can also check out these conclusion examples for some copy-and-paste conclusions for your own essay.

In Conclusion…

Well, I had to begin this conclusion with ‘In conclusion…’ I liked the irony in it, and I couldn’t pass up that chance.

Overall, don’t forget that concluding an essay is a way to powerfully summarize what you’ve had to say and leave the reader with a strong impression that you’ve become an authority on the topic you’re researching. 

So, whether you write it as a conclusion, summary, or any other synonym for conclusion, those other ways to say in conclusion are less important than making sure that the message in your conclusion is incredibly strong.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Number Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Word Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Outdoor Games for Kids
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 50 Incentives to Give to Students

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how to conclude an essay

• Thread starter alpacinou
• Start date Nov 9, 2020
• Views : 1,047
• Nov 9, 2020

Hello. I know at the end of an essay, one can write "in conclusion" or "to sum up". But is it possible to use "To recapitulate"? Imagine this is a 4 paragraph essay, can recapitulate be used like that? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To recapitulate,xxxxxxxxxxxxx  

I wouldn't.  

To recap is to summarize the main points of your essay, not draw conclusion from it. The essay would be without a conclusion if you did that.  

What if I want to just summarize the main points of the essay in the last paragraph? Can I use "to recapitulate" in that case?  

• Nov 10, 2020

alpacinoutd said: What if I want to just summarize the main points of the essay in the last paragraph? Can I use "to recapitulate" in that case? Click to expand...

You don't have to say you're doing it. Just do it. I read columns by professional writers regularly. They never use those words. Never.  

Tarheel said: You don't have to say you're doing it. Just do it. I read columns by professional writers regularly. They never use those words. Never. Click to expand...

PM me and I'll give you the names of some of my favorite writers. (They are Americans, of course.)  

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How to End a College Admissions Essay | 4 Winning Strategies

Published on October 16, 2021 by Meredith Testa . Revised on May 31, 2023.

The ending of your college essay should leave your reader with a sense of closure and a strong final impression.

Table of contents

Endings to avoid, option 1: return to the beginning, option 2: look forward, option 3: reveal your main point, option 4: end on an action, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

A bad conclusion can bring your whole essay down, so make sure to avoid these common mistakes.

Summarizing

Unlike an academic essay, an admissions essay shouldn’t restate your points. Avoid ending with a summary; there’s no need to repeat what you’ve already written.

Phrases like “in conclusion,” “overall,” or “to sum it up” signal that you have nothing to add to what you’ve already written, so an admissions officer may stop reading.

Stating the obvious

Instead of stating the obvious, let your work speak for itself and allow readers to draw their own conclusions. If your essay details various times that you worked tirelessly to go above and beyond, don’t finish it by stating “I’m hardworking.” Admissions officers are smart enough to figure that out on their own.

You should also avoid talking about how you hope to be accepted. Admissions officers know you want to be accepted—that’s why you applied! It’s okay to connect what you discuss in the essay to your potential future career or college experience, but don’t beg for admission. Stay focused on your essay’s core topic.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Many successful essays follow a “sandwich,” or full-circle, structure , meaning that they start with some image or idea, veer away from it in the middle, and then return to it at the end.

This structure is clean, self-contained, and satisfying for readers, so it’s a great choice if it works with the topic you’ve chosen.

In the “sandwich” essay outlined below, a student discusses his passion for musical theater. Instead of simply stating that interest, his essay starts with a funny anecdote about a minor fire that erupted on set. At the end, it returns to this anecdote, creating a sense of closure.

• Intro: I may be the world’s worst firefighter.
• Flashback to working on the school musical
• Demonstrate my passion for theatre
• Detail the story of the theater set catching fire
• Show how I made the most of the situation
• Conclusion: I proved my value as a director, an actor, and a writer that week一even if I was a terrible firefighter.

Many successful essays end by looking forward to the future. These endings are generally hopeful and positive—always great qualities in an admissions essay—and often connect the student to the college or their academic goals.

Although these endings can be highly effective, it can be challenging to keep them from sounding cliché. Keep your ending specific to you, and don’t default to generalities, which can make your essay seem bland and unoriginal.

Below are a good and a bad example of how you could write a “looking forward” ending for the musical theater “firefighter” essay.

Sometimes, holding back your main point can be a good strategy. If your essay recounts several experiences, you could save your main message for the conclusion, only explaining what ties all the stories together at the very end.

When done well, this ending leaves the reader thinking about the main point you want them to take from your essay. It’s also a memorable structure that can stand out.

However, if you choose this approach, it can be challenging to keep the essay interesting enough that the reader pays attention throughout.

In the essay outlined below, a student gives us snapshots of her experience of gymnastics at different stages in her life. In the conclusion, she ties the stories together and shares the insight that they taught her about different aspects of her character and values.

• Passionate, excited
• Sister born that day—began to consider people beyond myself
• Realizing that no matter how much I love gymnastics, there are more important things
• I’d been working especially hard to qualify for that level
• It came after many setbacks and failures
• I had to give up time with friends, first homecoming dance of high school, and other activities, and I considered quitting
• Conclusion: I’m still all of those selves: the passionate 7-year-old, the caring 11-year-old, and the determined 15-year-old. Gymnastics has been a constant throughout my life, but beyond the balance beam, it has also shown me how to change and grow.

Ending on an action can be a strong way to wrap up your essay. That might mean including a literal action, dialogue, or continuation of the story.

These endings leave the reader wanting more rather than wishing the essay had ended sooner. They’re interesting and can help you avoid boring your reader.

Here’s an example of how this ending could work for the gymnastics essay.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

There are a few strategies you can use for a memorable ending to your college essay :

• Return to the beginning with a “full circle” structure
• Reveal the main point or insight in your story
• Look to the future
• End on an action

The best technique will depend on your topic choice, essay outline, and writing style. You can write several endings using different techniques to see which works best.

Unlike a five-paragraph essay, your admissions essay should not end by summarizing the points you’ve already made. It’s better to be creative and aim for a strong final impression.

You should also avoid stating the obvious (for example, saying that you hope to be accepted).

There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay , but these are two common structures that work:

• A montage structure, a series of vignettes with a common theme.
• A narrative structure, a single story that shows your personal growth or how you overcame a challenge.

Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.

When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style , and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.

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30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 4, 2024 — 9 minutes to read

Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.

Crafting Your Core Message

To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.

Identifying Key Points

Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:

• The problem your presentation addresses.
• The evidence that supports your argument.
• The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.

These key points become the pillars of your core message.

Contextualizing the Presentation

Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:

• Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
• Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.

Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.

30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation

• 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
• 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
• 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
• 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
• 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
• 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
• 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
• 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
• 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
• 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
• 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
• 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
• 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
• 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
• 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
• 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
• 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
• 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
• 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
• 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
• 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
• 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
• 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
• 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
• 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
• 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
• 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
• 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
• 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
• 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”

Summarizing the Main Points

When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.

Effective Methods of Summarization

To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:

• Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
• Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.

The Rule of Three

The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:

• “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
• Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”

Reiterating the Main Points

Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:

• Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
• Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.

Creating a Strong Conclusion

The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.

Incorporating a Call to Action

A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:

• Be clear about what you’re asking.
• Explain why their action is needed.
• Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.

Example Phrases:

• “Start making a difference today by…”
• “Join us in this effort by…”
• “Take the leap and commit to…”

Leaving a Lasting Impression

End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.

• “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
• “Imagine a world where…”
• “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”

Enhancing Audience Engagement

To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.

Q&A Sessions

It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.

• “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
• “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
• “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”

Encouraging Audience Participation

Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.

• “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
• “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
• “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”

Delivering a Persuasive Ending

At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.

Sales and Persuasion Tactics

When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.

Final Impressions and Professionalism

Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.

To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.

Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?

Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.

What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?

An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.

As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?

To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.

How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?

A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.

What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?

A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.

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How to End a Descriptive Essay: Expert Tips and Techniques

The conclusion of a descriptive essay is not just the final paragraph or a mere summary of what has been written. It is the author’s last chance to reinforce the essay’s purpose, to dazzle and resonate with the reader. A strong conclusion turns the essay from a series of descriptive passages into a cohesive whole, a complete narrative that leaves the reader with a vivid impression of the subject described.

As we delve deeper into the art of concluding a descriptive essay, we will explore the elements that make a conclusion strong, offer practical tips for crafting an impactful ending, and discuss different approaches to achieve this. We will also highlight common mistakes to avoid, ensuring that your essay’s final words are as compelling and evocative as its opening lines.

Understanding the Elements of a Strong Conclusion

The art of concluding an essay is akin to the final act of a play. It’s where everything comes together, leaving the audience with a sense of completion and satisfaction. In the realm of descriptive essays , the conclusion serves as the final brushstroke, a decisive element that can elevate the narrative to new heights. Let’s explore the key components that make a conclusion not just effective, but memorable.

The Key Components of an Effective Conclusion

An effective conclusion is composed of several integral parts, each serving a unique purpose in the tapestry of your essay:

• Restatement of the Thesis : Begin by revisiting your thesis statement. This doesn’t mean repeating it verbatim, but rather, rephrasing it in a way that reflects the journey the essay has taken.
• Summary of Main Points : Concisely summarize the main points of your essay. This is your chance to remind the reader of the strongest arguments or the most vivid imagery you’ve presented.
• Final Thought : End with a final thought or a closing statement that encapsulates the essence of your essay. This could be a poignant reflection, a rhetorical question, or a call to action that resonates with your reader.

Emphasizing the Need for Clarity

Clarity is the cornerstone of a strong conclusion. A clear thesis restatement ensures that your readers are reminded of the central theme of your essay. It acts as a beacon that guides them through the sea of details and brings them safely to the shore of understanding.

Strategies for a Memorable Closing Statement

Creating a memorable closing statement is an art form in itself. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Echo the Introduction : Create a sense of symmetry by echoing themes or phrases from your descriptive essay introduction . This technique can provide a satisfying sense of circularity to your essay.
• Use Powerful Imagery : Just as in the body of your essay, use vivid imagery in your conclusion to leave a lasting visual impression.
• End with a Bang : Use a powerful quote, a striking fact, or an unexpected twist that will give your reader something to ponder long after they’ve finished reading.

Crafting the Perfect Ending

The perfect ending to a descriptive essay is one that lingers in the mind of the reader. It’s the final note in a symphony, the last stroke of paint on a canvas. It’s not just a summary, but a culmination of your narrative journey. By understanding and implementing these elements, your conclusion will not only be strong but will also capture the hearts and minds of your readers.

Tips for Crafting an Impactful Conclusion

The conclusion of a descriptive essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It’s the echo of your narrative voice that will linger in their mind. Here are some practical tips to ensure your conclusion is as impactful as the rest of your essay.

1. Reflect on the Journey

Begin by reflecting on the journey your essay has taken the reader on. Consider the scenes and emotions you’ve painted with your words and aim to bring them full circle in your conclusion.

2. Amplify the Sensory Experience

Your essay has likely engaged the reader’s senses throughout. In your conclusion, amplify this sensory experience. If your essay described a stormy sea, let the reader feel the salt spray one last time. Use vivid imagery to reinforce the atmosphere you’ve created.

3. Evoke Emotion

Think about the emotion you want to leave your reader with. Whether it’s a sense of nostalgia, joy, or curiosity, use your conclusion to evoke this feeling powerfully and memorably.

4. Offer a Parting Thought

A parting thought can be a powerful tool in your conclusion. It could be a question that encourages the reader to think deeply about the topic, or a final observation that offers new insight into the subject matter.

5. Avoid Introducing New Information

Your conclusion is not the place for new information. Instead, it should be a synthesis of what has already been discussed, tying all your descriptive threads into a cohesive tapestry.

6. Use the ‘So What’ Technique

Ask yourself, “So what?” after you’ve written your conclusion. This will help you determine if your conclusion effectively communicates the significance of your essay. If it doesn’t, revise it until it does.

7. Keep It Concise

An impactful conclusion is often a concise one. Aim to express your final thoughts clearly and succinctly, without diluting the power of your message with unnecessary words.

8. Leave Room for Reflection

Finally, leave room for reflection. Your conclusion should invite the reader to ponder the essay’s themes and the imagery you’ve used, long after they’ve finished reading.

By following these tips, you can craft a conclusion that not only wraps up your essay effectively but also resonates with the reader on a deeper level. Remember, the conclusion is your last word on the subject—make it count.

Different Approaches to Concluding a Descriptive Essay

A conclusion serves as the final note in the symphony of your descriptive essay. It’s the parting gift to your readers, the last taste of the world you’ve created with your words. There are several approaches to crafting a conclusion that not only summarizes your essay but also enhances its overall impact. Let’s explore some of these techniques and how they can be applied effectively.

• Descriptive Language

The use of descriptive language in your conclusion can reinforce the sensory experiences you’ve shared. For example, if your essay described a bustling city market, you might conclude with:

As the sun dips below the horizon, the market’s vibrant tapestry of colors begins to fade into twilight. The air, once tinged with the aroma of exotic spices, now carries the soft whisper of the night’s cool breath.

• Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions can provoke thought and encourage readers to engage with your essay on a deeper level. Consider ending with a question that reflects the theme of your essay:

And as the final notes of the street musician’s melody linger in the air, one wonders, can the spirit of the city truly be captured, or does it remain as elusive as the fleeting wind?

• Personal Reflections

Ending with personal reflections can add a layer of depth and intimacy to your conclusion. Share a personal insight or revelation that emerged from your descriptive journey:

Walking through the ancient forest, I realized that each towering tree held stories older than time itself, whispering secrets of the past to those who would listen.

• Illustrating Each Approach

To illustrate these approaches effectively, let’s consider an essay describing an old, abandoned house:

• Descriptive Language :  The house, once a beacon of warmth and laughter, now stands silent, its walls echoing with the ghosts of memories.
• Rhetorical Question :  What tales could these dilapidated walls tell if they had the voice to speak of the lives once intertwined within their embrace?
• Personal Reflection :  As I gaze upon the faded wallpaper, I can’t help but feel a kinship with its peeling layers, each one a testament to the passage of time and the impermanence of existence.

By employing these different approaches, you can end your descriptive essay in a way that resonates with your readers, leaving them with a lasting impression of the world you’ve painted with your words.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Descriptive Essay Endings

The conclusion of a descriptive essay is your curtain call, your final opportunity to leave the audience with a lasting impression. However, even the most eloquent essay can be undermined by a poorly executed conclusion. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid, along with guidance on how to sidestep them and polish your conclusion for maximum impact.

1. Avoiding Clichés

Clichés are the nemesis of originality. They can make your conclusion feel stale and uninspired. Instead of resorting to overused phrases like “in conclusion” or “as shown above,” try to find fresh ways to express your final thoughts.

2. Steering Clear of Abrupt Endings

An abrupt ending can leave readers feeling unsatisfied and confused. It’s like a story without a proper finale. Ensure that your conclusion flows naturally from the body of your essay and provides a sense of closure.

3. Evading Irrelevant Conclusions

Your conclusion should be a reflection of your essay’s content. Avoid introducing new ideas or topics that weren’t covered in the body. Stick to summarizing and synthesizing the information you’ve already presented.

4. Refraining from Repetition

While it’s important to restate your thesis and main points, avoid repeating them verbatim. Find a balance between reminding the reader of your essay’s key elements and offering a fresh perspective in your conclusion.

5. Eliminating Weak Language

Words like “maybe,” “perhaps,” and “might” can undermine the authority of your conclusion. Be confident in your statements and choose words that convey certainty and conviction.

6. Revising for Coherence and Unity

A disjointed conclusion can disrupt the flow of your essay. Read through your conclusion to ensure that it aligns with the tone and style of your essay, and that it brings all your points together coherently.

7. Polishing for Maximum Impact

The final step is to revise and edit your conclusion meticulously. Look for opportunities to enhance your language, tighten your prose, and ensure that every sentence adds value to your essay.

By avoiding these common mistakes and applying these insights, your descriptive essay’s conclusion will not only be free from errors but will also resonate with your readers, leaving them with a profound understanding and appreciation of your work.

As we conclude our guide on crafting the perfect ending to a descriptive essay, let’s reflect on the key insights we’ve shared. We’ve journeyed through the importance of a strong conclusion, the elements that make it resonate, and the strategies to make it impactful. We’ve also navigated common pitfalls and learned how to polish our final words for maximum effect.

We emphasized the significance of a strong conclusion as the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. We explored the elements of a strong conclusion, including a clear thesis restatement, a summary of main points, and a memorable closing statement. We provided practical tips for crafting an impactful conclusion and discussed different approaches to ending a descriptive essay. Lastly, we identified common mistakes to avoid and offered guidance on revising and polishing the conclusion.

A well-crafted conclusion is the hallmark of a thoughtful writer. It’s the final note that resonates with the reader, the last brushstroke that completes the picture. It’s an essential component of effective writing that can elevate an essay from good to great.

Encouraging Application of Strategies and Tips

We encourage students to apply the strategies and tips provided to enhance their writing skills. For those seeking further education and resources, the following websites offer a wealth of information and learning opportunities:

• Khan Academy : Offering a wide array of free courses, Khan Academy can help you strengthen your understanding of language arts, which is fundamental to writing descriptive essays.
• Purdue OWL : Renowned for its writing resources, Purdue OWL provides detailed guidelines and examples for various types of essays, including descriptive essays.
• Scribbr : This platform offers valuable tips and examples on how to write descriptive essays, helping you to improve your writing skills.
• Studyfy : Here, you can find guides and support for writing descriptive essays, ensuring that your writing is vivid and engaging.

These resources are designed to support students like you in mastering the art of descriptive essay writing. By taking advantage of these educational websites, you can continue to refine your skills and become a more effective and creative writer.

Remember, the conclusion of your essay is just the beginning of a new chapter in your academic journey. Use the strategies and tips provided throughout our guide, and don’t hesitate to seek out further education to enhance your writing skills. WritingsCentre.com is always here to support you along the way.

Call to Use WritingsCentre.com and Its Benefits

In the vast ocean of academic resources, WritingsCentre.com stands as a lighthouse, guiding students through the turbulent waters of essay writing and academic research. As we conclude our series on mastering the art of descriptive essays, it’s only fitting to highlight the platform that has been an integral part of this educational journey.

A Beacon of Academic Excellence

WritingsCentre.com is more than just a website; it’s a community of scholars, educators, and students united by a common goal: to excel in the art of writing. Here are some of the benefits that make WritingsCentre.com an indispensable tool for students:

• Expert Guidance : Access to a team of qualified professionals who offer personalized feedback and advice.
• Resource Library : A vast collection of articles, templates, and examples to inspire and instruct.
• Collaborative Environment : Opportunities to collaborate with peers and experts, fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.

Empowering Students for Academic Success

WritingsCentre.com empowers students to take control of their academic success. It provides the resources and support necessary to navigate the complexities of essay writing, from the initial brainstorming phase to the final touches of editing and polishing.

• Skill Development : The platform encourages the development of critical thinking and writing skills, essential for academic and professional success.
• Time Management : With tools designed to streamline the writing process, students can manage their time more effectively, leading to less stress and better outcomes.
• Confidence Building : By mastering the art of writing, students build confidence in their abilities, which translates to all areas of their academic journey.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

WritingsCentre.com is committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning. It’s not just about getting good grades; it’s about cultivating a passion for knowledge and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

• Continuous Improvement : The platform is continuously updated with the latest research and educational strategies to ensure students have access to cutting-edge information.
• Accessibility : With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 availability, WritingsCentre.com is accessible to students around the globe, anytime they need it.

We invite you to join the WritingsCentre.com community and experience the benefits firsthand. Whether you’re struggling with a descriptive essay, a research paper, or any other academic challenge, WritingsCentre.com is here to light the way. Embrace the resources available, engage with the community, and watch as your writing—and your academic prospects—soar to new heights.

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L.A. Affairs: I look like my date’s teenage daughter. Knowing this makes me happy

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The outside tables at Figaro Bistrot are far too close to one another. A group of women is seated beside us, drinking white wine and leaning together to murmur while giving me side-eye. My date gets up, excuses himself and heads to the bathroom. One of them leans over: “So is that your dad?”

I’m pretty sure I turn bright red and simply reply: “No.”

When he gets back, he places his hand on the thigh poking through the slit of my dress. The women’s eyes widen, and they look at one another and giggle. I’m not sure if I’m really into him. There’s a part of me that twists with disgust at the whole situation. But I ignore this — and ignore the giggles.

L.A. Affairs: I hooked up with a dreamy musician at the beach. Was I asking for trouble?

On my birthday, I met a handsome musician at a beach bar, and we spent many nights together. He even told me that he loved me. But would our romance become an everlasting love?

Aug. 2, 2024

The conversation up until then revolves around a film he once wrote. “I spent about 10 years trying to get it picked up. But hey, it worked out in the end,” he says. His film won a number of awards and was widely critically acclaimed. “Everything I’ve written since then I haven’t really cared about.”

It shows. He hasn’t written a single film since his first that wasn’t panned. But I still feel a sense of pride that he wants me, this lowly grad student; maybe this is what it really means to date in L.A.

Until then, most of the men I’d dated in L.A. (who were around my age) were starving artists, aspiring filmmakers and musicians who worked in the meantime as grips and waiters.

Their dreams were always endearing, and having money doesn’t particularly matter to me. I was just never a part of their dreams. The previous men I dated always told me that I deserved better, that they weren’t looking for anything serious (always after a few months of dating, and it always turned out that I wasn’t the only one they were dating). I wasn’t sure whether I was looking for something serious either, but what I really wanted was someone who would see me as girlfriend — or perhaps even wife — material. There’s nothing more important than being lovable, even if the basis for this is being young and decently attractive.

My date is about two years younger than my father (who didn’t have me at a particularly young age). However, he has an Instagram and an iPhone and is a writer, which makes me feel like he isn’t too dissimilar to me after all. He finally asks me about myself: “What is your research about?” As a master of none, I never really know how to answer this question, so I recite a list of areas I’ve dabbled in. One of them is the bildungsroman.

“What’s that?” he asks. My image of him crumbles a little.

L.A. Affairs: I expected Prince Charming at dinner. But then he wouldn’t shut up

I was walking home when a handsome man stopped to pay me a compliment. In the days leading up to our date, I kept wondering if we would have a fairy-tale connection.

July 12, 2024

It dawns on me that the real reason I’d taken the upper limit off my Hinge settings and agreed to this date is that I thought I might find someone like my former professor, whose class on the bildungsroman was my main motivation for applying to grad school. I had a major crush on him; he had the exact same taste in music as me (think classic college-radio male manipulator), made stupid jokes and had a smile that made me melt. He was from Los Angeles, and I can’t deny that some of the motivation for me applying to USC was a subconscious desire to trace his steps.

But this man, my date, clearly wasn’t him.

Then he asks me if I want kids. “No,” I firmly reply. But then I find myself backtracking: “At least, not now.” I’m surprised that I say this. Am I scared that he won’t want me anymore if I don’t want kids, even if I’m realizing that I don’t want him?

“Women always say that. Why is it that every woman I’ve met has said that?”

“I don’t know. I guess I’m not really in the position to support a child right now.”

“But I am.”

He grins, and the twist of disgust grows. There’s something sinister about his smile that makes me realize that maybe this wasn’t such a great idea after all. But I find myself ignoring this.

“I guess we’ll have to see.”

L.A. Affairs: I was on a date with my husband when I spotted a guy who was just my type

I’m polyamorous; my husband and I date and have relationships with other people. I was holding my husband’s hand when I saw a man who caught my attention.

July 19, 2024

The evening turns into night, and we end up inside the restaurant, sharing the same side of a booth. At one point, he asks to take a selfie. I oblige.

Should I be on a date with this man? I’m not attracted to him and I don’t find him interesting. But he seems like a man who actually wants me even if he doesn’t really know who I am. The other reason I agreed to this date is my deathly fear of aging and losing my attractiveness to men. I remember the first time I looked in the mirror at age 21 and realized that I was deteriorating.

Since then, I’ve religiously followed a retinol and sunscreen regime, but I still found the bags under my eyes growing and growing. I asked Reddit what I should do about this, and I was recommended under-eye filler. I debate the pros and cons of this every day. It pains me to know that one day it’ll be too late. As a decently attractive but still somewhat average woman ( r/Rateme classified me as a 6 or 7, and in L.A., that means a 4 or 5), youth is mostly what I have going for me. And I know all too well that L.A. men aren’t interested in my pursuit of a PhD in comparative literature, which might even be intimidating.

The next day I apologize to him over Instagram. I never got his number. I tell him that I had a great time, but I don’t think we have enough in common.

L.A. Affairs submission guidelines

L.A. Affairs is a first-person column in the Los Angeles Times chronicling romance and relationships. We are looking for original essays. Here’s how to send us yours.

June 3, 2024

“I think we have more in common than you think. I’m always here if you change your mind.”

A few hours later, he sends me the selfie he took.

Beside him, I look like his teenage daughter, and in a sick way, that makes me happy.

The author, a comparative literature PhD student at USC, lives in Studio City. She’s on Instagram: @sarahgarrodwrites

L.A. Affairs chronicles the search for romantic love in all its glorious expressions in the L.A. area, and we want to hear your true story. We pay $400 for a published essay. Email [email protected] . You can find submission guidelines here . You can find past columns here .

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When do the 2024 Paris Olympics end? What to know about the closing ceremony

The Olympic rings are seen on the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The balloon carrying the Olympic cauldron rises above Tuileries Garden as the Eiffel Tower stands in the distance during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

France’s Jules Bouyer competes in the men’s 3m springboard diving preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Simone Biles, of the United States, competes during the women’s artistic gymnastics individual balance beam finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Leon Marchand from France competes in a men’s 4x100-meter medley relay heat at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

United States’ LeBron James flexes after scoring during a men’s basketball game against Brazil at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

A’ja Wilson (9), of the United States, grabs a rebound over Marie Guelich (11), of Germany, in a women’s basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Noah Lyles, of the United States, reacts following the men’s 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

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Follow along for the latest updates from today’s Olympic action , including the gold medal men’s basketball game between the U.S. and France.

PARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics are coming to a close on Sunday.

U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles made a triumphant return, taking her Olympic gold tally to seven. French swimmer Léon Marchand won five medals — four of them gold — fulfilling comparisons to Michael Phelps. Armand “Mondo” Duplantis won another gold medal, but the real show for the 80,000 at the Stade de France — which will be the site of Sunday’s closing ceremony — was when he broke the world record for the ninth time.

Sha’Carri Richardson rallied in the anchor leg to lead the U.S. to a win in the 4x100 meter relay and claim her first Olympic gold medal.

Boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria won a gold medal after being in the spotlight because of misconceptions about her gender , and breaking made its Olympic debut with Japan’s b-girl Ami taking the gold.

Organizers of the Paris Games have, for the most part, successfully showcased the beauty of the French capital. Beach volleyball has taken place next to the Eiffel Tower . Holding events in the polluted Seine River , however, has proven more difficult.

Who is winning the 2024 Olympics?

The United States leads the medal standings overall, with China next in line. Australia, Japan, Britain and France are vying for the third spot. Here is Saturday’s Olympic schedule of events , as well as the overall list of medal winners .

What’s the last event of the 2024 Olympics?

The women’s basketball gold medal game between the United States and France is the last event before the closing ceremony. It’s scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. EDT) at Bercy Arena.

When is the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. CEST (3 p.m. EDT) on Sunday at Stade de France just north of Paris. It’s expected to last until 11:15 p.m. CEST (5:15 p.m. EDT).

What will happen during the closing ceremony?

It will feature traditional highlights, including the athletes’ parade and the handover of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Games . H.E.R., the five-time Grammy winner , is expected to sing the U.S. national anthem live at the Stade de France as part of the handover. There will be a medal presentation ceremony — for the women’s marathon from earlier in the day.

Catch up on the latest from Day 15 of the 2024 Paris Olympics:

• Gymnastics: Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu could replace Jordan Chiles as bronze medalist in floor exercise after a court ruling.
• Soccer: The U.S. women’s soccer team won its fifth Olympic gold medal , and first since 2012, by beating Brazil 1-0.
• Basketball: Steph Curry leads U.S. men against Victor Wembanyama and France. Nikola Jokic led Serbia to bronze .

It’s almost over: What to know about the Paris Olympics closing ceremony .

Follow along with our Olympics medal tracker and list of winners. Here is the Olympic schedule of events.

It’s a more traditional setting after the Seine River was used for the audacious opening ceremony , but don’t expect it to be dull. It features the same artistic director — Thomas Jolly. Organizers said in a recent statement that it will include “over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists.” There will be musical performances and “the participation of world-renowned singers will complete the picture. ... Part of the show will take place in the air, while the giant sets, costumes and spectacular lighting effects will take spectators on a journey through time, both past and future.”

Jolly added: “It’s a very visual, very choreographic, very acrobatic show with an operatic dimension to give a great visual fresco and say goodbye to athletes from all over the world.”

How can I watch the closing ceremony?

OLYMPIC PHOTOS : See AP’s top photos from the 2024 Paris games

It will air on NBC and Peacock.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, choosing a progressive yet plain-spoken VP candidate from America’s heartland to help her win over rural, white voters.

“I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate,” Harris said via text to supporters. “Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president.”

We look at Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and his military career over the years.

More: Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

How long was Walz in the military?

Walz served in the military for 24 years, enlisting in the Nebraska National Guard at 17 in 1981 and then transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996. He retired in 2005 to begin his successful run for the U.S. House, representing Minnesota as command sergeant major, among the highest ranks for enlisted soldiers. His battalion went on to deploy to Iraq shortly after Walz's retirement.

Walz specialized in heavy artillery and had proficiency ribbons in sharpshooting and hand grenades.

But during the 21 years that Walz spent working with large artillery pieces, he suffered hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears, Minnesota Public Radio reported. He was allowed to continue his service after undergoing surgery, which partially resolved his hearing loss.

Where did Walz serve, and what did he do in the National Guard?

During his service, Walz responded to natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes in Minnesota and Nebraska, and was deployed overseas for months at a time, according to MPR.

In 2003, he was sent to Italy, where he served with the European Security Force to support the war in Afghanistan. He was also stationed in Norway for joint training with other NATO militaries.

Walz told MPR that he reenlisted in the National Guard after the September 11 attacks but never saw active combat in his years in the military.

Stars and Stripes reported in 2020 that Walz credited his Army experience with helping him steer Minnesota through the COVID-19 pandemic as governor.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz is commander in chief of the 13,000-soldier Minnesota National Guard. “I’m certainly proud of my military service, but it’s one piece of me,” he told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018. “It doesn’t define me.”

Reuters and USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook contributed to this story.

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Review: America Is No Longer Basketball’s Sole Superpower

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America Is No Longer Basketball’s Sole Superpower

Ever since the dream team’s unbeaten 1992 olympic run, u.s. hegemony in men’s basketball has been under threat from european teams..

• Foreign & Public Diplomacy
• United States
• North America
• Jack Detsch
• Rishi Iyengar

The fans who’d gathered at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, to watch the 2015 NBA draft were beside themselves. With the fourth pick in the draft’s first round, the New York Knicks—fresh off a season in which they netted only 17 wins out of 82 games—had used the draft capital stacked up from all those losses to select a gangly Latvian center. The 7-foot-2-inch Kristaps Porzingis was a basketball unicorn: He didn’t play near the basket, he could get beaten up defensively, and he had a name that most American fans couldn’t pronounce. But unlike most big men, he could shoot.

Controversial ESPN talking head Stephen A. Smith pulled no punches in describing the pick on SportsCenter . With the team passing on more seemingly NBA-ready players, Knicks fans had been “hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amok, and flat-out deceived,” by management, Smith claimed.

Some took it further: “Who the fuck is Tingus Pingus?” one fan shouted at his TV screen, mocking Porzingis’s name in a clip that went viral on social media. “I never heard of fucking Lativia,” he said, adding an extra vowel to the country’s name.

He would soon find out. Porzingis averaged more than 14 points a game in his first season and more than 18 in his second. (Centers across NBA history average about 9 points a game.) By the time the Knicks offloaded him to the Dallas Mavericks in January 2019, Porzingis was up to an average of 22 points a game. He also made nearly 40 percent of his three-point shots. The Mavericks promptly signed him to a five-year maximum contract. And this June, Porzingis raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy over his head as a member of the NBA champion Boston Celtics, a team he joined in 2023.

Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his teammates in the locker room after Boston’s win against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, seen in Boston on June 17. Elsa/Getty Images

Porzingis’s journey from anonymity to basketball’s limelight is just one example of how American players’ dominance of the sport has receded over the past three decades, making room for stars and squads from other countries to shine.

When the Michael Jordan-led U.S. Olympic squad known as the “Dream Team” cruised through the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona—beating their rivals by an average of more than 43 points a game—the United States was the undisputed global basketball powerhouse. David Stern, the NBA commissioner from 1984—the year that the Chicago Bulls drafted Jordan—to 2014, later said the team had been “feted like a combination of the Bolshoi, the Philharmonic and the Beatles” put together.

But basketball analyst Kirk Goldsberry argues in his new book Hoop Atlas: Mapping the Remarkable Transformation of the Modern NBA that that Dream Team was also the beginning of the end: when basketball’s balance of power began to move away from the United States. While both the men’s and women’s U.S. basketball teams remain the gold-medal favorites at the Olympics, that medal is no longer a given. The United States is also no longer the only national side featuring major NBA and WNBA superstars.

Starting in 1992, “[t]he American stranglehold on the NBA was fading,” Goldsberry writes, as international players and coaches who hadn’t been brought up in the U.S. development programs but instead had “honed the craft in their homeland” began to join the NBA’s ranks.

Hoop Atlas: Mapping the Remarkable Transformation of the Modern NBA , Kirk Goldsberry, HarperCollins, 272 pp., $28, May 2024.

“It was bad news for jingoistic American supporters who wanted to live in a world where Team USA always won everything,” he adds, “but it was fantastic news for the sport. American basketball players’ decline on the world stage said a lot more about the rising tide of global talent than it did about the quality of hoops inside the United States.”

The Dream Team’s star run occurred three years before Porzingis was born. By the time he was in grade school, the tectonic shift had begun. Jordan’s second retirement in 1999 left a gaping hole in American men’s basketball: Team USA finished sixth in the 2002 FIBA World Championships. They were bronze medalists at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where a squad led by Tim Duncan and LeBron James lost to Argentina in the semifinals, knocking the United States out of championship contention and snapping a streak of three straight Olympic golds. (The U.S. women’s team, on the other hand, won its third consecutive gold medal in those Games—continuing a streak that carries on to this day.)

The men’s loss shocked Americans: A defeat by a South American country was supposed to happen in soccer, not basketball. Stern knew that globalization would someday hit the sport, Goldsberry writes. But the speed at which the change happened made even the NBA commissioner’s head spin.

Chinese basketball player Yao Ming (center) waits in line with others to receive his visa in front of the U.S. Consulate in Beijing on Oct. 16, 2002. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

An inflection point for the NBA’s global reach would come in 2002, when the Houston Rockets selected Yao Ming—a 7-foot-6-inch center from China—with their first-round No. 1 draft pick. Ming would go on to be an eight-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. But his biggest impact was likely off the court: China went basketball crazy. The NBA cashed in, setting up sometimes- controversial academies in the country, scheduling preseason games there, and sending players on tour to crowds of adoring Chinese fans .

It was during one of those preseason tours that the relationship between China and the NBA fell apart. In 2019, Daryl Morey, then the general manager of the Rockets, tweeted a message of support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The backlash was swift and fierce, with Chinese companies cutting sponsorship ties with the NBA and Beijing stopping state television broadcasts of games to the hundreds of millions of Chinese fans—a suspension that only ended two years ago.

Amid a broader deterioration in U.S.-China relations, there does not appear to be a single Chinese-born player playing in the NBA today. The handful who joined the league after Ming’s retirement in 2011 failed to hit the heights he did, in ability or popularity.

The same can’t be said for basketball players from the rest of the world. Deep in the heart of Texas, the San Antonio Spurs became known to fans as the “foreign legion” in 2014 for their reserve squad of French, Australian, and Argentine players. Those Spurs were perhaps one of the league’s greatest ever bench units, led by Argentina’s Manu Ginóbili. Their dominance culminated in a five-game demolition of the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, effectively ending Miami’s championship dynasty.

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, stands in a field holding a ball and a basket in this undated photo. Bettmann Archive/via Getty Images

Goldsberry is right that 1992 was a major inflection point in global basketball. But Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, a historian, former State Department official, and the author of Basketball Empire: France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA , traces the start of the erosion of the United States’ basketball dominance much further back.

Basketball first came to a YMCA gymnasium in Paris in 1893—less than two years after the Canadian American physical education teacher James Naismith (for whom the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is named) invented the game.

Basketball Empire: France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA , Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, Bloomsbury, 408 pp., $24.25, September 2023.

Basketball was added as an official Olympic sport as early as 1936, but the it didn’t hit the mainstream in Europe until after World War II, when Greece and the former Yugoslavia invested in the sport as part of nation-building efforts, and young people backpacking across Europe brought the sport from east to west. “That’s where we start to see the first real cross-cultural exchange in basketball know-how, tactics, and techniques,” Krasnoff wrote in an email to Foreign Policy .

The women’s game was picking up, too. By the late 1960s, the French Clermont Université Club, with its stars Jacky Chazalon and Élisabeth Riffiod, were in the middle of a fierce rivalry with Soviet teams, and American women—who didn’t have a league at home—were also going to Europe to play.

Until the mid-1990s, though, the flow of foreign talent back into the NBA was still mostly a trickle. There had been Croat Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis, a Lithuanian who was drafted in 1986 but didn’t play in his first NBA game until 1995, when he was 30. (His son, Domantas, now plays for the Sacramento Kings). It is true that the 1992 Olympics—the first time that Team USA used NBA players in international competition—“unleashed the floodgates,” Krasnoff said. But there were other factors, too: It was the end of the Cold War, migration was easier, and basketball was aired globally on television.

New foreign players brought new skills and styles with them as well, changing how NBA games were played. For instance, the way that offenses attacked the basket changed from bruising inside play to strategies beyond the three-point arc. European players helped guide the NBA toward better perimeter play, Krasnoff said, “with greater emphasis on teamwork and technique, plays like the Eurostep and the revival of the 3-point shot,” all of which, she said, are hallmarks of European training. (The Eurostep consists of two forward strides intended to sneak past a defender guarding the basket.)

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Glenn Anton “Doc” Rivers, himself a former NBA player, said last season on The Bill Simmons Podcast that U.S. players may be athletically gifted and talented, but they don’t have the same fundamentals as Europeans. The Americans focus on playing and winning games, in his view. The Europeans focus on the basics.

After Ginóbili popularized the Eurostep, his French American teammate Tony Parker made “banana cuts”—curved runs along the baseline—a new fad. The Spurs introduced the “hammer pass,” passing from one corner to another to achieve one of the most efficient three-point shots on the NBA floor.

Dirk Nowitzki (right) of the Dallas Mavericks shoots before LeBron James of the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals in Miami on June 12, 2011. Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

The 7-foot-tall German former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki, who took up basketball as a teenager and shunned weight training for a regimen focused on shooting and passing, dominated the NBA’s midrange for more than a decade with an unstoppable one-legged fadeaway and carried the Mavericks to the 2011 title over LeBron James. Giannis Antetokounmpo—known as the “Greek Freak”—married Shaquille O’Neal’s physicality with Ginobili’s Eurostep. Another Dallas Maverick, Slovenia’s Luka Doncic, turned the “Dirk” into a step-back jump shot. And France’s 7-foot-4-inch Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio’s latest overseas star, was already considered a generational talent before he ever stepped on the NBA hardwood.

Perhaps the truest sign of the foreign takeover of basketball is the ubiquity of names difficult for many American fans to pronounce, from Markkanen and Mykhailiuk to Cazalon and Vučević. By the opening tip-off of the 2021 NBA season, there were 109 international players, about a fifth of the league, quintupling the percentage that existed before the Dream Team.

The United States is still winning in international basketball competition, but not as easily. Other than the 2004 blip, Team USA has won four straight gold medals in men’s basketball at the Olympics from 2008 onward, capped off by a narrow 87 to 82 victory over France in Tokyo at the COVID-19 pandemic-delayed Games held three years ago.

“The international teams have gotten better, but there’s never an excuse for the United States not to win the gold medal,” said Charles Barkley, a basketball Hall of Famer and a member of the 1992 Dream Team, on a recent podcast interview. “We’ve got the best team; we’ve got the best players—by far.”

In Paris, NBA star Nikola Jokic’s Serbians were no match for Team USA in the opening game of the men’s tournament. Neither was South Sudan, which has no players on NBA rosters, but still played the Americans down to the wire in pre-tournament scrimmages—losing only by a point at the last second.

Why It’s Hard to Cash In on the Olympics

Neither the host countries nor the athletes tend to profit from the Games.

For Paris, the Olympics Chaos Is Déjà Vu

This summer marks the third time France has hosted the Games—and the third time it has hosted major controversy.

The U.S. men’s team won every game by double digits until they found themselves down double digits against Serbia in the semifinals on Aug. 8. The squad only eked out a 4-point win in the final minutes. They are set to play France in Sunday’s final.  The U.S. women’s team, stacked with its own roster of WNBA stars, is also headed to its final on the same day—a game that could culminate with the squad’s eighth consecutive gold medal.

Team USA may be the only Olympic squad bringing all-star talent off the bench, but Krasnoff, the historian, doesn’t think it’s useful to keep talking about new dream teams. The comparisons don’t do justice, she argued, to the growth of basketball talent in Europe and the rest of the world.

“In order to be truly great, you also need to have great rivals and we’re seeing that play out,” she said.

The United States’ standing in the global basketball power rankings is not in absolute decline—it’s relative to the rest of the world. “It’s not that the United States has gotten worse, it is that the rest of the world has gotten better,” Krasnoff said. “The leveling up of other national teams is a good thing … making the basketball we all see and love that much more interesting for everyone.”

Jack Detsch is a Pentagon and national security reporter at Foreign Policy . Twitter:  @JackDetsch

Rishi Iyengar is a reporter at  Foreign Policy . Twitter:  @Iyengarish

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5 takeaways by a longtime NABJ member from Trump’s appearance before Black journalists

Eric Deggans

Former President Donald Trump walks offstage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP hide caption

CHICAGO — At first, it felt like watching a slow-motion car crash.

I wasn’t actually in the room when Donald Trump brought his toxic rhetoric to the National Association of Black Journalists national convention Wednesday. But I was nearly there, sitting in a taxicab headed from the airport to the conference at the Hilton Chicago downtown, watching a livestream video as the former president insulted a roomful of Black journalists after ABC’s Rachel Scott opened with a tough question.

Scott asked about several instances where Trump said racist things, from falsely insisting Barack Obama wasn’t born in America to calling Black journalists losers and racist. Trump’s response was a torrent of barely connected ideas, including a complaint that NABJ brought him to Chicago under “false pretenses” because they didn’t work out details to get Vice President Kamala Harris to make a similar, in-person appearance at the convention.

“I have been the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln,” Trump said, drawing scoffs from the crowd. “That is my answer.”

In a flash, it felt like all the predictions critics made of inviting Trump to address Black journalists came true. He was offering his usual torrent of accusations, assertions and insults — some outrageous, most inflated — creating word salad that moderators struggled to fact-check in the moment, raising fears that he owned the organization at its own conference.

As a 34-year member of NABJ, I had my own qualms. Not about inviting Trump — the group has invited the major party candidates for president to its national conferences for many years, to platform questions on issues involving people of color. But, among other things, I objected to seeing an anchor from the right-leaning cable channel Fox News among the three people questioning Trump. (Though I have volunteered for decades as chair of the NABJ’s Media Monitoring Committee, I had nothing to do with organizing Trump’s appearance.)

Trump's planned address to Black journalists convention sparks backlash

And I worried about the optics of a Black journalists group offering a prime panel spot to a politician who had attacked Black journalists, while the Black and Asian woman also running for president would not appear.

But, after some reflection and talking with other members at the conference, I think the actual impact of Trump’s appearance is more nuanced. Here’s my five takeaways from what happened.

Trump’s appearance pushed NABJ to face tension between its status as a journalism organization and an advocate for fair treatment of Black journalists and, by extension, Black people.

This is an idea I heard from a friend and fellow journalist/NABJ member, and it rings true. As journalists, we jump at the chance to ask direct questions of a former president who has often stoked racial fears, from birtherism attacks against Obama and Harris to false claims about undocumented immigrants.

But our website also notes that NABJ “advocates on behalf of Black journalists and media professionals,” honoring those who provide “balanced coverage of the Black community and society at large.” I’ve always felt that if the media industry can give Black journalists a fair shot, we can help provide more accurate, less prejudiced coverage of everything — particularly issues involving marginalized groups.

That’s why some NABJ members chafed at platforming Trump, with his long history of racist statements, at a conference aimed at reducing the prejudice Black journalists face every day. But I think part of reaching NABJ’s goals involves Black journalists learning how to confront racist ideas; trying to get Trump to explain himself in front of a group of Black media professionals seems pretty in line with that mission.

NABJ President Ken Lemon asserted during the conference’s opening ceremonies later that day that the group is, at its core, a journalism organization. On this day, at least, it’s obvious the journalism side took precedence.

Former President Donald Trump shakes hands with ABC's Rachel Scott, one of the journalists who moderated the event at NABJ in Chicago on Wednesday. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP hide caption

If the goal was to get Trump to reveal his terrible takes on race to the world — mission accomplished.

Lots of media outlets focused on his awful comments on how Harris “suddenly” became Black in his eyes. Trump tried the classic maneuver of turning an opponent’s advantage against them, acting as if the embrace of Harris as a history-making Black and Asian woman in politics was the result of some cynical marketing spin.

“I did not know she was Black until a couple of years ago when she happened to turn Black,” he said. “And now she wants to be known as Black. Is she Indian, or is she Black?”

True enough, the questioners struggled to pin Trump down on exactly why he talks about race the way he does. Or how he can believe such ideas aren’t racist.

Trump attacks Kamala Harris’ racial identity at Black journalism convention

Still, what Trump did say mostly made him look old-fashioned and prejudiced. Will it appeal to his base? Perhaps, but the moment didn’t feel like a strong, confident leader puncturing racial hypocrisy.

It seemed more like the wandering statements of someone who just doesn’t understand America’s modern melting pot of ethnicities.

Sometimes, with Trump, there is value in having an interviewer on hand who he trusts.

Much as I disliked seeing an anchor from a news organization that has won the NABJ’s Thumbs Down Award twice on the panel, Fox News’ Harris Faulkner did get Trump to open up a bit with less-pointed but telling questions.

In particular, when Trump said he thought the vice presidential candidates had “virtually no impact” on election results, he seemed to put into perspective his relationship with JD Vance while belittling the guy he is supposed to spend months alongside in a tight campaign.

There are other journalists from less partisan news outlets who likely could have achieved the same moment. But there is value in having one journalist in the mix who doesn’t immediately raise Trump’s defenses and might provoke more telling responses.

Former President Donald Trump appears on a panel at NABJ on Wednesday in Chicago. From left, ABC's Rachel Scott, Semafor's Kadia Goba and FOX News' Harris Faulkner moderated the event. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP hide caption

Trump is a chaos agent who divides people and divides NABJ

In the end, I was less concerned about how NABJ looked to the world in the wake of Trump’s visit than how it deals with itself.

As news of the panel spread, many journalists spoke out passionately against having him at the conference, reasoning that any appearance would likely benefit him more than the group, platforming his terrible rhetoric about racial issues. Well-known figures like Roland Martin and April Ryan — who Trump criticized when he was president — spoke out; Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah quit her post as convention co-chair amid the controversy.

There are also tough questions about why the group couldn’t work out an arrangement to have Harris appear at the convention virtually, given that she was flying to Houston for the funeral of friend and sorority sister Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Considering the intense emotions at hand over the coming election and widespread skepticism about coverage decisions by journalists, there’s lots of criticism and bruising assumptions about what happened here.

This is the kind of division that can hobble NABJ in the future as people cancel memberships, decline to volunteer, hold back donations and continue to criticize the group’s direction. I expect the group’s membership meeting, scheduled for Saturday morning, will draw lots of pointed feedback from those who still question the wisdom of welcoming the former president here.

As someone who can attribute almost every major job I’ve gotten to connections made at an NABJ convention, this heightened squabbling is what I fear most — a distraction at a time when job losses and cutbacks in media have made times even more challenging for journalists of color.

In a way, NABJ played Trump’s game — and may have had some success

Another friend noted that Trump — who commands loyalty from GOP voters — has always valued dominating the news cycle, regardless of whether the stories are complimentary. His NABJ appearance ensured everything from the network evening news programs to The Daily Show focused on his comments here rather than Harris’ increasingly energized campaign.

As I saw criticism build over Trump’s visit, I wondered if NABJ wasn’t like a scrappy dog who finally caught a passing car — after years of GOP candidates declining invitations, finally one of the most divisive Republicans in modern politics was accepted. And the consequences of hosting him — particularly when Harris would not appear at the convention — loomed large.

But in the end, NABJ also landed at the top of the news cycle at a time when — as announced by the group during its opening ceremony — the convention drew the largest number of attendees in its history, over 4,000.

Yes, many supporters felt, as I did initially, that the appearance was a train wreck. But NABJ also showed the world three Black female journalists questioning Trump on some of his most provocative statements on race, with telling answers.

In a world where any publicity can be good publicity, that just might be enough.

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Passenger Plane Crashes in Brazil, Killing 61 Onboard

The Brazilian authorities said no one survived the crash, outside São Paulo on Friday afternoon. The airline, VoePass, said the cause was unknown.

By Jack Nicas Paulo Motoryn and Niraj Chokshi

Jack Nicas reported from Rio de Janeiro, Paulo Motoryn from Brasília and Niraj Chokshi from New York.

Above the small city of Vinhedo, Brazil, on Friday, a passenger plane was falling from the sky. Residents began filming.

Those videos show the horrifying moment when an 89-foot-long plane, carrying 61 people and slowly spinning in circles, plummeted to earth. A moment after the plane disappears from view near a gated community, an enormous black plume of smoke rises from the spot.

One video then shows a house on fire, a swimming pool full of debris and a group of men peering over a scene of carnage in a yard: a shredded fuselage, twisted metal and, several yards in front of the cockpit, a body.

VoePass Flight 2283 crashed Friday toward the end of a scheduled two-hour flight from Cascavel, Brazil, to São Paulo. VoePass, a small Brazilian airline, said all 57 passengers and four crew members died in the accident.

The airline and Brazilian officials said they did not know why the plane had crashed.

The plane, an ATR 72, had all systems operating correctly when it took off, the airline said. The pilots did not signal any emergency, officials said. The aircraft, a twin-engine turboprop plane, was built in 2010 and was in compliance with Brazilian regulations, they added.

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