Spencer Lanoue
Writing a conclusion for an argumentative essay can feel a bit like trying to wrap up a party when everyone's having a great time. How do you get everyone to leave on a high note? You want your readers to walk away feeling satisfied, maybe even inspired, and with a clear understanding of why your argument matters. In this post, we’re going to dig into the art of crafting a strong conclusion that ties everything together and leaves your audience thinking about your essay long after they've read it.
Why Your Conclusion Matters
Let's start by considering why conclusions are so important. You might think of them as just the last few lines of your essay, but they hold much more weight. A well-written conclusion can bring your ideas full circle, reinforcing your main points and giving your argument the final push it needs to be truly convincing.
Think about it. Your introduction sets the stage, your body paragraphs build the case, and your conclusion is the grand finale. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression and to ensure your readers understand the significance of everything you've just laid out. No pressure, right?
One common mistake is to see the conclusion as an afterthought or a place to simply restate what’s already been said. Instead, it should be a space where you synthesize your arguments and demonstrate their broader implications. It's not just about recapping. It's about clarifying why your argument matters in a broader context.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Before we dive into specific strategies, let’s address some common pitfalls that can weaken an otherwise strong conclusion. First, avoid introducing new arguments or evidence in the conclusion. This can confuse your readers and dilute the points you've already made. Your conclusion should focus on what’s already been discussed in the body of your essay.
Another mistake is being overly vague. Phrases like "in conclusion" or "to sum up" might feel like safe choices, but they can come across as formulaic. Instead, aim for a transition that feels natural and flows from the rest of your essay. This will help keep your readers engaged right up to the very end.
Lastly, steer clear of simply rephrasing your thesis statement. While it’s important to remind your audience of your main argument, you want to do so in a way that reflects the journey you've taken them on throughout your essay.
Restating Your Thesis with New Insight
A great way to start your conclusion is by revisiting your thesis statement, but with a twist. This isn't about copying and pasting your original thesis; it's about showing how your argument has developed. By now, you’ve laid out your evidence and your reasoning, so use this moment to reflect on how the thesis has been proven through your essay.
Consider this as a way to show growth or evolution in your argument. Perhaps your original thesis was, "Social media has a negative impact on mental health." By the conclusion, you might rephrase it to, "Given the evidence, it’s clear that social media's influence on mental health is predominantly negative, underscoring the need for more mindful usage."
See how the restated thesis not only echoes the original statement but also integrates the insights gained from the body of the essay? This demonstrates to your readers that your argument has been thoughtfully considered and fully developed.
Summarizing Key Points
While you don't want to rehash everything you've already said, it’s important to touch on the key points that support your argument. Think of this as a quick highlight reel of your essay. Which arguments were the most compelling? Which pieces of evidence were the most convincing?
Here’s a simple approach: briefly summarize each major point in a sentence or two. This will help reinforce your argument without overwhelming your readers with too much information. Remember, the goal is to remind them of the strength of your argument, not to bog them down with details.
Consider using bullet points or a list if it helps to organize your thoughts clearly. For example:
- Social media usage correlates with increased anxiety and depression rates.
- Studies show a decline in face-to-face interactions among heavy social media users.
- Positive engagement is possible when social media is used in moderation.
This kind of summary not only reinforces your points but makes it easy for readers to recall your main arguments quickly.
Connecting Back to the Hook
Remember how you started your essay? If you began with a hook—a story, a question, or an intriguing fact—consider circling back to it in your conclusion. This technique can create a satisfying sense of closure and make your essay feel cohesive and well-structured.
For instance, if you opened your essay with a story about someone whose mental health was impacted by social media, you could return to that story in your conclusion. Reflect on how the narrative has changed or what new insights your essay provides in light of that story.
This connection not only ties your essay together but also reminds your readers of the human element behind your argument. It’s a powerful way to leave a lasting impression.
Highlighting the Broader Implications
Your conclusion is a great place to explore the broader implications of your argument. Why does your thesis matter beyond the scope of your essay? What are the potential consequences if your argument is ignored?
Let’s say your essay argues for stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect mental health. In your conclusion, you might discuss the potential societal benefits of such regulations, like reduced mental health issues across populations, or the importance of creating a healthier digital environment for future generations.
By doing this, you help your readers see the bigger picture and understand the importance of your argument in a broader context. It also invites them to consider the real-world application of your ideas, which can be incredibly compelling.
Suggesting a Call to Action
Sometimes, a conclusion can benefit from a call to action. This doesn’t have to be a direct instruction, but rather a suggestion or invitation for your readers to think, act, or reflect further on the topic.
For example, in an essay about the impacts of social media, you might encourage readers to evaluate their own social media habits or to advocate for better mental health resources in their communities. A call to action can make your conclusion feel dynamic and forward-thinking.
This approach can also empower your readers, giving them a sense of agency and engagement with the topic. It’s a way of saying, “This is important, and you can be a part of the change."
Keeping the Tone Consistent
Throughout your essay, you’ve likely maintained a certain tone—be it formal, persuasive, or conversational. Keep this tone consistent in your conclusion, so it feels like a natural extension of what came before.
If your essay has been more formal, make sure your conclusion reflects that same level of formality. If you’ve taken a more casual or conversational tone, keep your conclusion light and accessible. Consistency in tone helps reinforce your argument and makes your writing feel polished and cohesive.
It’s also worth noting that the tone of your conclusion can influence how your readers perceive your argument. A confident, assured tone can leave your readers with a strong impression of your ideas and arguments.
Using Spell to Perfect Your Conclusion
Writing a conclusion can be a tricky process, but luckily there are tools like Spell that can help you craft a polished, impactful ending. Since Spell is designed to assist with writing and editing, it can help you refine your conclusion, ensuring it’s clear, concise, and effective.
With Spell, you can brainstorm, draft, and edit your conclusion all in one place. You can use natural language prompts to guide you through the editing process, making it easier to create a cohesive and compelling final paragraph. Plus, Spell’s collaborative features mean you can get feedback from others in real-time, helping to further strengthen your conclusion.
Adding a Personal Touch
While maintaining a formal tone is often important in academic writing, don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your conclusion if it feels appropriate. This doesn’t mean veering off into casual territory, but rather acknowledging the personal investment or interest you have in the topic.
Perhaps you have a personal anecdote that ties into your argument or a reflection on why this issue matters to you. Sharing a bit of your own perspective can make your conclusion feel more authentic and grounded.
For instance, if you’re writing about social media’s impact on mental health, you might briefly mention how you’ve seen these effects in your own life or the lives of those around you. This kind of personal reflection can resonate with readers and reinforce the importance of your argument.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a strong conclusion is all about leaving your readers with a clear understanding of your argument and its importance. By revisiting your thesis, summarizing key points, and exploring broader implications, you can create a conclusion that feels satisfying and impactful. And if you're looking to save time and polish your writing, Spell can help you draft, refine, and perfect your conclusion with ease. Happy writing!
