The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Conclusions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate conclusions you’ve drafted, and suggest approaches to avoid.

About conclusions

Introductions and conclusions can be difficult to write, but they’re worth investing time in. They can have a significant influence on a reader’s experience of your paper.

Just as your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will help them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.

Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment. The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings.

Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your topic in personally relevant ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest your reader, but also enrich your reader’s life in some way. It is your gift to the reader.

Strategies for writing an effective conclusion

One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion:

  • Play the “So What” Game. If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then ponder that question and answer it. Here’s how it might go: You: Basically, I’m just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That’s important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally. You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself “So What?” as you develop your ideas or your draft.
  • Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction.
  • Synthesize, don’t summarize. Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together.
  • Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.
  • Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. This can redirect your reader’s thought process and help them to apply your info and ideas to their own life or to see the broader implications.
  • Point to broader implications. For example, if your paper examines the Greensboro sit-ins or another event in the Civil Rights Movement, you could point out its impact on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. A paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists.

Strategies to avoid

  • Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing.” Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.
  • Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.
  • Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.
  • Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes.
  • Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of an analytical paper.
  • Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper.

Four kinds of ineffective conclusions

  • The “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” Conclusion. This conclusion just restates the thesis and is usually painfully short. It does not push the ideas forward. People write this kind of conclusion when they can’t think of anything else to say. Example: In conclusion, Frederick Douglass was, as we have seen, a pioneer in American education, proving that education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.
  • The “Sherlock Holmes” Conclusion. Sometimes writers will state the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion. You might be tempted to use this strategy if you don’t want to give everything away too early in your paper. You may think it would be more dramatic to keep the reader in the dark until the end and then “wow” them with your main idea, as in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. The reader, however, does not expect a mystery, but an analytical discussion of your topic in an academic style, with the main argument (thesis) stated up front. Example: (After a paper that lists numerous incidents from the book but never says what these incidents reveal about Douglass and his views on education): So, as the evidence above demonstrates, Douglass saw education as a way to undermine the slaveholders’ power and also an important step toward freedom.
  • The “America the Beautiful”/”I Am Woman”/”We Shall Overcome” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion usually draws on emotion to make its appeal, but while this emotion and even sentimentality may be very heartfelt, it is usually out of character with the rest of an analytical paper. A more sophisticated commentary, rather than emotional praise, would be a more fitting tribute to the topic. Example: Because of the efforts of fine Americans like Frederick Douglass, countless others have seen the shining beacon of light that is education. His example was a torch that lit the way for others. Frederick Douglass was truly an American hero.
  • The “Grab Bag” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion includes extra information that the writer found or thought of but couldn’t integrate into the main paper. You may find it hard to leave out details that you discovered after hours of research and thought, but adding random facts and bits of evidence at the end of an otherwise-well-organized essay can just create confusion. Example: In addition to being an educational pioneer, Frederick Douglass provides an interesting case study for masculinity in the American South. He also offers historians an interesting glimpse into slave resistance when he confronts Covey, the overseer. His relationships with female relatives reveal the importance of family in the slave community.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. New York: Dover.

Hamilton College. n.d. “Conclusions.” Writing Center. Accessed June 14, 2019. https://www.hamilton.edu//academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/conclusions .

Holewa, Randa. 2004. “Strategies for Writing a Conclusion.” LEO: Literacy Education Online. Last updated February 19, 2004. https://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

  • What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
  • What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
  • Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
  • What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
  • What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

  • a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
  • a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
  • an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
  • fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
  • picture_as_pdf Conclusions

words to start the conclusion of an essay

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

words to start the conclusion of an essay

By the time you get to the final paragraph of your paper, you have already done so much work on your essay, so all you want to do is to wrap it up as quickly as possible. You’ve already made a stunning introduction, proven your argument, and structured the whole piece as supposed – who cares about making a good conclusion paragraph?

The only thing you need to remember is that the conclusion of an essay is not just the last paragraph of an academic paper where you restate your thesis and key arguments. A concluding paragraph is also your opportunity to have a final impact on your audience. 

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How to write a conclusion paragraph that leaves a lasting impression – In this guide, the team at EssayPro is going to walk you through the process of writing a perfect conclusion step by step. Additionally, we will share valuable tips and tricks to help students of all ages impress their readers at the last moment.

Instead of Intro: What Is a Conclusion?

Before we can move on, let’s take a moment here to define the conclusion itself. According to the standard conclusion definition, it is pretty much the last part of something, its result, or end. However, this term is rather broad and superficial.

When it comes to writing academic papers, a concluding statement refers to an opinion, judgment, suggestion, or position arrived at by logical reasoning (through the arguments provided in the body of the text). Therefore, if you are wondering “what is a good closing sentence like?” – keep on reading.

What Does a Good Conclusion Mean?

Writing a good conclusion for a paper isn’t easy. However, we are going to walk you through this process step by step. Although there are generally no strict rules on how to formulate one, there are some basic principles that everyone should keep in mind. In this section, we will share some core ideas for writing a good conclusion, and, later in the article, we will also provide you with more practical advice and examples.

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay _ 4 MAJOR OBJECTIVES THAT CONCLUSION MUST ACCOMPLISH

Here are the core goals a good conclusion should complete:

  • “Wrap up” the entire paper;
  • Demonstrate to readers that the author accomplished what he/she set out to do;
  • Show how you the author has proved their thesis statement;
  • Give a sense of completeness and closure on the topic;
  • Leave something extra for your reader to think about;
  • Leave a powerful final impact on a reader.

Another key thing to remember is that you should not introduce any new ideas or arguments to your paper's conclusion. It should only sum up what you have already written, revisit your thesis statement, and end with a powerful final impression.

When considering how to write a conclusion that works, here are the key points to keep in mind:

  • A concluding sentence should only revisit the thesis statement, not restate it;
  • It should summarize the main ideas from the body of the paper;
  • It should demonstrate the significance and relevance of your work;
  • An essay’s conclusion should include a call for action and leave space for further study or development of the topic (if necessary).

How Long Should a Conclusion Be? 

Although there are no strict universal rules regarding the length of an essay’s final clause, both teachers and experienced writers recommend keeping it clear, concise, and straight to the point. There is an unspoken rule that the introduction and conclusion of an academic paper should both be about 10% of the overall paper’s volume. For example, if you were assigned a 1500 word essay, both the introductory and final clauses should be approximately 150 words long (300 together).

Why You Need to Know How to End an Essay:

A conclusion is what drives a paper to its logical end. It also drives the main points of your piece one last time. It is your last opportunity to impact and impress your audience. And, most importantly, it is your chance to demonstrate to readers why your work matters. Simply put, the final paragraph of your essay should answer the last important question a reader will have – “So what?”

If you do a concluding paragraph right, it can give your readers a sense of logical completeness. On the other hand, if you do not make it powerful enough, it can leave them hanging, and diminish the effect of the entire piece.

Strategies to Crafting a Proper Conclusion

Although there are no strict rules for what style to use to write your conclusion, there are several strategies that have been proven to be effective. In the list below, you can find some of the most effective strategies with some good conclusion paragraph examples to help you grasp the idea.

One effective way to emphasize the significance of your essay and give the audience some thought to ponder about is by taking a look into the future. The “When and If” technique is quite powerful when it comes to supporting your points in the essay’s conclusion.

Prediction essay conclusion example: “Taking care of a pet is quite hard, which is the reason why most parents refuse their children’s requests to get a pet. However, the refusal should be the last choice of parents. If we want to inculcate a deep sense of responsibility and organization in our kids, and, at the same time, sprout compassion in them, we must let our children take care of pets.”

Another effective strategy is to link your conclusion to your introductory paragraph. This will create a full-circle narration for your readers, create a better understanding of your topic, and emphasize your key point.

Echo conclusion paragraph example: Introduction: “I believe that all children should grow up with a pet. I still remember the exact day my parents brought my first puppy to our house. This was one of the happiest moments in my life and, at the same time, one of the most life-changing ones. Growing up with a pet taught me a lot, and most importantly, it taught me to be responsible.” Conclusion:. “I remember when I picked up my first puppy and how happy I was at that time. Growing up with a pet, I learned what it means to take care of someone, make sure that he always has water and food, teach him, and constantly keep an eye on my little companion. Having a child grow up with a pet teaches them responsibility and helps them acquire a variety of other life skills like leadership, love, compassion, and empathy. This is why I believe that every kid should grow up with a pet!”

Finally, one more trick that will help you create a flawless conclusion is to amplify your main idea or to present it in another perspective of a larger context. This technique will help your readers to look at the problem discussed from a different angle.

Step-up argumentative essay conclusion example: “Despite the obvious advantages of owning a pet in childhood, I feel that we cannot generalize whether all children should have a pet. Whereas some kids may benefit from such experiences, namely, by becoming more compassionate, organized, and responsible, it really depends on the situation, motivation, and enthusiasm of a particular child for owning a pet.”

What is a clincher in an essay? – The final part of an essay’s conclusion is often referred to as a clincher sentence. According to the clincher definition, it is a final sentence that reinforces the main idea or leaves the audience with an intriguing thought to ponder upon. In a nutshell, the clincher is very similar to the hook you would use in an introductory paragraph. Its core mission is to seize the audience’s attention until the end of the paper. At the same time, this statement is what creates a sense of completeness and helps the author leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Now, since you now know what a clincher is, you are probably wondering how to use one in your own paper. First of all, keep in mind that a good clincher should be intriguing, memorable, smooth, and straightforward.

Generally, there are several different tricks you can use for your clincher statement; it can be:

  • A short, but memorable and attention-grabbing conclusion;
  • A relevant and memorable quote (only if it brings actual value);
  • A call to action;
  • A rhetorical question;
  • An illustrative story or provocative example;
  • A warning against a possibility or suggestion about the consequences of a discussed problem;
  • A joke (however, be careful with this as it may not always be deemed appropriate).

Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure that your clincher is memorable and aligns with your introduction and thesis.

Clincher examples: - While New York may not be the only place with the breathtaking views, it is definitely among my personal to 3… and that’s what definitely makes it worth visiting. - “Thence we came forth to rebehold the stars”, Divine Comedy - Don’t you think all these advantages sound like almost life-saving benefits of owning a pet? “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”, The Great Gatsby

strategies

Conclusion Writing Don'ts 

Now, when you know what tricks and techniques you should use to create a perfect conclusion, let’s look at some of the things you should not do with our online paper writing service :

  • Starting with some cliché concluding sentence starters. Many students find common phrases like “In conclusion,” “Therefore,” “In summary,” or similar statements to be pretty good conclusion starters. However, though such conclusion sentence starters may work in certain cases – for example, in speeches – they are overused, so it is recommended not to use them in writing to introduce your conclusion.
  • Putting the first mention of your thesis statement in the conclusion – it has to be presented in your introduction first.
  • Providing new arguments, subtopics, or ideas in the conclusion paragraph.
  • Including a slightly changed or unchanged thesis statement.
  • Providing arguments and evidence that belong in the body of the work.
  • Writing too long, hard to read, or confusing sentences.

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Conclusion Paragraph Outline

The total number of sentences in your final paragraph may vary depending on the number of points you discussed in your essay, as well as on the overall word count of your paper. However, the overall conclusion paragraph outline will remain the same and consists of the following elements:

conclusion ouline

  • A conclusion starter:

The first part of your paragraph should drive readers back to your thesis statement. Thus, if you were wondering how to start a conclusion, the best way to do it is by rephrasing your thesis statement.

  • Summary of the body paragraphs:

Right after revisiting your thesis, you should include several sentences that wrap up the key highlights and points from your body paragraphs. This part of your conclusion can consist of 2-3 sentences—depending on the number of arguments you’ve made. If necessary, you can also explain to the readers how your main points fit together.

  • A concluding sentence:

Finally, you should end your paragraph with a last, powerful sentence that leaves a lasting impression, gives a sense of logical completeness, and connects readers back to the introduction of the paper.

These three key elements make up a perfect essay conclusion. Now, to give you an even better idea of how to create a perfect conclusion, let us give you a sample conclusion paragraph outline with examples from an argumentative essay on the topic of “Every Child Should Own a Pet:

  • Sentence 1: Starter
  • ~ Thesis: "Though taking care of a pet may be a bit challenging for small children. Parents should not restrict their kids from having a pet as it helps them grow into more responsible and compassionate people."
  • ~ Restated thesis for a conclusion: "I can say that taking care of a pet is good for every child."
  • Sentences 2-4: Summary
  • ~ "Studies have shown that pet owners generally have fewer health problems."
  • ~ "Owning a pet teaches a child to be more responsible."
  • ~ "Spending time with a pet reduces stress, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety."
  • Sentence 5: A concluding sentence
  • ~ "Pets can really change a child life for the better, so don't hesitate to endorse your kid's desire to own a pet."

This is a clear example of how you can shape your conclusion paragraph.

How to Conclude Various Types of Essays

Depending on the type of academic essay you are working on, your concluding paragraph's style, tone, and length may vary. In this part of our guide, we will tell you how to end different types of essays and other works.

How to End an Argumentative Essay

Persuasive or argumentative essays always have the single goal of convincing readers of something (an idea, stance, or viewpoint) by appealing to arguments, facts, logic, and even emotions. The conclusion for such an essay has to be persuasive as well. A good trick you can use is to illustrate a real-life scenario that proves your stance or encourages readers to take action. More about persuasive essay outline you can read in our article.

Here are a few more tips for making a perfect conclusion for an argumentative essay:

  • Carefully read the whole essay before you begin;
  • Re-emphasize your ideas;
  • Discuss possible implications;
  • Don’t be afraid to appeal to the reader’s emotions.

How to End a Compare and Contrast Essay

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to emphasize the differences or similarities between two or more objects, people, phenomena, etc. Therefore, a logical conclusion should highlight how the reviewed objects are different or similar. Basically, in such a paper, your conclusion should recall all of the key common and distinctive features discussed in the body of your essay and also give readers some food for thought after they finish reading it.

How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay

The key idea of a descriptive essay is to showcase your creativity and writing skills by painting a vivid picture with the help of words. This is one of the most creative types of essays as it requires you to show a story, not tell it. This kind of essay implies using a lot of vivid details. Respectively, the conclusion of such a paper should also use descriptive imagery and, at the same time, sum up the main ideas. A good strategy for ending a descriptive essay would be to begin with a short explanation of why you wrote the essay. Then, you should reflect on how your topic affects you. In the middle of the conclusion, you should cover the most critical moments of the story to smoothly lead the reader into a logical closing statement. The “clincher”, in this case, should be a thought-provoking final sentence that leaves a good and lasting impression on the audience. Do not lead the reader into the essay and then leave them with dwindling memories of it.

How to Conclude an Essay About Yourself

If you find yourself writing an essay about yourself, you need to tell a personal story. As a rule, such essays talk about the author’s experiences, which is why a conclusion should create a feeling of narrative closure. A good strategy is to end your story with a logical finale and the lessons you have learned, while, at the same time, linking it to the introductory paragraph and recalling key moments from the story.

How to End an Informative Essay

Unlike other types of papers, informative or expository essays load readers with a lot of information and facts. In this case, “Synthesize, don’t summarize” is the best technique you can use to end your paper. Simply put, instead of recalling all of the major facts, you should approach your conclusion from the “So what?” position by highlighting the significance of the information provided.

How to Conclude a Narrative Essay

In a nutshell, a narrative essay is based on simple storytelling. The purpose of this paper is to share a particular story in detail. Therefore, the conclusion for such a paper should wrap up the story and avoid finishing on an abrupt cliffhanger. It is vital to include the key takeaways and the lessons learned from the story.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Lab Report

Unlike an essay, a lab report is based on an experiment. This type of paper describes the flow of a particular experiment conducted by a student and its conclusion should reflect on the outcomes of this experiment.

In thinking of how to write a conclusion for a lab, here are the key things you should do to get it right:

  • Restate the goals of your experiment
  • Describe the methods you used
  • Include the results of the experiment and analyze the final data
  • End your conclusion with a clear statement on whether or not the experiment was successful (Did you reach the expected results?)

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Writing a paper is probably the hardest task of all, even for experienced dissertation writer . Unlike an essay or even a lab report, a research paper is a much longer piece of work that requires a deeper investigation of the problem. Therefore, a conclusion for such a paper should be even more sophisticated and powerful. If you're feeling difficulty writing an essay, you can buy essay on our service.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

However, given that a research paper is the second most popular kind of academic paper (after an essay), it is important to know how to conclude a research paper. Even if you have not yet been assigned to do this task, be sure that you will face it soon. So, here are the steps you should follow to create a great conclusion for a research paper:

  • Restate the Topic

Start your final paragraph with a quick reminder of what the topic of the piece is about. Keep it one sentence long.

  • Revisit the Thesis

Next, you should remind your readers what your thesis statement was. However, do not just copy and paste it from the introductory clause: paraphrase your thesis so that you deliver the same idea but with different words. Keep your paraphrased thesis narrow, specific, and topic-oriented.

  • Summarise Your Key Ideas

Just like the case of a regular essay’s conclusion, a research paper’s final paragraph should also include a short summary of all of the key points stated in the body sections. We recommend reading the entire body part a few times to define all of your main arguments and ideas.

  • Showcase the Significance of Your Work

In the research paper conclusion, it is vital to highlight the significance of your research problem and state how your solution could be helpful.

  • Make Suggestions for Future Studies

Finally, at the end of your conclusion, you should define how your findings will contribute to the development of its particular field of science. Outline the perspectives of further research and, if necessary, explain what is yet to be discovered on the topic.

Then, end your conclusion with a powerful concluding sentence – it can be a rhetorical question, call to action, or another hook that will help you have a strong impact on the audience.

  • Answer the Right Questions

To create a top-notch research paper conclusion, be sure to answer the following questions:

  • What is the goal of a research paper?
  • What are the possible solutions to the research question(s)?
  • How can your results be implemented in real life? (Is your research paper helpful to the community?)
  • Why is this study important and relevant?

Additionally, here are a few more handy tips to follow:

  • Provide clear examples from real life to help readers better understand the further implementation of the stated solutions;
  • Keep your conclusion fresh, original, and creative.

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So, What Is a Good Closing Sentence? See The Difference

One of the best ways to learn how to write a good conclusion is to look at several professional essay conclusion examples. In this section of our guide, we are going to look at two different final paragraphs shaped on the basis of the same template, but even so, they are very different – where one is weak and the other is strong. Below, we are going to compare them to help you understand the difference between a good and a bad conclusion.

Here is the template we used: College degrees are in decline. The price of receiving an education does not correlate with the quality of the education received. As a result, graduated students face underemployment, and the worth of college degrees appears to be in serious doubt. However, the potential social and economic benefits of educated students balance out the equation.

Strong Conclusion ‍

People either see college as an opportunity or an inconvenience; therefore, a degree can only hold as much value as its owner’s skillset. The underemployment of graduate students puts the worth of college degrees in serious doubt. Yet, with the multitude of benefits that educated students bring to society and the economy, the equation remains in balance. Perhaps the ordinary person should consider college as a wise financial investment, but only if they stay determined to study and do the hard work.

Why is this example good? There are several key points that prove its effectiveness:

  • There is a bold opening statement that encompasses the two contrasting types of students we can see today.
  • There are two sentences that recall the thesis statement and cover the key arguments from the body of the essay.
  • Finally, the last sentence sums up the key message of the essay and leaves readers with something to think about.

Weak Conclusion

In conclusion, with the poor preparation of students in college and the subsequent underemployment after graduation from college, the worth associated with the college degree appears to be in serious doubt. However, these issues alone may not reasonably conclude beyond a doubt that investing in a college degree is a rewarding venture. When the full benefits that come with education are carefully put into consideration and evaluated, college education for children in any country still has good advantages, and society should continue to advocate for a college education. The ordinary person should consider this a wise financial decision that holds rewards in the end. Apart from the monetary gains associated with a college education, society will greatly benefit from students when they finish college. Their minds are going to be expanded, and their reasoning and decision making will be enhanced.

What makes this example bad? Here are a few points to consider:

  • Unlike the first example, this paragraph is long and not specific enough. The author provides plenty of generalized phrases that are not backed up by actual arguments.
  • This piece is hard to read and understand and sentences have a confusing structure. Also, there are lots of repetitions and too many uses of the word “college”.
  • There is no summary of the key benefits.
  • The last two sentences that highlight the value of education contradict with the initial statement.
  • Finally, the last sentence doesn’t offer a strong conclusion and gives no thought to ponder upon.
  • In the body of your essay, you have hopefully already provided your reader(s) with plenty of information. Therefore, it is not wise to present new arguments or ideas in your conclusion.
  • To end your final paragraph right, find a clear and straightforward message that will have the most powerful impact on your audience.
  • Don’t use more than one quote in the final clause of your paper – the information from external sources (including quotes) belongs in the body of a paper.
  • Be authoritative when writing a conclusion. You should sound confident and convincing to leave a good impression. Sentences like “I’m not an expert, but…” will most likely make you seem less knowledgeable and/or credible.

Good Conclusion Examples

Now that we've learned what a conclusion is and how to write one let's take a look at some essay conclusion examples to strengthen our knowledge.

The ending ironically reveals that all was for nothing. (A short explanation of the thematic effect of the book’s end) Tom says that Miss Watson freed Jim in her final will.Jim told Huck that the dead man on the Island was pap. The entire adventure seemingly evaporated into nothingness. (How this effect was manifested into the minds of thereaders).
All in all, international schools hold the key to building a full future that students can achieve. (Thesis statement simplified) They help students develop their own character by learning from their mistakes, without having to face a dreadful penalty for failure. (Thesis statement elaborated)Although some say that kids emerged “spoiled” with this mentality, the results prove the contrary. (Possible counter-arguments are noted)
In conclusion, public workers should be allowed to strike since it will give them a chance to air their grievances. (Thesis statement) Public workers should be allowed to strike when their rights, safety, and regulations are compromised. The workers will get motivated when they strike, and their demands are met.
In summary, studies reveal some similarities in the nutrient contents between the organic and non-organic food substances. (Starts with similarities) However, others have revealed many considerable differences in the amounts of antioxidants as well as other minerals present in organic and non-organic foods. Generally, organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic foods and therefore are more important in the prevention of chronic illnesses.
As time went by, my obsession grew into something bigger than art; (‘As time went by’ signals maturation) it grew into a dream of developing myself for the world. (Showing student’s interest of developing himself for the community) It is a dream of not only seeing the world from a different perspective but also changing the perspective of people who see my work. (Showing student’s determination to create moving pieces of art)
In conclusion, it is evident that technology is an integral part of our lives and without it, we become “lost” since we have increasingly become dependent on its use. (Thesis with main point)

You might also be interested in reading nursing essay examples from our service.

How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay?

How to write a good conclusion, how to write a conclusion for a college essay.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

words to start the conclusion of an essay

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Paano Sumulat ng Mabuting Konklusyon (May mga Halimbawa)

Paano Sumulat ng Mabuting Konklusyon (May mga Halimbawa) 

  • Koponan ng Editoryal ng Smodin
  • Nai-publish: Mayo 31, 2024
  • Pangkalahatan

Ang mga mag-aaral ay madalas na gumugugol ng maraming oras sa paggawa ng mga pagpapakilala ng sanaysay habang iniiwan ang konklusyon bilang isang nahuling pag-iisip. Habang ang panimula ay isa sa pinakamahalagang aspeto ng isang sanaysay, ang isang mahusay na konklusyon ay maaaring magkaroon ng kasing dami ng epekto sa pagiging epektibo nito. Ang pag-alam kung paano magsulat ng isang mahusay na konklusyon ay mahalaga, dahil ito ay nakapaloob sa iyong mga pangunahing punto at nag-iiwan ng isang pangmatagalang impresyon sa mambabasa.

Ang isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon ay dapat magsilbing panghuling pitch para sa iyong mga argumento. Ang iyong mambabasa ay dapat lumayo nang may malinaw na pag-unawa sa kung ano ang kanilang nabasa at kung paano ito nalalapat sa core ng iyong thesis. Gamit ang tamang diskarte, ang iyong konklusyon ay maaaring baguhin ang isang mahusay na sanaysay sa isang mahusay, ginagawa itong parehong hindi malilimutan at may epekto.

Gagabayan ka ng artikulong ito sa apat na simpleng hakbang ng pagsulat ng mga nakakahimok na konklusyon. Ang bawat hakbang ay idinisenyo upang tulungan kang palakasin ang iyong thesis at ipahayag ang iyong mga huling iniisip sa paraang makakatugon sa iyong guro o propesor. Sa kaunting pagsasanay, matututuhan mo kung paano idikit ang landing at bigyan ang bawat sanaysay ng finale na nararapat dito.

Ano ang Layunin ng Konklusyon na Talata?

Ang pag-unawa sa layunin ng konklusyon na talata ay mahalaga para sa mabisang pagsulat ng sanaysay. Ang konklusyon na talata ay dapat na higit pa sa isang buod ng iyong sanaysay. Dapat itong pagsamahin lahat iyong mga argumento at itali ang mga ito sa iyong thesis.

Tandaan, lahat ng mabuting pagsulat ay nagbibigay inspirasyon sa damdamin. Nasa iyo kung magbibigay-inspirasyon, pukawin, o makikipag-ugnayan, ngunit ang konklusyon ay dapat palaging mag-iwan ng pangmatagalang impresyon.

Kung may pagdududa, AI Chat ni Smodin Ang tool ay maaaring maging madaling gamitin para sa pagsukat ng emosyonal na epekto ng iyong konklusyon.

Sa pamamagitan ng pag-master ng sining ng pagsulat ng isang malakas na konklusyon, nilagyan mo ang iyong sarili ng mga tool upang matiyak na namumukod-tangi ang iyong mga sanaysay. Ito man ang una o huling sanaysay na iyong isinusulat para sa klase, pagkakataon mo na itong mag-iwan ng tiyak na marka sa iyong mambabasa.

Paano Sumulat ng Magandang Konklusyon

sumusulat ng konklusyon ang mag-aaral

Tinitiyak ng diskarteng ito na ang iyong konklusyon ay nagdaragdag ng halaga at pinatitibay ang pagkakaugnay ng iyong mga argumento. Narito ang tatlong simple at epektibong kasanayan upang matulungan kang gumawa ng isang matatag na konklusyon.

Isinasauli muli ang Iyong Thesis

Ang pagbabalik ng iyong thesis sa konklusyon ay isang karaniwang kasanayan sa pagsulat ng sanaysay, at para sa magandang dahilan. Nakakatulong ito na bigyang-diin kung paano lumalim o nagbago ang iyong pang-unawa batay sa ebidensyang ibinigay mo.

Intindihin mo na lang yan a muling pagsasalaysay ng iyong orihinal na thesis ay hindi nangangahulugang kumpleto salita-sa-salitang ulitin. Dapat mong i-rephrase ang iyong orihinal na thesis upang maipaliwanag nito ang mga insight na nahawakan mo sa kabuuan ng sanaysay. Ang AI Rewriter ni Smodin ay maaaring makatulong na pinuhin ang iyong muling paglalahad upang matiyak na ito ay sariwa at may epekto.

Narito ang ilang mga tip upang epektibong maipahayag muli ang iyong thesis

  • Ipakita ang pagiging kumplikado : Kung ang iyong sanaysay ay nagdagdag ng mga layer o nuances sa orihinal na pahayag, siguraduhing ipahayag iyon nang malinaw.
  • Isama ang Mga Pangunahing Natuklasan : Isama ang mga pangunahing natuklasan ng iyong sanaysay upang palakasin kung paano nila sinuportahan o pinino ang iyong thesis.
  • Panatilihin itong Sariwa : Muli, gusto mong iwasang ulitin ang parehong mga bagay nang dalawang beses. Gumamit ng iba't ibang mga salita na nagpapakita ng isang nuanced na pananaw.

Panghuli, laging tiyakin na ang muling isinaad na thesis ay magkakaugnay nang walang putol sa natitirang bahagi ng iyong sanaysay. Palaging subukang ipakita ang pagkakaugnay ng iyong pagsulat upang mabigyan ang mambabasa ng isang malakas na pakiramdam ng pagsasara.

Paggamit ng mga tool ng AI tulad ng Smodin's Outliner at Essay Writer masisigurong maayos ang daloy ng iyong pagsulat at madaling sundin.

Pagbibigay ng Epektibong Synthesis

Ang pagbibigay ng mabisang synthesis ay dapat magpahusay sa iyong orihinal na thesis. Ang lahat ng magagandang argumento ay dapat na umunlad at lumipat sa buong sanaysay. Sa halip na ibuod lamang ang mga natuklasang ito, dapat mong pagsamahin ang mga kritikal na pananaw at ebidensya upang magpakita ng mas malalim o mas nuanced na pag-unawa.

Gumuhit ng mga koneksyon sa pagitan ng mga pangunahing puntong tinalakay at ipakita kung paano sila sama-samang sumusuporta sa iyong thesis. Gayundin, pag-isipan ang mga implikasyon ng mga insight na ito para sa mas malawak na konteksto ng iyong paksa. At muli, laging gumamit ng sariwa at nakakaengganyong wika upang mapanatili ang interes ng mambabasa.

Ang huling bagay na gusto mo ay para sa iyong mambabasa na tingnan ang iyong sanaysay bilang isang koleksyon ng mga indibidwal na puntos. Ang isang mahusay na sanaysay ay dapat basahin bilang isang pinag-isang kabuuan, na ang lahat ng mga piraso ay natural na nagsasama-sama. Pinagtitibay mo ang kahalagahan ng iyong argumento kapag pinagsama mo ang lahat ng mga piraso sa iyong konklusyon.

Pagbibigay ng Mga Bagong Insight

magbigay ng mga insight sa pagsulat ng konklusyon na talata

Gayundin, isipin ang hakbang na ito bilang iyong pagkakataon na magmungkahi ng mga direksyon sa pananaliksik sa hinaharap batay sa iyong mga natuklasan. Ano ang susunod na maaaring pag-aralan ng isang mag-aaral o mananaliksik? Anong mga tanong na hindi pa nasasagot? Kung nagkakaproblema ka sa pagsagot sa mga tanong na ito, isaalang-alang ang paggamit Mga tool sa pananaliksik ni Smodin upang mapalawak ang iyong kaalaman sa paksa.

Hindi ibig sabihin na maaari kang mag-iwan ng bukas o hindi nasagot na mga tanong tungkol sa iyong sariling thesis. Sa kabaligtaran, ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat na matatag na maitatag ang bisa ng iyong argumento. Sabi nga, anumang malalim at insightful na pagsusuri ay natural na humahantong sa karagdagang paggalugad. Bigyan ng pansin ang mga potensyal na lugar na ito ng pagtatanong.

(Opsyonal) Bumuo ng Personal na Koneksyon sa Nagbabasa

Ang pagbuo ng isang koneksyon sa mambabasa sa konklusyon ay maaaring mag-personalize at palakasin ang epekto ng iyong sanaysay. Ang diskarteng ito ay maaaring maging makapangyarihan kung ipinatupad nang tama, na ginagawang mas relatable, pantao, at hindi malilimutan ang iyong pagsusulat.

Sabi nga, hindi hinihikayat ng slime academics ang paggamit ng "I" sa mga pormal na sanaysay. Laging pinakamahusay na linawin ang paninindigan ng iyong guro o propesor bago pagsusumite ng iyong huling draft.

Kung ito ay pinahihintulutan, isaalang-alang ang pagbabahagi ng maikling personal na pagmumuni-muni o anekdota na nauugnay sa mga pangunahing tema ng iyong sanaysay. Malaki ang maitutulong ng isang personal na ugnayan sa paggawa ng tao sa iyong mga argumento at paglikha ng koneksyon sa mambabasa.

Anuman ang iyong pipiliin, tandaan na ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat palaging umakma sa analytical na mga natuklasan ng iyong sanaysay. Huwag kailanman magsabi ng anumang bagay na nakakabawas sa iyong thesis o sa mga natuklasan na iyong ipinakita.

Mga Halimbawa ng Mabuting Konklusyon

Tuklasin natin ang ilang halimbawa upang ilarawan kung ano ang hitsura at tunog ng isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon. Ang sumusunod ay dalawang hypothetical thesis essay mula sa larangan ng agham at panitikan.

  • Paksa ng Thesis: Ang Epekto ng Pagbabago ng Klima sa Mga Coral Reef
  • Panimula: “Ang mga coral reef ay nagsisilbing tagapag-alaga ng biodiversity ng karagatan. Ang mga underwater ecosystem na ito ay kabilang sa mga pinaka-masigla at mahalaga sa buong planeta. Gayunpaman, ang lumalalang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima ay nagdudulot ng matinding banta sa kanilang kalusugan at kaligtasan. Ang sanaysay na ito ay naglalayong i-dissect ang mga partikular na pagbabago sa kapaligiran na nag-aambag sa pagkasira ng coral habang nagmumungkahi ng mga hakbang para sa pagpapagaan."
  • Paghihinuha: "Ang pagsisiyasat na ito sa epekto ng pagbabago ng klima sa mga coral reef ay nagsiwalat ng isang nakakagambalang pagbilis ng mga kaganapan sa pagpapaputi ng coral at isang makabuluhang pagbaba ng biodiversity ng reef. Ang mga natuklasan na ipinakita sa pag-aaral na ito ay nagtatag ng isang malinaw na ugnayan sa pagitan ng tumaas na temperatura ng dagat at pagkamatay ng coral reef. Ang pananaliksik sa hinaharap ay dapat tumuon sa mga mekanismo ng katatagan ng mga species ng coral na maaaring maka-impluwensya sa mga estratehiya sa konserbasyon. Ang kapalaran ng mga coral reef ay nakasalalay sa kagyat at puro aksyon ng sangkatauhan upang pigilan ang mga pandaigdigang emisyon at mapanatili ang mahahalagang ecosystem na ito para sa mga susunod na henerasyon."

Pansinin kung paano ang konklusyon ay hindi lamang muling isinasaad ang thesis. Sa halip, itinatampok nito ang tiyak na koneksyon sa pagitan ng pagbabago ng klima at kalusugan ng coral. Inuulit din nito ang pagkaapurahan ng isyu at nagpapalawak ng isang tawag ng aksyon para sa patuloy na interbensyon. Ang huling pangungusap ay direkta, sa punto, at nag-iiwan ng pangmatagalang impresyon sa mambabasa.

Kung nahihirapan ka sa iyong pangwakas na pangungusap (o anumang pangungusap, sa bagay na iyon), Smodin's Rewriter ay maaaring lumikha ng daan-daang iba't ibang mga pangungusap sa mga segundo. Pagkatapos, piliin ang mga pangungusap at parirala na pinakamatunog at gamitin ang mga ito upang makagawa ng isang nakakahimok na konklusyon.

  • Paksa ng Thesis: Ang Ebolusyon ng American Dream sa 20th-Century American Literature
  • Panimula: "Ang American Dream ay minsang tinukoy ng kasaganaan at tagumpay. Gayunpaman, sa buong ika-20 siglo, ang representasyon ng American Dream sa popular na panitikan ay sumailalim sa mga makabuluhang pagbabago. Ang mga representasyon bang ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng isang malawak na damdamin na natutulog sa gitna ng publikong Amerikano? O ang mga akdang ito ba ay bunga lamang ng mga dismayadong manunulat na tumutugon sa umuusbong na mga hamon ng panahon?”
  • Paghihinuha: “Ang mga gawa nina F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, at Toni Morrison ay naglalarawan ng ebolusyon ng American Dream mula sa walang pigil na optimismo tungo sa isang mas kritikal na pagsusuri ng American etos. Sa buong modernista at post-modernistang panitikan, ang American Dream ay madalas na salungat sa mga pangunahing halaga ng Amerikano. Ang mga nobelang ito ay sumasalamin sa mas malawak na pagbabago sa lipunan na patuloy na humuhubog sa pambansang kamalayan. Ang karagdagang pananaliksik sa kontemporaryong panitikan ay maaaring magbigay ng higit na pananaw sa mga kumplikado ng konseptong ito.

Malalaman mo nang eksakto kung ano ang saklaw ng sanaysay na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa lamang ng panimula at konklusyon. Binubuod nito ang ebolusyon ng American Dream sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri sa mga gawa ng tatlong natatanging may-akda. Pagkatapos ay sinusuri nito ang mga gawang ito upang ipakita kung paano ipinapakita ng mga ito ang mas malawak na pagbabago sa lipunan. Ang konklusyon ay gumagana bilang parehong capstone at isang tulay upang itakda ang yugto para sa mga katanungan sa hinaharap.

Sumulat ng Mas Mabuting Konklusyon Kasama si Smodin

Laging tandaan ang elemento ng tao sa likod ng proseso ng pagmamarka kapag gumagawa ng iyong sanaysay. Ang iyong mga guro o propesor ay tao at malamang na gumugol ng hindi mabilang na oras sa pagrepaso ng mga sanaysay sa mga katulad na paksa. Ang proseso ng pagmamarka ay maaaring mahaba at kumpleto. Ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat na naglalayong gawing mas madali ang kanilang gawain, hindi mas mahirap.

Ang isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon ay nagsisilbing huling piraso sa iyong argumento. Dapat nitong i-recap ang mga kritikal na insight na tinalakay sa itaas habang nagbibigay ng bagong liwanag sa paksa. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng mga makabagong elemento at insightful na mga obserbasyon, ang iyong konklusyon ay makakatulong sa iyong sanaysay na maging kakaiba sa karamihan.

Siguraduhin na ang iyong sanaysay ay nagtatapos sa isang mataas na tala upang i-maximize ang iyong mga pagkakataong makakuha ng mas mahusay na marka ngayon at sa hinaharap. Ang komprehensibong suite ng AI tool ng Smodin makakatulong sa iyo na mapahusay ang bawat aspeto ng iyong pagsulat ng sanaysay. Mula sa paunang pananaliksik hanggang sa pagbubuo, ang mga tool na ito ay maaaring i-streamline ang proseso at mapabuti ang kalidad ng iyong mga sanaysay.

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5 Examples of Concluding Words for Essays

5 Examples of Concluding Words for Essays

4-minute read

  • 19th September 2022

If you’re a student writing an essay or research paper, it’s important to make sure your points flow together well. You’ll want to use connecting words (known formally as transition signals) to do this. Transition signals like thus , also , and furthermore link different ideas, and when you get to the end of your work, you need to use these to mark your conclusion. Read on to learn more about transition signals and how to use them to conclude your essays.

Transition Signals

Transition signals link sentences together cohesively, enabling easy reading and comprehension. They are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and separated from the remaining words with a comma. There are several types of transition signals, including those to:

●  show the order of a sequence of events (e.g., first, then, next)

●  introduce an example (e.g., specifically, for instance)

●  indicate a contrasting idea (e.g., but, however, although)

●  present an additional idea (e.g., also, in addition, plus)

●  indicate time (e.g., beforehand, meanwhile, later)

●  compare (e.g., likewise, similarly)

●  show cause and effect (e.g., thus, as a result)

●  mark the conclusion – which we’ll focus on in this guide.

When you reach the end of an essay, you should start the concluding paragraph with a transition signal that acts as a bridge to the summary of your key points. Check out some concluding transition signals below and learn how you can use them in your writing.

To Conclude…

This is a particularly versatile closing statement that can be used for almost any kind of essay, including both formal and informal academic writing. It signals to the reader that you will briefly restate the main idea. As an alternative, you can begin the summary with “to close” or “in conclusion.” In an argumentative piece, you can use this phrase to indicate a call to action or opinion:

To conclude, Abraham Lincoln was the best president because he abolished slavery.

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As Has Been Demonstrated…

To describe how the evidence presented in your essay supports your argument or main idea, begin the concluding paragraph with “as has been demonstrated.” This phrase is best used for research papers or articles with heavy empirical or statistical evidence.

As has been demonstrated by the study presented above, human activities are negatively altering the climate system.

The Above Points Illustrate…

As another transitional phrase for formal or academic work, “the above points illustrate” indicates that you are reiterating your argument and that the conclusion will include an assessment of the evidence you’ve presented.

The above points illustrate that children prefer chocolate over broccoli.

In a Nutshell…

A simple and informal metaphor to begin a conclusion, “in a nutshell” prepares the reader for a summary of your paper. It can work in narratives and speeches but should be avoided in formal situations.

In a nutshell, the Beatles had an impact on musicians for generations to come.

Overall, It Can Be Said…

To recap an idea at the end of a critical or descriptive essay, you can use this phrase at the beginning of the concluding paragraph. “Overall” means “taking everything into account,” and it sums up your essay in a formal way. You can use “overall” on its own as a transition signal, or you can use it as part of a phrase.

Overall, it can be said that art has had a positive impact on humanity.

Proofreading and Editing

Transition signals are crucial to crafting a well-written and cohesive essay. For your next writing assignment, make sure you include plenty of transition signals, and check out this post for more tips on how to improve your writing. And before you turn in your paper, don’t forget to have someone proofread your work. Our expert editors will make sure your essay includes all the transition signals necessary for your writing to flow seamlessly. Send in a free 500-word sample today!

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100+ Good Conclusion Starters for the Last Paragraph

Table of Contents

Like the introductory paragraph, the conclusion paragraph should also be given utmost importance because it is the closing section of your essay or paper where you need to effectively convince your readers about your thoughts and arguments. Also, most importantly, when writing a conclusion paragraph, you should concisely present all the major points already discussed in the introduction and the body section of the essay. Do you know how to write a strong conclusion? If not, continue reading this post and learn how to write a good conclusion using perfect conclusion starters.

What is a Good Conclusion?

A conclusion is typically the last paragraph of an essay or research paper that provides a summary of the entire work. It is one of the most important parts of an essay because it shows your readers where your writing ends.

A good conclusion is one that

  • Provides a concise summary of the essay or research topic.
  • Helps the readers remember how strong your arguments were.
  • Encourages readers to post comments.
  • Draws attention to the evidence that backs up the arguments.

Conclusion Starters

Most of the time, writers finish their essays quickly, and some writers forget to include a concluding section in their writing. Therefore, you must be careful to effectively conclude your essay or research paper with powerful sentences or statements in order to emphasize your ideas on a particular topic.

Remember, when you write a strong paragraph , then obviously the key points that you have included in the last section of your essay or paper will easily get stored in your readers’ minds. If your conclusion is weak, then your readers will forget it quickly.

Occasionally, readers will regret selecting your topic for reading because of your poor conclusion. So, when you write the conclusion statement for an essay or research paper, remember the important steps and advice for writing a good conclusion and then craft it accordingly.

How to Write an Excellent Conclusion Paragraph?

Till now, we saw the significance of a good conclusion paragraph. Now, let us step forward and learn how to write a good conclusion paragraph.

Conclusion Starters Paragraph

Seriously, you can’t impress your readers if you don’t know to write a good conclusion. In order to conclude your essay powerfully, you can either ask provocative questions or include quotes, a warning, or a call to action.

Not just for essays, a specific structure should also be followed for writing a strong conclusion too. Your conclusion will be thoughtful and impressive only if you stick to a general conclusion outline or a standard conclusion structure containing the following elements.

  • A good conclusion starter
  • Summary of the main points presented in the body of your writing
  • A closing sentence

Points to Remember While Writing a Conclusion Paragraph

  • Never introduce a new idea or topic in your conclusion paragraph that was not covered in the introduction and body of your essay or research paper.
  • Don’t stress the insignificant parts of your essay. Always make an effort to draw attention to the main points you want your readers to understand.
  • The points made in the conclusion paragraph ought to be easy to remember for the readers.

What are Conclusion Starters?

The conclusion starters are the opening sentence in your concluding paragraph. It generally acts as a link between the body and the conclusion paragraph.

One of the significant things that should be used when writing a good conclusion paragraph of your essay is the conclusion starters. With the help of conclusion starters, you can inform your readers that you are about to wrap up your writing.

There are plenty of conclusion starters available in the English language. Usually, the concluding sentences’ paragraph structure will always vary depending on your writing type. However, the conclusion starters are the same for the essay types like compare and contrast, narratives, descriptive, and argumentative.

Conclusion Starters

List of the Best Conclusion Starters for Final Paragraphs

Listed below are some of the best conclusion starter on time business news examples ideas that you can use while writing the conclusion paragraph of your essay.

Simple Conclusion Starter Words

  • In conclusion
  • All aspects considered
  • In drawing to the closure
  • The logical conclusion seems to be
  • Considering the perspective of
  • Thus, it can be restarted
  • On considering the different facts presented in this work
  • On the whole

Conclusion Starters for Essays and Speeches

  • In my opinion
  • Nevertheless
  • As expressed
  • With all these in mind
  • In a nutshell
  • Now that we know
  • I think there is no option but to conclude
  • For this reason
  • When faced with the question of
  • Given these points
  • There is nothing else we can conclude but

Effective Conclusion Paragraph Starters for Students

  • To summarize
  • I conclude that
  • To sum it all up
  • To put it briefly
  • As a result
  • In the final analysis
  • For the most part
  • As a final point
  • All things considered
  • For these reasons
  • So, I have come to the conclusion that
  • To wrap it all up

Impressive Conclusion Starters

  • The summative conclusion is that
  • The broad conclusion
  • The study concluded
  • Towards this end
  • After all, has been said
  • I recommend that
  • The informative conclusion is that
  • Now you know why
  • From now on
  • Looking back
  • I hope you can now learn that
  • Last but not least
  • In the future
  • You should now consider it
  • I think I have shown that
  • Without doubt
  • The time has come to
  • I agree with that

Good Conclusion Starters for Research Paper

  • As per the final analysis
  • Based on the evidence presented
  • As expected, the results signify
  • Due to the result
  • In light of these findings
  • The data reveals
  • As per the data, it can be indicated
  • The significant revelations made by the study
  • Unexpectedly the data revealed
  • To assume from the data
  • The result of this research showcases
  • What the study reveals is
  • On reviewing these findings it can be stated
  • In the context of the concept
  • While further research is competent

A Few More Powerful Conclusion Starters

  • As I observe things
  • At the end of the day
  • After all, it has been told and done
  • To reach the core of the heart.
  • As per my perspective
  • To make a long story short
  • No one could have assumed that
  • As the time comes to wrap up
  • In a simple language
  • As stated in the introduction
  • I would like to say finally
  • One final idea
  • My conclusions are
  • The data indicate that
  • It is worth re-examining
  • The nexus between
  • As this paper demonstrates
  • After discussing
  • I’m looking forward to
  • It is my conviction that
  • My final bow is that
  • It is my sincere belief that
  • Through this research, we learn that
  • My verdict is that
  • The research proves that
  • That was the conclusion reached
  • The summative end is that

In the list mentioned above, we saw the various conclusion starters you can use to start a conclusion paragraph. No matter what your topic is, you can make your speech or write-up memorable for your audiences with the help of a great and effective conclusion. If you wish to add value to your writing, then make sure to use any good conclusion starters at the beginning of your conclusion paragraph.

words to start the conclusion of an essay

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How to Start a Conclusion

Last Updated: June 8, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Diane Stubbs . Diane Stubbs is a Secondary English Teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching all high school grade levels and AP courses. She specializes in secondary education, classroom management, and educational technology. Diane earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from Wesley College. This article has been viewed 176,135 times.

A persuasive essay, literary analysis, or research paper should include a thoughtful introduction and conclusion. The conclusion, when written correctly, gives the reader a summary and insights into the reasons for the subject's importance. You may also need to deliver a speech or presentation which needs a good conclusion. Many of the same principles apply, but you should tailor your conclusion carefully.

Things You Should Know

  • For an essay, start with a transition sentence that references the original question, avoiding phrases like "in conclusion."
  • Go beyond a simple summary, exploring how every point in your essay connects and the significance of your essay question.
  • In a presentation, indicate that you’re finishing up and return to the initial question, giving a summary with enthusiasm and conviction.

Writing Template and Sample Conclusion

words to start the conclusion of an essay

Writing a Conclusion for an Essay or Paper

Step 1 Start with a transition sentence.

  • To help you achieve this fluency, you should start with a sentence that links the conclusion to the main body of the text. [1] X Research source
  • This might be a statement that reflects the content of your essay but connects your essay to the wider points that your conclusion will then go on to briefly discuss.
  • The sentence "A sense of the impermanence of human achievement permeates this poem", indicates a transition to the conclusion by articulating the key argument in one sentence.

Step 2 Avoid saying

  • For example, what if the essay question asks you "to what extent did the Battle of Monte Casino change the course of the Second World War"?
  • Here, you could begin with a sentence such as "The Battle of Monte Casino was a crucial moment that reflected the shifting dynamic of WWII, but did not in itself turn the tide of the war".

Step 4 Go beyond summing up.

  • A short summary can be useful in a longer essay, but do not simply restate what you have said in the same terms. [5] X Research source
  • Rather, indicate your key points while situating them within a larger context, which displays a deeper understanding and potentially opens up new lines of inquiry.

Step 5 Suggest some broader implications.

  • In your conclusion structure, this discussion of the broader implications should follow the transition sentences and the explanation of how the different elements of your argument fit together. [6] X Research source
  • This could include universalizing the topic of essay, making a connection to a contemporary issue, or providing a call to action.

Concluding a Presentation or Speech

Step 1 Indicate that you are concluding.

  • Phrases such as "in conclusion", and "to summarise", which you wouldn't use in a written essay, can be useful for a spoken presentation.
  • Indicating that you are about to conclude will encourage your listeners to focus on what you are about to say. [7] X Research source

Step 2 Return to your initial question.

  • For example, you could ask yourself the main question at the start of the conclusion. "So, how do I suggest we improve our sales in the Mid-West?" before going on provide a summary of your key points.

Step 3 Provide a clear summary.

  • Generally, listening to a presentation will be more passive than reading an essay, so it is more beneficial to summarise your key points in the conclusion of a spoken presentation.
  • The last things your audience hear will most likely be what they take away with them, so be sure all your key points are covered in the conclusion.

Step 4 Show enthusiasm and conviction.

  • You might also include a short anecdote that supports your argument and acts as a call to action to the other people in the room.
  • A strong ending can make a personal connection with the audience, by demonstrating how you can resolve a problem for the audience member. [9] X Research source

Step 5 Finish strongly.

  • Using an action verb in your final sentence can highlight exactly how you want your audience to respond.
  • For example, when John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do or your country," he was encouraging action from the audience. [10] X Research source
  • Finishing this way both demonstrates your personal conviction and indicates that you think your ideas should be followed up.

Expert Q&A

Diane Stubbs

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Write a Reflection Paper

  • ↑ http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/concl.html
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions
  • ↑ http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html
  • ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-ways-to-end-a-presentation-2014-7
  • ↑ http://www.ethos3.com/2014/12/the-best-way-to-end-a-professional-presentation/

About This Article

Diane Stubbs

To start a conclusion for an essay, begin with a reference to the original question. If, for example, the essay question asks “How did the Battle of Monte Casino change the course of WWII?”, start with “The Battle of Monte Casino was a crucial moment that reflected the shifting dynamic of WWII.” Additionally, start your conclusion in a natural way, without obvious transitions like "In conclusion." For example, begin with "A sense of the impermanence of human achievement..." instead of, "In conclusion, a sense of the impermanence.." For more advice from our English reviewer, including how to write a conclusion for a presentation or speech, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Good Words To Start an Effective Conclusion

Table of Contents

Conclusions are one of the most challenging and essential paragraphs you will write in your essay or paper.

The concluding paragraph should summarize the thoughts discussed in your writing. It should also convey the most important arguments and leave a powerful impression on readers. But how exactly do you start this important paragraph? Well, we’re here with some tips and creative ideas on  good words to start your conclusion paragraph !

The way you start your conclusion is very important. You want to steer clear of overused conclusion starters such as: “I concluded that” or “In this essay I have.” Keep on reading to learn how to start your conclusion in a way that will make it stand out.

What Makes a Good Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay or research paper that summarizes your entire writing . It conveys the main points of your work.

A good conclusion has the following characteristics:

  • It gives a clear overview of what the essay or research topic is about
  • Helps motivate the readers to ponder on the issue or act on it
  • It serves as a reminder of the strength of your arguments.
  • Provides significant evidence in support of the argument.

Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusions are meant to reiterate the arguments and thesis of the essay . In other words, it provides a sense of closure and suggests that you have accomplished the goal.

Keep these tips in mind when writing your conclusion to ensure its effectiveness:

  • End the essay with a positive note
  • Communicate the significance of your ideas and the subject matter
  • Provide a sense of closure to the reader
  • Summarise your main points and re-emphasize them
  • Rephrase your thesis statement and support it with evidence

Good Words to Start Your Conclusion Paragraph

It’s common for papers to start their conclusion with common phrases like “In conclusion” or “To conclude.” But there are more effective ways to begin your conclusion. Here are just some of them.

Conclusion Starter Ideas for Research Paper

  • As per the final analysis
  • Based on the evidence presented
  • As expected, the results signify
  • In light of these findings
  • The research data reveals that
  • As per the data, we can infer that
  • The significant revelations made by the study
  • Unexpectedly the data revealed
  • To assume from the data
  • The result of this research showcases
  • What the study shows is
  • Through reviewing these findings, we can state
  • In the context of this paper,
  • While further research is competent
  • In the final analysis
  • For the most part
  • In my opinion
  • As a final point
  • All things considered
  • For these reasons
  • As such, I have come to a conclusion that
  • To wrap it all up

Other Good Conclusion Starters

  • Based on our observation
  • After all, it has been told and done
  • In my point of view
  • To make a long story short
  • No one could have assumed that
  • In a simple language
  • As stated in the introduction
  • I would like to say finally
  • One final idea
  • My conclusions are
  • The data indicate that
  • It is worth re-examining
  • The nexus between
  • As this paper demonstrates
  • After discussing
  • I’m looking forward to

The conclusion paragraph of your paper is meant to wrap up all the essential things you’ve discussed. It should bring your paper to a close by connecting the points you’ve made. Transition to your conclusion clearly, using these  good words to start your conclusion paragraph .

Good Words To Start an Effective Conclusion

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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105 Best Words To Start A Paragraph

words to start a paragraph, explained below

The first words of a paragraph are crucial as they set the tone and inform the reader about the content that follows.

Known as the ‘topic’ sentence, the first sentence of the paragraph should clearly convey the paragraph’s main idea. 

This article presents a comprehensive list of the best words to start a paragraph, be it the first, second, third, or concluding paragraph.

Words to Start an Introduction Paragraph

The words you choose for starting an essay should establish the context, importance, or conflict of your topic.

The purpose of an introduction is to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the topic, its significance, and the structure of the ensuing discussion or argument.

Students often struggle to think of ways to start introductions because they may feel overwhelmed by the need to effectively summarize and contextualize their topic, capture the reader’s interest, and provide a roadmap for the rest of the paper, all while trying to create a strong first impression.

Choose one of these example words to start an introduction to get yourself started:

  • The debate surrounding [topic]…
  • [Topic] has garnered attention due to…
  • Exploring the complexities of [topic]…
  • The significance of [topic] lies in…
  • Over the past decade, [topic] has…
  • The critical question of [topic]…
  • As society grapples with [topic]…
  • The rapidly evolving landscape of [topic]…
  • A closer examination of [topic] reveals…
  • The ongoing conversation around [topic]…
Don’t Miss my Article: 33 Words to Avoid in an Essay

Words to Start a Body Paragraph

The purpose of a body paragraph in an essay is to develop and support the main argument, presenting evidence, examples, and analysis that contribute to the overall thesis.

Students may struggle to think of ways to start body paragraphs because they need to find appropriate transition words or phrases that seamlessly connect the paragraphs, while also introducing a new idea or evidence that builds on the previous points.

This can be challenging, as students must carefully balance the need for continuity and logical flow with the introduction of fresh perspectives.

Try some of these paragraph starters if you’re stuck:

  • Building upon previous research…
  • As [source] suggests, [topic]…
  • Analyzing [topic] through [theory]…
  • Considering the impact of [policy]…
  • Delving deeper into [topic]…
  • Drawing from [author]’s findings…
  • [Topic] intersects with [related topic]…
  • Contrary to popular belief, [topic]…
  • The historical context of [topic]…
  • Addressing the challenges of [topic]…

Words to Start a Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph wraps up your essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It should convincingly summarize your thesis and main points. For more tips on writing a compelling conclusion, consider the following examples of ways to say “in conclusion”:

  • In summary, [topic] demonstrates…
  • The evidence overwhelmingly suggests…
  • Taking all factors into account…
  • In light of the analysis, [topic]…
  • Ultimately, [topic] plays a crucial role…
  • In light of these findings…
  • Weighing the pros and cons of [topic]…
  • By synthesizing the key points…
  • The interplay of factors in [topic]…
  • [Topic] leaves us with important implications…

Complete List of Transition Words

Above, I’ve provided 30 different examples of phrases you can copy and paste to get started on your paragraphs.

Let’s finish strong with a comprehensive list of transition words you can mix and match to start any paragraph you want:

  • Secondly, …
  • In addition, …
  • Furthermore, …
  • Moreover, …
  • On the other hand, …
  • In contrast, …
  • Conversely, …
  • Despite this, …
  • Nevertheless, …
  • Although, …
  • As a result, …
  • Consequently, …
  • Therefore, …
  • Additionally, …
  • Simultaneously, …
  • Meanwhile, …
  • In comparison, …
  • Comparatively, …
  • As previously mentioned, …
  • For instance, …
  • For example, …
  • Specifically, …
  • In particular, …
  • Significantly, …
  • Interestingly, …
  • Surprisingly, …
  • Importantly, …
  • According to [source], …
  • As [source] states, …
  • As [source] suggests, …
  • In the context of, …
  • In light of, …
  • Taking into consideration, …
  • Given that, …
  • Considering the fact that, …
  • Bearing in mind, …
  • To illustrate, …
  • To demonstrate, …
  • To clarify, …
  • To put it simply, …
  • In other words, …
  • To reiterate, …
  • As a matter of fact, …
  • Undoubtedly, …
  • Unquestionably, …
  • Without a doubt, …
  • It is worth noting that, …
  • One could argue that, …
  • It is essential to highlight, …
  • It is important to emphasize, …
  • It is crucial to mention, …
  • When examining, …
  • In terms of, …
  • With regards to, …
  • In relation to, …
  • As a consequence, …
  • As an illustration, …
  • As evidence, …
  • Based on [source], …
  • Building upon, …
  • By the same token, …
  • In the same vein, …
  • In support of this, …
  • In line with, …
  • To further support, …
  • To substantiate, …
  • To provide context, …
  • To put this into perspective, …

Tip: Use Right-Branching Sentences to Start your Paragraphs

Sentences should have the key information front-loaded. This makes them easier to read. So, start your sentence with the key information!

To understand this, you need to understand two contrasting types of sentences:

  • Left-branching sentences , also known as front-loaded sentences, begin with the main subject and verb, followed by modifiers, additional information, or clauses.
  • Right-branching sentences , or back-loaded sentences, start with modifiers, introductory phrases, or clauses, leading to the main subject and verb later in the sentence.

In academic writing, left-branching or front-loaded sentences are generally considered easier to read and more authoritative.

This is because they present the core information—the subject and the verb—at the beginning, making it easier for readers to understand the main point of the sentence.

Front-loading also creates a clear and straightforward sentence structure, which is preferred in academic writing for its clarity and conciseness.

Right-branching or back-loaded sentences, with their more complex and sometimes convoluted structure, can be more challenging for readers to follow and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Take these examples where I’ve highlighted the subject of the sentence in bold. Note that in the right-branching sentences, the topic is front-loaded.

  • Right Branching: Researchers found a strong correlation between sleep and cognitive function after analyzing the data from various studies.
  • Left-Branching: After analyzing the data from various studies, a strong correlation between sleep and cognitive function was found by researchers.
  • The novel was filled with vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes , which captivated the audience from the very first chapter.
  • Captivating the audience from the very first chapter, the novel was filled with vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes.

The words you choose to start a paragraph are crucial for setting the tone, establishing context, and ensuring a smooth flow throughout your essay.

By carefully selecting the best words for each type of paragraph, you can create a coherent, engaging, and persuasive piece of writing.

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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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  • 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

words to start the conclusion of an essay

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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  1. Conclusion

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

  2. How to type a conclusion paragraph. How to Start a Conclusion Paragraph

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

  3. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Tips and Examples

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

  4. In Conclusion Synonym

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

  5. Conclusion Transitions For Essays

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

  6. In Conclusion Synonym: 30 Different Ways to Say In Conclusion

    words to start the conclusion of an essay

VIDEO

  1. How to write conclusion? |Conclusion in English Literature

  2. How to start conclusion writing

  3. 5 Min. Guide to Essay Conclusion (Steps & Examples)

  4. MT Essay: Conclusion Paragraph

  5. Stop using these words in your essays #shorts

  6. Write The Conclusion To A Research Paper In 1 Minute

COMMENTS

  1. How to Conclude an Essay

    Step 1: Return to your thesis. To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument. Don't just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction. Example: Returning to the thesis.

  2. Ending the Essay: Conclusions

    Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay: Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your main ideas. Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up ...

  3. How to Write an Essay Conclusion

    1. Return to Your Thesis. Similar to how an introduction should capture your reader's interest and present your argument, a conclusion should show why your argument matters and leave the reader with further curiosity about the topic. To do this, you should begin by reminding the reader of your thesis statement.

  4. Conclusions

    The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings. Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or ...

  5. Conclusions

    Highlight the "so what". At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what's at stake—why they should care about the argument you're making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put ...

  6. How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (Examples Included!)

    The critical question of "how to start a conclusion paragraph" has many different answers. To help you further, we've provided a few good conclusions for essays that are based on the four main essay types. 1. Narrative essay conclusion. The following essay conclusion example elaborates on the narrator's unique experience with homeschooling.

  7. How to Write a Conclusion: Full Writing Guide with Examples

    A good conclusion should leave a strong and memorable impression on the reader while effectively summarizing the main points of the essay. Start by restating the thesis statement in different words to remind the reader of the essay's main argument. Then, briefly summarize the key points or arguments made in the body paragraphs.

  8. How to End an Essay: Writing a Strong Conclusion

    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. Method 1.

  9. How to Write a Good Conclusion (With Examples)

    The conclusion paragraph should be more than just a summary of your essay. It should consolidate lahat your arguments and tie them back to your thesis. Remember, all good writing inspires emotion. Whether to inspire, provoke, or engage is up to you, but the conclusion should always leave a lasting impression.

  10. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Tips and Examples

    When wondering how to write a conclusion, it boils down to this: Conclusions should round off the topic and leave a strong impression in the readers' minds. We show you three key elements to a memorable conclusion.

  11. Good Conclusion Starters for Final Paragraphs

    If you're looking for good conclusion starters to finish your piece strongly, look no further. ... Examples of conclusion paragraph starter words and phrases include: all things considered; clearly; ... Phrases you might use to start your research paper conclusion include: as a result; as expected, the results indicate;

  12. 5 Examples of Concluding Words for Essays

    Overall, It Can Be Said…. To recap an idea at the end of a critical or descriptive essay, you can use this phrase at the beginning of the concluding paragraph. "Overall" means "taking everything into account," and it sums up your essay in a formal way. You can use "overall" on its own as a transition signal, or you can use it as ...

  13. How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

    Step 2: Provide New and Interesting Insight. In addition to restating the thesis, a conclusion should emphasize the importance of the essay's argument by building upon it. In other words, you want to push your ideas one step beyond your thesis.

  14. 100+ Good Conclusion Starters for the Last Paragraph

    A conclusion is typically the last paragraph of an essay or research paper that provides a summary of the entire work. It is one of the most important parts of an essay because it shows your readers where your writing ends. A good conclusion is one that. Provides a concise summary of the essay or research topic.

  15. 17 Essay Conclusion Examples (Copy and Paste)

    Essay Conclusion Examples. Below is a range of copy-and-paste essay conclusions with gaps for you to fill-in your topic and key arguments. Browse through for one you like (there are 17 for argumentative, expository, compare and contrast, and critical essays). Once you've found one you like, copy it and add-in the key points to make it your own.

  16. 39 Different Ways to Say 'In Conclusion' in an Essay (Rated)

    Example: "In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.". 18. In closing…. My Rating: 7/10. 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.

  17. 3 Ways to Start a Conclusion

    1. Start with a transition sentence. If you are writing a conclusion to an essay or paper for school or college, it's important to understand the functions of the conclusion. Your conclusion shouldn't only restate the main points of your argument in a way that is disconnected from the rest of the text.

  18. Good Words To Start an Effective Conclusion

    The way you start your conclusion is very important. You want to steer clear of overused conclusion starters such as: "I concluded that" or "In this essay I have." Keep on reading to learn how to start your conclusion in a way that will make it stand out. What Makes a Good Conclusion. The conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay or ...

  19. 10 Good Transitions for a Conclusion Paragraph

    The transitions you use between two paragraphs will be different than the transitions you use in your conclusion. Transitions can occur at the end of the previous paragraph, the beginning of the next paragraph or both and include words or phrases such as: For example. Afterward. However.

  20. 105 Best Words To Start A Paragraph (2024)

    Words to Start a Conclusion Paragraph. The conclusion paragraph wraps up your essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It should convincingly summarize your thesis and main points. For more tips on writing a compelling conclusion, consider the following examples of ways to say "in conclusion": In summary, [topic] demonstrates…

  21. 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

    4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".