Academic Writing: How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph - Restate, Summarise, Final Thought

How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph (Restate, Summarise, Final Thought)

Introduction

Mastering the art of writing a conclusion paragraph can make all the difference in your academic and professional writing. A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your readers, reinforce your main points, and even persuade them to take action.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST

Before we dive into the world of conclusion paragraphs, make sure you're comfortable with the following foundational points:

1. Understanding the purpose of a conclusion: A conclusion is not just a summary of your main points, but a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.
2. Knowing the basic structure of a paragraph: A paragraph typically consists of a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a link to the next paragraph.

CORE CONTENT

Writing a conclusion paragraph involves three key steps: restate, summarise, and final thought.

Restate

• Restate your thesis statement: Repeat your main argument or claim in your own words.
• Use different words: Avoid using the same words and phrases from your introduction.
• Keep it concise: Restate your thesis statement in 1-2 sentences.

Example: "In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Summarise

• Summarise your main points: Briefly review the key points you made in your essay or report.
• Use transition words: Use words like "in addition," "furthermore," and "finally" to connect your main points.
• Keep it brief: Summarise your main points in 2-3 sentences.

Example: "In addition to improving physical health, regular exercise also boosts mental well-being and increases productivity."

Final Thought

• Leave a lasting impression: End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a reflection on the importance of your topic.
• Use rhetorical devices: Use literary devices like metaphors, allusions, and repetition to add depth and emotion to your conclusion.
• Keep it concise: Final thoughts should be brief and to the point.

Example: "In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise are clear, and it is our responsibility to make it a priority in our daily lives."

WORKED / MODEL EXAMPLES

Here's a complete example of a conclusion paragraph:

"In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to improving physical health, regular exercise also boosts mental well-being and increases productivity. As we move forward, it is our responsibility to make exercise a priority in our daily lives, not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of our communities."

Common Mistakes (3–5)

Mistake 1: Restating the thesis statement too literally

• Why it happens: You may be tempted to copy and paste your thesis statement from the introduction.
• Correct approach: Restate your thesis statement in your own words, using different vocabulary and sentence structure.

Mistake 2: Failing to summarise main points

• Why it happens: You may be so focused on rephrasing your thesis statement that you forget to summarise your main points.
• Correct approach: Use transition words to connect your main points and keep your summary brief.

Mistake 3: Ending with a weak final thought

• Why it happens: You may be struggling to come up with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action.
• Correct approach: Use rhetorical devices to add depth and emotion to your conclusion, and keep your final thought brief and to the point.

Mistake 4: Not proofreading your conclusion

• Why it happens: You may be in a rush to finish your essay or report and forget to proofread your conclusion.
• Correct approach: Take the time to proofread your conclusion carefully, checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Mistake 5: Not tailoring your conclusion to your audience

• Why it happens: You may be writing for a general audience and forget to consider the needs and interests of your specific readers.
• Correct approach: Tailor your conclusion to your audience, using language and examples that resonate with them.

1‑MINUTE RECAP

In conclusion, writing a conclusion paragraph involves rephrasing your thesis statement, summarising your main points, and leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to use different words, transition words, and rhetorical devices to add depth and emotion to your conclusion. Don't forget to proofread your conclusion carefully and tailor it to your audience. With practice and patience, you'll be writing effective conclusion paragraphs in no time!

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why mastering this skill/phrase/topic makes a real difference.

Mastering the art of writing a conclusion paragraph can make all the difference in your academic and professional writing.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST

Before we dive into the world of conclusion paragraphs, make sure you're comfortable with the following foundational points:

1. Understanding the purpose of a conclusion: A conclusion is not just a summary of your main points, but a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.
2. Knowing the basic structure of a paragraph: A paragraph typically consists of a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a link to the next paragraph.

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CORE CONTENT

Writing a conclusion paragraph involves three key steps: restate, summarise, and final thought.

Restate

• Restate your thesis statement: Repeat your main argument or claim in your own words.
• Use different words: Avoid using the same words and phrases from your introduction.
• Keep it concise: Restate your thesis statement in 1-2 sentences.

Example: "In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Summarise

• Summarise your main points: Briefly review the key points you made in your essay or report.
• Use transition words: Use words like "in addition," "furthermore," and "finally" to connect your main points.
• Keep it brief: Summarise your main points in 2-3 sentences.

Example: "In addition to improving physical health, regular exercise also boosts mental well-being and increases productivity."

Final Thought

• Leave a lasting impression: End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a reflection on the importance of your topic.
• Use rhetorical devices: Use literary devices like metaphors, allusions, and repetition to add depth and emotion to your conclusion.
• Keep it concise: Final thoughts should be brief and to the point.

Example: "In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise are clear, and it is our responsibility to make it a priority in our daily lives."

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WORKED / MODEL EXAMPLES

Here's a complete example of a conclusion paragraph:

"In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the costs, and it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to improving physical health, regular exercise also boosts mental well-being and increases productivity. As we move forward, it is our responsibility to make exercise a priority in our daily lives, not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of our communities."

(1:31 - 2:00)

Common Mistakes (3–5)

Mistake 1: Restating the thesis statement too literally

• Why it happens: You may be tempted to copy and paste your thesis statement from the introduction.
• Correct approach: Restate your thesis statement in your own words, using different vocabulary and sentence structure.

Mistake 2: Failing to summarise main points

• Why it happens: You may be so focused on rephrasing your thesis statement that you forget to summarise your main points.
• Correct approach: Use transition words to connect your main points and keep your summary brief.

Mistake 3: Ending with a weak final thought

• Why it happens: You may be struggling to come up with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action.
• Correct approach: Use rhetorical devices to add depth and emotion to your conclusion, and keep your final thought brief and to the point.

Mistake 4: Not proofreading your conclusion

• Why it happens: You may be in a rush to finish your essay or report and forget to proofread your conclusion.
• Correct approach: Take the time to proofread your conclusion carefully, checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Mistake 5: Not tailoring your conclusion to your audience

• Why it happens: You may be writing for a general audience and forget to consider the needs and interests of your specific readers.
• Correct approach: Tailor your conclusion to your audience, using language and examples that resonate with them.

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1‑MINUTE RECAP

In conclusion, writing a conclusion paragraph involves rephrasing your thesis statement, summarising your main points, and leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to use different words, transition words, and rhetorical devices to add depth and emotion to your conclusion. Don't forget to proofread your conclusion carefully and tailor it to your audience. With practice and patience, you'll be writing effective conclusion paragraphs in no time!