Introduction
Writing a good conclusion for your explanatory essay is crucial as it provides closure to your argument, summarizes your key points, and leaves a lasting impression on your reader. A well-crafted conclusion not only reinforces the significance of your topic but also leaves the reader with a sense of completion and understanding. In this guide, we will look into the strategies and techniques to create an effective conclusion for your explanatory essay.
Understanding the Purpose of a Conclusion:
Purpose of a Conclusion
Before we dive into crafting a conclusion, it’s essential to understand its purpose within the context of your explanatory essay. The conclusion serves several key functions:
Summarization
The primary purpose of a conclusion is summarization. In this concluding paragraph, the main points discussed throughout the essay are succinctly reiterated, providing a comprehensive overview of the argument presented. By summarizing key arguments, evidence, and insights, the conclusion serves to remind the reader of the essay’s central themes and findings. This summary not only reinforces the significance of the topic but also ensures that the reader leaves with a clear understanding of the main ideas conveyed. Ultimately, summarization in the conclusion encapsulates the essence of the essay, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and solidifying the overall impact of the argument presented.
Restatement of Thesis
Restatement of the thesis serves as a crucial purpose in the conclusion of an essay. It involves reiterating the central argument or main idea presented in the introduction, but in a manner that offers a fresh perspective or insight. By restating the thesis, the conclusion reinforces the overarching message of the essay and reminds the reader of its significance. However, it is important to avoid simply repeating the thesis verbatim; instead, the restatement should be phrased in a way that adds depth or nuance to the original assertion.
This strategic restatement helps to underscore the relevance and importance of the thesis in light of the evidence and arguments presented throughout the essay. Ultimately, by reaffirming the thesis in the conclusion, the essay achieves a sense of cohesion and closure, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and effectively driving home its central message.
Closure
Closure serves as a vital purpose in the conclusion of an essay, providing a sense of resolution and completeness to the reader. It entails bringing together the various strands of the argument and tying up any loose ends that may have been left throughout the essay. By offering closure, the conclusion ensures that the reader feels satisfied with the overall journey of the essay and leaves with a clear understanding of its significance. This may involve providing a definitive answer to any questions posed in the introduction or addressing any lingering uncertainties.
Additionally, closure in the conclusion allows the reader to reflect on the essay’s main points and their broader implications, thus reinforcing its relevance and importance. Ultimately, by providing closure, the conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader and solidifies the impact of the essay’s message.
Final Thoughts
Final thoughts serve as a purposeful element in the conclusion of an essay, offering the writer an opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of the topic and provide personal insights or reflections. This section allows the writer to step back from the specific arguments and evidence presented in the essay and offer a more holistic perspective. Final thoughts often include reflections on the significance of the topic, its relevance to broader issues or contexts, and any personal insights or lessons learned throughout the writing process.
By sharing final thoughts, the writer can leave the reader with a deeper understanding of the topic and its significance, as well as encourage further contemplation or discussion. This aspect of the conclusion adds depth and nuance to the overall argument, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and reinforcing the essay’s overall impact.
Strategies for Writing a Good Conclusion:
1. Revisit the Thesis Statement:
Start your conclusion by revisiting your thesis statement. Remind the reader of the main argument you presented in your essay. However, avoid simply copying and pasting your thesis verbatim. Instead, rephrase it to add freshness and reinforce its significance.
2. Summarize Key Points:
Provide a brief summary of the main points discussed in your essay. Highlight the most critical arguments and evidence that support your thesis. Be concise but comprehensive in your summary, touching upon each significant aspect covered in your essay.
3. Reflect on the Significance:
Reflect on the broader implications of your findings. Discuss why your topic matters and its relevance in a larger context. Consider addressing the “So what?” question to emphasize the importance of your argument and its potential impact on the reader or society.
4. Offer Closure:
Offer closure by bringing your essay to a satisfying end. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the conclusion. Instead, tie up any loose ends and leave the reader with a sense of completion. You can do this by providing a definitive resolution to any questions raised earlier in the essay.
5. Propose Further Discussion or Action:
Depending on the nature of your topic, you may want to suggest avenues for further research, discussion, or action. This demonstrates that your essay is part of a larger conversation and encourages readers to continue exploring the subject.
6. End with a Thought-Provoking Statement:
Conclude your essay with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a powerful quote, a rhetorical question, or a call to action. Aim to evoke emotion or prompt deeper reflection on the topic.
Example of a Well-Written Conclusion:
Here’s an example of how these strategies can be applied in crafting a conclusion for an explanatory essay on climate change:
“In conclusion, climate change presents one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through this essay, we have explored the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to this global phenomenon. From the rise in greenhouse gas emissions to the melting of polar ice caps, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the urgent need for action. While the task ahead may seem daunting, it is not insurmountable. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, and advocating for policy changes, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and build a more resilient future for generations to come. As individuals, communities, and nations, we must unite in our efforts to address this existential threat and preserve the planet for future generations. As the famous environmentalist David Suzuki once said, ‘In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.'”
Conclusion:
Writing a good conclusion for your explanatory essay requires careful consideration of its purpose and strategic implementation of various techniques. By revisiting your thesis, summarizing key points, reflecting on significance, offering closure, suggesting further discussion or action, and ending with a thought-provoking statement, you can create a conclusion that effectively reinforces your argument and leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Remember, the conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a strong impression, so make it count.
