Q&A for How to End an Essay

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  • Question
    How do I end a paragraph in an essay?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If your teacher wants a specific essay structure, you will probably want to end your paragraphs with a sentence that summarizes the main point, or in the intro, your thesis statement. If you have more freedom you might focus on leading naturally into the ideas of the next paragraph or you may end the paragraph when you feel you have made your point. You can also think of paragraphs like a slight pause in a conversation between topics. Read your paper aloud and make the paragraph breaks when it feels like a good place to pause (this will be easier for native English speakers). If you find all this confusing, your best bet is to just summarize the paragraph.
  • Question
    What is a "catchy" closing sentence for an argumentative essay?
    Community Answer
    An argumentative essay means a written debate. You are going to debate your points on a specific statement. Go for double sided statements. For example, "Homework is helpful, but under some circumstances, it poses a hazard." Such statements prove that you believe you are correct, but acknowledge that other opinions exist. This is a perfect way to end an argumentative essay.
  • Question
    But what if I have already stated the main points in the first sentence of the conclusion?
    Community Answer
    Elaborate on them by giving an example for each point, one sentence each. Read other conclusions to essays to help you to get a better feel for them rather than over-focusing on construction perfection -- learning by seeing other conclusions often works best.
  • Question
    What is the best way to begin the conclusion of an essay?
    Community Answer
    One great way to start the conclusion of an essay is to restate your thesis, but it depends on the content of the essay and what you want your reader to take away from the essay.
  • Question
    Can I conclude with something that is different from what I wrote in the essay?
    Community Answer
    The conclusion is a reverse process of the introduction. Start with the thesis statement (write it in a different way), then summarize your points. Remember you can only write what supports your body paragraphs, not what's in the body paragraphs themselves.
  • Question
    What is the basic template for a conclusion?
    Community Answer
    First, start with a small transition, then briefly summarize some of the main points, after that be sure to work your thesis statement into the conclusion in one way or another. Finally, end with a flourish. Your last sentence should be elegant, to the point and proactive.
  • Question
    How should I end a history essay?
    Community Answer
    This will largely depend on the level of history that you are working on and the type of essay you are writing. However, a good conclusion will generally involve a restatement of the thesis that you began your essay with and will leave the reader with a few final thoughts related to the essay's subject.
  • Question
    How should I write a conclusion for an informative paragraph? (It's about a planet)
    Community Answer
    You could simply say what the reader (or you) learned about the planet from your essay. You provided information throughout your essay and the conclusion wraps it up.
  • Question
    How do I end an argumentative essay? Do I have to focus on something special?
    Community Answer
    Follow the guidelines in the article. Briefly summarize the main ideas/arguments you discussed in your essay. Acknowledge that there are some good arguments for the opposite position, but that the arguments for your position are more numerous or more compelling. If you want, highlight one point you find especially important. You can end by connecting everything to a broader context, e.g., "Doing X will help ensure we have a world where Y" or something along those lines.
  • Question
    How do I conclude an essay on another person?
    Community Answer
    Talk about the impact he/she has made on the world, and how it affects/affected other people's lives.
  • Question
    May I conclude my essay with a reference?
    Community Answer
    Yes. As long as it's relevant to the essay, you may end it with a quote or reference.
  • Question
    How can I get full marks for my composition?
    Community Answer
    There is no guarantee that you will get full marks for your composition exams, but what you can do, is to try prevent being penalized. Try and prevent spelling mistakes, vocabulary, and grammar mistakes. If you are really serious, you can try to look for good phrases and meaningful reflections to add to your composition.
  • Question
    How should I end an informative essay conclusion?
    Community Answer
    Recap all the different points of your essay, outlining what what each point was about.
  • Question
    What should the last sentence of a conclusion be?
    Community Answer
    It can just summarize the last points of your essay.
  • Question
    How do should I start a conclusion paragraph?
    Tiger Yu
    Community Answer
    One great way to start the conclusion of an essay is to restate your thesis, but it depends on the content of the essay and what you want your reader to take away from the essay.
  • Question
    How do I start to summarize my conclusion?
    Community Answer
    You could try something like: "In conclusion I believe that .... The main point from paragraph one is..., the main point from paragraph two is... At the end, talk about any final point. See the article for more.
  • Question
    How should I end an argumentative essay?
    Community Answer
    An argumentative essay means a written debate, so you'll be arguing vehemently in support of one side of an issue. The perfect way to end an argumentative essay involves a brief but thorough review of your position and why you feel it's the correct stance.
  • Question
    What is the most effective way to conclude an informative/explanatory essay?
    Community Answer
    Wrap up your essay with a thoughtful conclusion that will drive your point home.
  • Question
    I am doing a report on Jedediah Smith's explorations. I don't think he really affected anyone, so how do I conclude my report?
    Community Answer
    Think of why you're doing a report on him. Why does he matter? What did he do that was important? What makes him report-worthy?
  • Question
    Can I use "To conclude" to start my conclusion?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it's best to just be concise and restate your original thesis. The reader will know that they've reached the conclusion, you don't have to tell them.
  • Question
    If I don't write my conclusion starting with "in conclusion" or the ones listed above, what should I write?
    Community Answer
    You can say "to summarize" or "consequently." You also don't have to use any language like that.
  • Question
    Is thanking someone for giving their attention at the end of an essay acceptable?
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary, or proper form, to namecheck anybody in the body of an essay.
  • Question
    Why are conclusions so hard to write?
    Community Answer
    Most likely because you feel like you've already said everything there is to say on the subject. Remember that it's okay to repeat yourself a little bit in the conclusion, and try to think about what it all means. What are the most important takeaways from your essay? What "real world" implications does this information have?
  • Question
    Can I use first person in my essay conclusion?
    Community Answer
    If you haven't written in first person for the other paragraphs of the essay, it wouldn't be wise to write in first person in the conclusion.
  • Question
    Do I put the thesis before or after the introduction?
    Community Answer
    The thesis is often the last sentence (or few sentences) of the introduction. This is done in order to close off the introduction and introduce the points addressed in the argument.
  • Question
    What can I do to write a conclusion on a paper about my best friend?
    Community Answer
    Write about the impact your friend has had on your life and what life would be like without this person.
  • Question
    Can I use this for a persuasive essay?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use this for a persuasive essay.
  • Question
    How do I end a paragraph in a persuasive essay?
    Community Answer
    I suggest you look at the samples to get a better idea of this. Your paragraphs do not necessarily have to end a certain way, you just start a new paragraph when you're changing topics.
  • Question
    How do I end my essay with an ending that will hook the reader?
    Community Answer
    You don't need to hook the reader at the end. The hook is for the beginning. The end should simply summarize and wrap up.
  • Question
    What is a catchy closing for an argumentative essay?
    Community Answer
    "As I leave you here remember that..." This is a great ending where you state your claim again.
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