How to End a College Essay

When it comes to college essays, the conclusion is often overlooked. Many students focus their energy on crafting a strong introduction and developing compelling arguments in the body paragraphs. However, the conclusion is essential in wrapping up your essay and leaving a lasting impression on your reader.

A well-written conclusion gives an essay a sense of closure and completeness. It shows that you have successfully addressed the question or topic and made a compelling argument throughout your essay. In this Bold blog, we will explore the importance of strong college essay conclusions and provide strategies to help you end your college essay effectively.

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The Role of a Conclusion in an Essay

Imagine the conclusion of your college essay as the grand finale of a captivating performance! Just like an exhilarating ending that excites the audience, a strong conclusion can make your reader feel satisfied and impressed with your essay. It's the part where you tie together all the threads of your arguments, providing a sense of resolution that leaves a lasting impact.

But wait, there's more! The conclusion is not just a wrap-up; it's a chance to showcase your critical thinking prowess. This is your moment to shine as you demonstrate your ability to synthesize information and draw meaningful connections between your ideas and those of other students.

For example, you're writing an essay about exercise and its significance for both physical and mental well-being. In your conclusion, don't forget to mention how regular workouts make you more fit and lift your mood, reduce stress, and boost brainpower. By linking these benefits together, you show your reader that you truly get the big picture and leave a lasting impact on their mind.

Why Your Essay Conclusion Matters

When evaluating an essay, instructors often pay close attention to the conclusion. A strong conclusion can elevate an otherwise average essay. The essay conclusion holds significant importance as it is the final opportunity to make a lasting impression on the reader.

This concluding section allows you to summarize the main arguments and points presented throughout the essay, reinforcing your central message. The conclusion ensures the reader feels satisfied by providing a sense of closure. It also relates to the thesis statement, demonstrating how the essay successfully addressed the main question or topic.

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Preparing to Write Your Conclusion

Before writing your conclusion, take time to prepare and reflect on your essay's main points. Here are a couple of steps you can follow:

Reviewing Your Essay's Main Points

It's essential to begin by reviewing the main points presented in your essay to enhance the effectiveness of your essay conclusion,. Take a moment to identify the key arguments you made at the beginning of your essay and jot them down. Afterward, consider how these points connect to your thesis statement.

By revisiting and acknowledging these main points, you can ensure that your conclusion effectively addresses them. This approach adds coherence to your concluding section and reinforces the arguments you have developed and supported throughout your entire essay.

Reflecting on Your Thesis Statement

Apart from reviewing your main points, take a moment to reflect on your thesis statement. The thesis statement represents the central idea or argument your entire essay revolves around. Consider how your essay has evolved throughout its content, whether it has expanded upon, challenged, or reinforced the initial thesis statement. Analyze how your conclusion contributes to this overall reflection.

By reflecting on your thesis statement, you can ensure that your conclusion provides a satisfactory answer or resolution to the question or topic presented in your essay. This reflection helps you achieve a sense of coherence and purpose in your concluding remarks, reinforcing the importance of your argument and leaving a lasting impact on your readers.

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Strategies for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Now that you have prepared and reflected on your essay, it's time to explore strategies for writing an effective conclusion. Here are three strategies to consider:

Summarizing Your Arguments

Summarizing your main arguments is one of the most common approaches to writing a conclusion. However, remember that summarizing does not mean simply repeating your words. Instead, briefly restate your key points and showcase how they support your thesis statement.

When summarizing your arguments, providing a concise overview of the main ideas you have presented throughout your essay is essential. This helps reinforce the significance of your arguments and reminds your reader of the key takeaways from your discussion.

Providing a Broader Context

Another strategy for writing an effective conclusion is to provide a broader context. While your essay may have focused on a specific topic, expanding the scope of your discussion can add depth and relevance to your conclusion.

Think about how your essay fits into the larger conversation or contributes to understanding a broader issue. By exploring the broader context, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and show the significance of your essay beyond its immediate subject matter. Consider discussing the implications of your arguments on society, culture, or even personal growth. This allows your reader to see the bigger picture and understand the broader impact of your ideas.

Proposing Future Implications

A final strategy for writing an effective conclusion is to propose future implications. While you have presented your arguments and insights in your essay, considering their potential impact on the future can leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Reflect on how your essay's arguments and insights can shape future discussions or influence further research. Consider raising thought-provoking questions that encourage your reader to explore the topic further. This can ignite curiosity and inspire them to delve deeper into the subject matter, ensuring that your essay's impact extends beyond the confines of your writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Conclusion

While there are strategies for writing an effective conclusion, there are also common mistakes to avoid. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Introducing New Information

Avoid introducing new information in your concluding paragraph. Your conclusion should focus on summarizing your main points and providing a sense of closure. Introducing new information can confuse your reader and undermine the coherence of your essay.

Introducing new information in the conclusion can give the impression that you have not fully developed your ideas throughout the body of your essay. It is important to remember that your conclusion is not the place to introduce fresh ideas or arguments. Instead, consider how your existing arguments and insights can be synthesized and presented in a cohesive manner.

Simply Restating the Thesis

While it is important to reinforce your thesis statement and the arguments that support it, avoid simply restating your thesis in the conclusion. Your conclusion should go beyond merely repeating what you have already said.

Restating your thesis without adding new insights can make your conclusion redundant and uninteresting. Instead, strive to add depth and nuance to your argument by providing a broader perspective or proposing future implications.

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Examples of Strong Essay Conclusions

By examining examples, you can uncover techniques to employ in your own writing. Let's take a look at some essay conclusion examples:

Analytical Essay Example

After carefully analyzing George Orwell's novel "1984," it is apparent that the author effectively employs dystopian elements to criticize totalitarianism and emphasize the perils of unrestrained authority. Through skillful storytelling and a thought-provoking portrayal of a society devoid of personal liberties, Orwell's work is a powerful cautionary tale, reminding us of the significance of upholding democracy and safeguarding human rights. Its enduring relevance continues to resonate, compelling us to remain vigilant in defending the fundamental principles that underpin a fair and liberated society.

Argumentative Essay Example

The evidence clearly demonstrates the detrimental effects of smoking on both individuals and society as a whole. There is a compelling case for stricter regulations and public education programs to reduce smoking rates, from the harmful health consequences to the environmental impact. Prioritizing the well-being of individuals and future generations requires taking decisive action to curb this harmful habit.

Personal Statement Example

My experiences as a volunteer in a local homeless shelter have taught me the significance of empathy and compassion. Engaging with individuals facing homelessness firsthand, I've witnessed the transformative power of small acts of kindness. These interactions have motivated me to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

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Final Tips for Ending Your College Essay

Writing a college essay is a challenging task that requires careful thought and planning. Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your conclusion:

Proofreading Your Conclusion

Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread your conclusion. While you may have meticulously reviewed the body of your essay, it's easy to overlook errors in the final paragraphs. Take the time to read through your conclusion carefully, checking for any spelling or grammatical errors that may have slipped through. A clean and polished conclusion adds to your essay's overall professionalism and impact.

Additionally, consider the flow and coherence of your conclusion. Ensure that your final thoughts align with the main points you've discussed in your essay. A well-structured and coherent conclusion will leave a stronger impression on your reader.

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Seeking Feedback on Your Essay

Consider seeking feedback from a trusted professor, mentor, or peer on your essay, including your conclusion. Fresh perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Sometimes, when deeply involved in our writing process, it can be challenging to see potential weaknesses or missed opportunities.

When receiving feedback, be open-minded and receptive. Listen to suggestions and consider how they align with your original intention. The goal is to refine and enhance your ideas. Incorporating feedback can help you create a more impactful and persuasive conclusion.

Making Your Last Sentence Memorable

Finally, aim to make your last sentence memorable. Your concluding sentence is your last impression on your reader, so make it count. Consider a thought-provoking statement, a compelling call to action, or a memorable quote that encapsulates the essence of your essay.

Think about the main message you want to convey and find a way to express it succinctly yet powerfully. Your last sentence should resonate with your reader, leaving them with a sense of closure and a lasting impact. Don't be afraid to experiment with different options and revise until you find a compelling last paragraph.

Frequently Asked Questions About the College Essay Conclusion

How do you start the concluding paragraph?

To initiate the final paragraph, reiterate your thesis as the starting point and expand to a more overarching subject. Conclude with a closing statement. This paragraph essentially mirrors your introduction, transitioning from specific to general.

What is a good ending sentence for college essay conclusions?

Consider the core of your message and distill what you wish your reader to comprehend or grasp. In a single sentence, introduce the central concept, summarizing the paragraph's main idea while avoiding verbatim repetition, and ensure it encompasses both the subject and your argument or claim.

How can I make my conclusion memorable?

You can craft a memorable conclusion using powerful statements, vivid imagery, and engaging questions. Connect it back to the introduction, include personal anecdotes, impactful quotes, and highlight real-world relevance. Be concise, authentic, and leave a lasting impression.

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