What should go in a conclusion

Conclusions are often considered the most difficult part of an essay to write. However, they are also one of the most important aspects of a paper because they provide clarity and insight into the topic. In this article, we'll explain when and how to write a conclusion, list the different types of conclusions, detail what to include and what to avoid, give an outline you can use in your next essay and provide some examples of both effective and ineffective conclusion paragraphs.

Related: Guide to Submitting a Writing Sample. Conclusions should be put to use any time you are writing an essay, report or article that proposes or explores an idea, issue or event.

This idea is referred to as a thesis statement and it provides the structure and motivation for the entire piece. In other words, it answers the "why. An effective conclusion is created by following these steps:. Though different sources cite various types of conclusions, all of them serve one of these three primary functions:. Here are a few things to avoid when writing your conclusion:. A conclusion's job is 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 of the piece.

Here are some key aspects to include in your conclusion to ensure its effectiveness:. Here is an example of an effective conclusion paragraph:. This is made evident by the fact that over the course of the last century, employees have become increasingly more educated and competent.

Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on independence, creativity and free thought, meaning that team members are realizing that they have something worthwhile to contribute that could provide a meaningful perspective. It is because of these reasons that democratic leadership, where input and conflicting opinions are welcome, should be adopted in a majority of organizations. Here are some of the ways that this conclusion is lacking:. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries.

Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. In the conclusion, you may use first-person pronouns to attempt to establish an emotional connection with the reader, as long as this connection is related in some way to the overarching claim. Here's an example of a conclusion paragraph that uses both first- and second-person pronouns to connect the thesis statement provided above to the student's own perspective on stealing:.

Civilization X believed that invading Civilization Y would help them survive long, hunger-inducing winters. But all people go through moments when they crave security, especially in times of scarcity. I would certainly never consider taking the belongings of a neighbor, nor, I expect, would you. Yet we must consider the Civilization X artifacts that justify "taking" as signs of more than simple bloodthirst — they are also revelations of the basic human need for security.

Perhaps if we had lived during the s C. View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home. How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph for an Essay.

Share on Social. The Purpose of a Conclusion Paragraph A conclusion paragraph does : Summarize the essay's thesis and evidence to further convince the reader Elevate your essay by adding new insight or something extra to impress the reader Leave a personal impression that connects you more closely to the reader A conclusion paragraph does not : Summarize something the paper does not discuss Introduce a new argument.

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Studying for the GMAT? It is your gift to the reader. One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion:. We consulted these works while writing this handout. 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.