Introduction
Writing a college essay can be a daunting task for many students, but crafting a strong conclusion can be even more challenging. After spending countless hours researching, brainstorming, and drafting, ending an essay with impact is crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The conclusion is the final chance to reinforce your argument, summarize your main points, and provide closure to your essay. In this article, we’ll explore five proven strategies for crafting a strong conclusion, provide dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes, and offer a step-by-step guide to help you end your college essay with confidence.
5 Proven Ways to Craft a Strong Conclusion for Your College Essay
1. Bring the essay full circle: One effective way to create a lasting impression in your conclusion is to bring the essay back to the beginning. This technique allows the reader to see how all the components of the essay work together to prove your thesis statement. To achieve this, use the same language, imagery, or example in your conclusion that you used in the introduction.
For example, if you started your essay with a question, you can answer that question in your conclusion, providing the reader with a sense of closure. Another approach is to use a parallel sentence structure that echoes the language used in the introduction.
Tip: Avoid repeating the exact words of your introduction in the conclusion as this can be boring.
2. Use a quote or anecdote: Including a relevant quote or anecdote in your conclusion can be an effective way to drive home your message and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Use a quote that enhances your argument or summarizes your overall theme.
An anecdote should be brief and related to the theme of your essay. The goal is to provide a concrete example that brings your thesis to life.
Tip: Be sure to properly cite any quotes used in your essay and ensure that your anecdote is applicable to your argument.
3. Make a call to action: An impactful conclusion can influence readers to take action beyond the essay. A call to action encourages the reader to do something with the information they have just been presented with. This technique works well for persuasive essays or essays with a social justice theme.
For example, if you’ve written an essay about the importance of recycling, end your essay with a call to action encouraging readers to recycle in their own lives.
Tip: Be specific and clear in your call to action and ensure that it aligns with your essay’s thesis.
4. Provide a new perspective: Ending your essay by providing a new perspective can be a refreshing way to leave a lasting impression on the reader. This technique works well for essays that are thought-provoking, controversial, or creative in nature.
For instance, if you’ve written an essay about the impact of social media on our daily lives, you can end your essay by providing a new perspective on how social media can be used positively.
Tip: Ensure that your new perspective is related to the main theme of your essay.
5. Emphasize the main takeaway: Another effective way to wrap up your essay is to emphasize the main takeaway or message you want the reader to retain. This technique works well for informative and persuasive essays.
For example, if you’ve written an essay about the importance of financial literacy, you can end your essay by emphasizing the benefits of understanding personal finance.
Tip: Be concise and clear in your main takeaway, and avoid introducing any new information in your conclusion.
The Dos and Don’ts of Ending a College Essay with Impact
When it comes to crafting a strong conclusion for your college essay, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can make your conclusion fall flat. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
– Do remind the reader of your thesis statement and the main argument of your essay.
– Do summarize your main points, but avoid repeating them verbatim.
– Do end your essay with a thoughtful and memorable statement that provides closure.
– Do align your conclusion with the overall tone and structure of your essay.
Don’ts:
– Don’t introduce new information or new ideas in your conclusion.
– Don’t repeat your thesis statement word for word.
– Don’t end your essay with a cliche or overused proverb.
– Don’t overcomplicate your conclusion with unnecessary information.
Unlocking the Power of the Final Paragraph: Tips for Closing Your College Essay
The final paragraph of your college essay is where you have the last chance to make an impression on the reader. Here are some tips for creating a compelling final paragraph:
– Emphasize your main theme: Use this paragraph to emphasize the overall theme of your essay and its importance.
– Leave a thought-provoking question: End your essay by leaving the reader with an intriguing question that encourages further reflection.
– End with a call to action: Encourage your reader to take action by ending your essay with a call to action, making the essay more impactful.
Crafting a Lasting Impression: Strategies for Your College Essay Conclusion
Here are some additional strategies for creating a memorable and impactful conclusion:
– Use vivid imagery: Paint a picture or describe a scene that captures the essence of your essay.
– Address the reader directly: Address the reader directly and engage them in the topic and its implications.
– Use humor or irony: If the tone of your essay is lighthearted, using humor or irony can create a lasting impression on the reader.
The Art of Wrapping Up: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ending Your College Essay
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a successful conclusion:
1. Review your thesis statement: Ensure that your conclusion aligns with and reinforces your thesis statement.
2. Summarize your main points: Briefly summarize the main points you’ve made throughout your essay.
3. Identify the main takeaway: Determine the main takeaway or message you want to leave with the reader.
4. Choose an appropriate ending: Choose an ending that aligns with the overall tone and structure of your essay, using one of the techniques discussed earlier.
5. Edit and revise: Review and revise your conclusion for clarity, conciseness, and impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ending a college essay with impact is crucial in leaving a lasting impression on the reader. By using one of the five proven strategies discussed in this article, avoiding common mistakes, and following the step-by-step guide, you can create a memorable and impactful conclusion. Remember, a strong conclusion should reinforce your thesis statement, summarize your main points, and provide closure to your essay.