Conclusions
cta: rephrasing or repeating thesis statement
just restates the thesis and is usually painfully short, repetitive
The conclusion allow you to
consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings
look to a brighter future
discuss real-world implications of what you say in the paper, show your audience what they have to gain
universalize
compare to other situations, issues in other places, in other eras. global, wider perspective
What is the purpose of a conclusion?
help readers see why all your analysis and information should matter to them.
echo the intro
reference intro paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used the intro
what does echo the intro do
return to the theme of the intro in light of the evidence presented, brings the reader full circle
cta; including evidence
should only be in body paragraphs, people write this when they can't think of anything else to say
cta; the overly emotional/dramatic conclusion
this draws emotion to make its appeal, which is usually out of character with analytical writing
cta; focusing on a minor point
a minor point does not offer the reader a final analysis to tie all of the evidence in your essay together
cta; ending with a quote
use your own words, it looks lazy. after all that research, you have nothing of your own to contribute
challenge reader to take new perspective
challenge the reader to adopt a perspective they had not considered
cta: beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase
avoid phrases such as "in conclusion"
a conclusion in a persuasive essay must reiterate _____ in new language in the conlcusion
call to action
point to broader implications
explain how other areas, issues, people. groups, places, countries are affected by this topic. topic has a wider affect than the obvious ones
alternate reality
explain how topic/situation/event might have been different/affected if the action/view you propose had been in place
end with a warning
opposite of look to a brighter future, show how failing to agree with points can result in negative consequences
cta; apologizing for your view
take a stand, don't be wishy washy and say "this is my opinion"
cta; serving leftovers
this includes extra information that the writer found or thought of but couldn't put it into body paragraphs
cta: stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion
too late, it's not dramatic or clever.