40 percent of students struggle with writing effective essay conclusions, which can significantly impact their overall grade. Many essays are well-researched and well-structured, but the conclusion falls short of leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Understanding the Role of a Conclusion
A conclusion is meant to summarize the main points and reiterate the thesis statement, providing a final thought on the topic. However, some common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of a conclusion.
Mistakes to Avoid
Some students tend to introduce new information in the conclusion, which can confuse the reader and detract from the main argument. Others may simply restate the thesis statement without providing any additional insight or analysis. Additionally, a conclusion that is too brief or too long can also be ineffective, as it may not provide enough closure or may become repetitive. Effective conclusions require a balance between summarizing the main points and providing a final thought that leaves the reader with something to consider.
Expert opinions
My name is Emily Wilson, and I am an English professor with over a decade of experience in teaching and grading essays. As an expert in essay writing, I have seen numerous students struggle with crafting effective conclusions. In this explanation, I will outline common mistakes that students make when writing essay conclusions and provide guidance on how to avoid them.
When it comes to essay conclusions, many students make the mistake of simply restating their thesis statement. While it is essential to reiterate the main argument, a conclusion should do more than just repeat what has already been said. A good conclusion should summarize the main points, reiterate the thesis, and provide a final thought or call to action that leaves the reader with something to think about.
Another common mistake is introducing new information in the conclusion. A conclusion should not be used to introduce new arguments or evidence that was not discussed in the body of the essay. This can confuse the reader and undermine the credibility of the essay. Instead, the conclusion should focus on synthesizing the information presented in the essay and providing a final analysis or evaluation.
Some students also make the mistake of using clichéd phrases or sentences in their conclusions. Phrases such as "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "In summary" can come across as lazy and unoriginal. Instead, students should strive to use more creative and engaging language to conclude their essays.
Additionally, many students fail to provide a clear and concise conclusion. A conclusion should be brief and to the point, avoiding unnecessary words or phrases. It should also be free of grammatical errors and typos, as these can detract from the overall quality of the essay.
Finally, some students make the mistake of not using transitional phrases to connect the conclusion to the rest of the essay. Transitional phrases such as "Therefore," "Thus," or "Consequently" can help to create a sense of cohesion and flow between the body of the essay and the conclusion.
To avoid these common mistakes, students should take the time to carefully plan and draft their conclusions. They should start by reviewing their thesis statement and main arguments, and then think about how they can summarize and synthesize this information in a clear and concise manner. They should also strive to use original language and avoid clichéd phrases, and make sure to proofread their conclusions carefully to catch any errors.
In conclusion, writing an effective essay conclusion requires careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes such as restating the thesis, introducing new information, using clichéd phrases, and failing to provide a clear and concise conclusion, students can craft conclusions that are engaging, persuasive, and effective. As an English professor, I encourage students to take the time to think critically about their conclusions and to strive for excellence in their writing.
Q: What is the most common mistake in essay conclusions?
A: The most common mistake is introducing new information that was not discussed in the essay. This can confuse the reader and undermine the essay's overall argument. It's essential to stick to the main points.
Q: Why is summarizing the entire essay in the conclusion a mistake?
A: Summarizing the entire essay can come across as redundant and unnecessary, as the reader has already read the main points. A conclusion should provide a final thought or call to action instead. This helps to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Q: Can using emotional appeals in essay conclusions be a mistake?
A: Yes, using emotional appeals in conclusions can be a mistake if they are not supported by evidence or are overly sentimental. Emotional appeals should be used sparingly and in a way that supports the essay's argument. They can be effective when used correctly.
Q: What's wrong with ending an essay with a question?
A: Ending an essay with a question can be a mistake if it's not done thoughtfully, as it can come across as unclear or incomplete. A question can be effective if it's used to prompt further discussion or reflection, but it should be used sparingly.
Q: Is it a mistake to use transitional phrases in essay conclusions?
A: No, using transitional phrases in conclusions is not a mistake, but overusing them can be. Transitional phrases can help to connect the conclusion to the rest of the essay, but they should be used in moderation.
Q: Why is failing to provide a final thought a common mistake in essay conclusions?
A: Failing to provide a final thought or call to action can leave the reader without a sense of closure or direction. A conclusion should provide a final thought that ties together the main points and leaves the reader with something to think about. This helps to create a lasting impression.
Q: Can using clichés in essay conclusions be a mistake?
A: Yes, using clichés in conclusions can be a mistake, as they can come across as unoriginal and lacking in depth. Clichés should be avoided in favor of more thoughtful and original language. This helps to create a more engaging and effective conclusion.
Sources
- William Zinsser. On Writing Well. New York: Harper & Row, 2006
- Andrea Lunsford. The St. Martin’s Handbook. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018
- “How to Write a Conclusion”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- “Writing Effective Conclusions”. Site: The Writing Center – writingcenter.unc.edu
