40 percent of students struggle to conclude their essays effectively, often leaving a poor impression on readers. In academic writing, the final part of an essay plays a crucial role in summarizing key points and reinforcing the main argument.
Essay Structure
The final part of an essay is typically called the conclusion. This section aims to provide a sense of closure and finality, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the writer's message. A well-crafted conclusion should effectively summarize the main points discussed in the essay, reiterating the thesis statement and emphasizing its significance.
Conclusion Purpose
The conclusion serves as a reminder of the essay's central argument, highlighting the importance of the topic and the relevance of the discussion. By restating the main points and rephrasing the thesis statement, the writer reinforces the essay's core message, making it more memorable for the reader. Effective conclusions can make a significant difference in the overall impact of an essay, as they provide a sense of completion and finality to the reader.
Expert opinions
I am Emily Wilson, an English Language and Literature professor with over a decade of experience in teaching and guiding students on essay writing. As an expert in this field, I can confidently explain the different parts of an essay, including the final part.
The final part of an essay is called the conclusion. It is the last paragraph of the essay, and its primary purpose is to summarize the main points discussed in the essay and reiterate the thesis statement. The conclusion is essential because it provides a sense of closure and completeness to the essay, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the writer's argument or point of view.
A well-written conclusion should be concise, clear, and effective in reinforcing the main arguments presented in the essay. It should not introduce new information or ideas but rather synthesize the existing ones to create a cohesive and persuasive argument. The conclusion should also provide a final thought or a call to action, encouraging the reader to think critically about the topic or issue discussed in the essay.
As a professor, I always emphasize the importance of a strong conclusion to my students. A good conclusion can make a significant difference in the overall quality of the essay, as it demonstrates the writer's ability to think critically and present their ideas in a clear and concise manner. On the other hand, a weak conclusion can undermine the entire essay, leaving the reader with a sense of confusion or uncertainty.
To write a effective conclusion, students should follow a few key guidelines. First, they should review the main points discussed in the essay and identify the most critical information to include in the conclusion. Second, they should rephrase the thesis statement in different words to avoid repetition and create a sense of freshness. Third, they should use transitional phrases and words, such as "in conclusion," "to summarize," or "finally," to signal the end of the essay and create a sense of closure.
In addition to these guidelines, students should also be mindful of the tone and language used in the conclusion. The tone should be confident and assertive, while the language should be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader, and opt for simple and straightforward language instead.
In conclusion, the final part of an essay is called the conclusion, and it plays a vital role in summarizing the main points and reinforcing the thesis statement. As an expert in essay writing, I strongly believe that a well-written conclusion is essential for creating a persuasive and effective argument. By following the guidelines outlined above and being mindful of the tone and language used, students can craft a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Q: What is the final part of an essay called?
A: The final part of an essay is called a conclusion. It summarizes the main points and reiterates the thesis statement. This section provides a final thought or call to action.
Q: What is the purpose of the conclusion in an essay?
A: The purpose of the conclusion is to wrap up the essay by restating the main arguments and reinforcing the thesis. It leaves the reader with a lasting impression and something to think about.
Q: Is the conclusion the same as the summary of an essay?
A: While the conclusion does summarize the main points, it is not the same as a summary. The conclusion provides a final analysis and thought, whereas a summary only restates the main points.
Q: How long should the conclusion of an essay be?
A: The conclusion should be brief and to the point, typically around 5-10% of the total essay length. It should provide a concise summary and final thought without introducing new information.
Q: What should be included in the conclusion of an essay?
A: The conclusion should include a restatement of the thesis, a summary of the main points, and a final thought or call to action. It may also include implications or suggestions for future research.
Q: Can the conclusion of an essay be more than one paragraph?
A: While it is possible for the conclusion to be more than one paragraph, it is generally recommended to keep it concise and to the point. In most cases, a single paragraph is sufficient to summarize the main points and provide a final thought.
Sources
- Swales John, Feak Christine. Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- “How to Write a Conclusion”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- Williams Joseph. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995.
- “Essay Writing: Conclusion”. Site: BBC Bitesize – bbc.co.uk
