Take a look at the introductory and concluding paragraphs

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The Essay Writing the Concluding Paragraph

• Prof. Shirley Santiago, PCUPR
• English 114

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The Concluding Paragraph

• The concluding paragraph of an essay can have
  the following functions
• It signals the end of the essay.
• It reminds the reader of the writers thesis.
• It leaves the reader with a final thought.

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I. Signaling the End

• The first sentence can provide the necessary
  transition or mention the topic of the entire
  essay.
• Try to avoid the standard In conclusion or In
  summary. (Its okay to use at an elementary
  level but not very interesting!)
• Instead, let the conclusion flow logically from
  the body of the essay.

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Take a look at the introductory and concluding
paragraphs below.

• Radio and the Universities
• The radio stations of this area should transmit
  daily news about local university campuses for
  several reasons. First, transmitting daily news
  about the universities would benefit the students
  by providing necessary information. Second, it
  would also benefit the radio stations. Third, it
  would benefit the community as a whole through
  the universities public service announcements.
  The effect on the community as a whole could be
  the most important, but the benefits for the
  students would be the most immediate.

• Radio stations are an effective medium of
  communication, and our universities are a large
  and active part of our community. Each can have
  a positive effect on the other. It is clear,
  therefore, that if the radio stations transmitted
  news daily about our universities, many sectors
  of society would benefit.
• (Taken from Write On! A Grammar-Composition
  Workbook (Rev. ed. 2009)

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II. Reminding the Reader of the Writers
Thesis

• In order to remind the reader of the thesis, the
  writer can
• restate the thesis in different words, and/or
• summarize the major topics of the developmental
  paragraphs (but remember that the writer must
  mention them all!)

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Take a look at the introductory and concluding
paragraphs below.

• A Friend Whom I Admire
• My friend María has several very admirable
  qualities. The first is her consideration of
  others. The second is her sense of
  responsibility. Her third admirable quality is
  her musical talent. María's musical talent has
  won the respect of many people, but her
  considerateness has made them love her.

• My friend has my admiration because of her many
  outstanding qualities. She inspires me to do the
  best I can in all areas of my life just like she
  does by being considerate, responsible, and
  talented. I think that María is an inspiration
  for everyone who knows her.
• (Adapted from Write On! A Grammar-Composition
  Workbook (Rev. ed. 2009)

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III. Leaving the Reader with a Final Thought

• The final thoughts in an essay can be presented
  in various ways. The following techniques are
  very effective in an argumentative/persuasive
  essay
• End with a question or series of questions This
  leaves the reader with something to think about!
• Why is it that when the sun or the moon or the
  stars are out, they are visible, but when the
  lights are out, they are invisible and that when
  I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind
  up this essay, I shall end it? English is a crazy
  language. (Richard Lederer, English is a Crazy
  Language)

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Final Thoughts (cont.)

• 2. End with a call to action As a result of the
  facts and ideas presented in the supporting
  paragraphs, the reader should be compelled to do
  something!
• So dont be tempted to use a cell phone
  while driving. Do what millions of Americans are
  doing, take the pledge that Oprah Winfrey is
  promoting to stop cell phone related car
  accidents and deaths. Sign the contract by going
  to www.oprahwinfrey.com. Dont wait till it
  happens to you or someone you love.

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Final Thoughts (cont.)

• 3. End with a prediction Here the writer not
  only summarizes the thesis but also looks to the
  future.
• If you dont sign the pledge and take it
  seriously, the next victim of a careless cell
  phone user may be you or someone you love.
• 4. End with a recommendation After presenting
  the reader with your arguments, you can make a
  recommendation as to how the problem should be
  solved.
• The causes of sick building syndrome are
  clear. Indoor pollutants, unhealthy air, and
  chemicals abound both in private and public
  buildings. But why continue this syndrome by
  using more chemicals in cleaning up these
  buildings? The answer to curing a sick building
  may be as simple, inexpensive , and natural as
  having plants inside the building!
• (Adapted from Hartman,P. Interactions 2
  Reading, 2007,pp. 34-36)

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Final Thoughts (cont.)

• End with a quotation As in the introductory
  paragraph, a quotation can add credibility or
  reinforce the writers ideas. (You must quote
  correctly, or otherwise, the opposite is
  achieved!)
• Clearly, overcrowding in big cities worldwide
  is the cause of serious problems. However, the
  example of Curitiba provides hope that careful
  planning and creative thinking can lead to
  solutions to many of them. Curitiba is truly, as
  Lewis Mumford once said of cities in general, a
  symbol of the possible. (Taken from Hartman,P.
  Interactions 2 Reading, 2007, pp. 29)

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Reminders about the Concluding Paragraph Dos and
Donts

• A concluding paragraph of about three to five
  sentences can effectively end an essay when time
  is limited.
• The concluding paragraph should not introduce any
  new topics or supporting details. Instead, it
  should summarize key points.

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Web Site Links

• A great handout to clarify dos and donts when
  writing conclusions sponsored by the University
  of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• http//www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/conclusio
  ns.html
• The Guide to Grammar and Writing is sponsored by
  the Capital Community College Foundation. It
  contains a series of links related to the
  complete writing process. Check out
• http//grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/compositio
  n/endings.htm
• A concise summary of introduction, transitions,
  and conclusions
• http//rbigausk.disted.camosun.bc.ca/9startingcon
  nectcon9.htm
• From You Tube, a video with PowerPoint tutorial
  (part of a larger series
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?veYzuw70yhSUfeatur
  erelated

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Bibliographical Sources

• Ellis, J. et al. (Ed.). (2009). Write on! A
  grammar-composition workbook (Rev. ed.). San
  Juan, PR Editorial Plaza Mayor
• Fawcett, S. Sandberg, A. (2000). Evergreen a
  guide to writing. (6th ed.). Boston, MA Houghton
  Mifflin
• Hartman, P. Kirn, E. (2007) Interactions 2
  Reading. (Silver edition). New York, NY
  McGraw-Hill ESL/ELT
• Kirszner, L. Mandell, S. (2006). Writing first
  with readings Practice in context. (3rd ed.)
  Boston, MA Bedford/St. Martins
• Langan, J. (2008). College writing skills with
  readings (7th ed.). Boston, MA McGraw Hill
  Higher Education