Conclusions

     As with movies, a poor ending ruins the whole experience. A conclusion should:

1. Be consistent with the introduction’s approach.
2. Restate and stress the importance of your thesis statement.
3. Leave a final and complete impression on the reader

End your paper with a combination of . . .

• A brief restatement of your thesis after a summary of your main points.
  • Cars entice Americans because they offer the ultimate mechanism for achieving individuality through decoration and customization. Cars provide an isolated, climate controlled, stereophonic capsule that allow drivers to be not only who they are, but who they want to be.

• Redefinition of a key term to pinpoint meaning.
  • The American Dream has taken on different meanings for different people, but its original meaning derived from a seemingly unlimited potential for growth. However, the Dream does have a limit.

• A suggested result or finding of significance to show readers the wider importance of your thesis.
  • In the interest of pursuing criminals, government too often sacrifices the privacy of innocent people, and new technology is making old laws obsolete. The invasion continues, and no one seems to know how to stop our world from fulfilling the prophecy of George Orwell’s 1984.
• A challenging statement or a direct appeal to your readers for action.
  • Overall, the advantages of the breeder reactor seem immeasurable. Because it can produce more fuel than it uses, it will theoretically be an infinite source of energy.

Avoid the following phrases (and those like them): In conclusion (to conclude, etc.), As you (one) can see.
Important! Introductions and conclusions should never be more than 10% (each) of your essay. Reference pages (Works Cited, Bibliography, etc.) don’t count towards length requirements.

• 5 page essay = ½ page introduction, 4 pages of body, ½ page conclusion.
• 1,000 word essay = 100 word introduction, 800 word body, 100 word conclusion.
• 250 word essay = 25 word introduction, 200 word body, 25 word conclusion (2 sentences!)