When you’re writing an essay, one of the most important—and sometimes challenging—parts to nail is the conclusion. A strong conclusion paragraph ties together your ideas, reinforces your main points, and leaves your reader with something to think about. But how do you begin a conclusion paragraph in a way that does all of this effectively? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to start a conclusion, provide some popular examples, and highlight why a solid conclusion is essential for your writing.
Why Does a Strong Conclusion Matter?
A conclusion paragraph is your last chance to make an impression on your reader. It’s not just about summarizing your points or restating your thesis. A well-crafted conclusion can give your essay a sense of completeness, show your reader the significance of your argument, and even leave them with a lasting impression.
Here’s why a strong conclusion is so important:
- Reinforces your thesis: It brings the essay full circle by reminding readers of the main idea or argument.
- Synthesizes key points: Instead of just repeating what you’ve said, a good conclusion should synthesize your arguments, showing how they fit together and support your thesis.
- Creates closure: A conclusion helps signal to the reader that you’ve finished your thoughts, creating a sense of resolution.
- Leaves a lasting impression: A strong final thought—whether a call to action, a thought-provoking statement, or a reflective idea—can stick with your reader long after they’ve finished reading.
Now that we know why a conclusion is so important, let’s look at how to effectively start a conclusion paragraph.
How to Start a Conclusion Paragraph: Tips and Strategies
Starting your conclusion is about giving your reader the final “signals” that your essay is wrapping up. You don’t want to abruptly say, “In conclusion,” or “To sum up.” Those are too predictable, and they don’t add much value. Instead, think about ways to transition smoothly while also reinforcing your message.
Here are some strategies to help you start your conclusion paragraph:
1. Restate Your Thesis (But Don’t Repeat It Exactly)
One effective way to start your conclusion is by restating your thesis statement in a fresh way. This allows you to remind your reader of your main argument without just repeating the exact words from the introduction.
Example: If your essay is about the importance of renewable energy, your thesis might be something like, “The adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial for combating climate change and ensuring long-term sustainability.”
In your conclusion, you could start with something like:
“As the world faces the escalating impacts of climate change, shifting toward renewable energy is not just an option—it is an urgent necessity for a sustainable future.”
This rephrasing reinforces your main point but does so in a more conclusive and reflective tone.
2. Summarize Your Main Points Briefly
After restating your thesis, you can remind the reader of the main arguments you made in the body paragraphs. But rather than listing them out in a dull, repetitive way, try to synthesize your points to show how they all contribute to your main message.
Example: For an essay about the benefits of reading for mental health, you might summarize:
“From reducing stress to improving cognitive function and emotional well-being, the act of reading offers a range of mental health benefits that should not be overlooked.”
This ties the various points together and reinforces your argument in a way that feels natural and impactful.
3. Use a Thought-Provoking Statement or Quote
To leave a lasting impression, you can open your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a relevant quote. This approach works well for persuasive or reflective essays, where you want to inspire your reader to think more deeply about the topic.
Example: If your essay is about the role of technology in education, you might start with a quote:
“As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.’ The future of education lies in harnessing technology to cultivate critical thinking and creativity.”
This can set the tone for your concluding thoughts and invite the reader to reflect on the broader significance of your essay.
4. Pose a Question
Asking a rhetorical question in your conclusion can help your reader think more critically about the topic or look at it from a new perspective. This is an effective strategy when you want to leave your audience with something to ponder.
Example: For an essay on climate change, you could end with:
“If we don’t take action now, what kind of world will we leave for future generations?”
This question challenges the reader to consider the consequences of inaction, prompting them to think beyond the scope of your essay.
5. Call to Action (For Persuasive Essays)
If your essay is persuasive in nature, starting the conclusion with a call to action is an excellent way to motivate your reader to take action. A call to action should be clear, concise, and inspiring.
Example: If your essay advocates for more sustainable practices in daily life, you might start your conclusion like this:
“It’s time for each of us to take responsibility for our planet. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting green initiatives, or simply educating ourselves, we all have a role to play in combating environmental destruction.”
This kind of conclusion doesn’t just end the essay; it pushes the reader toward taking concrete steps or changing their mindset.
More Examples of How to Start a Conclusion Paragraph
Let’s look at a few more examples of how to start a conclusion paragraph in different types of essays:
1. Argumentative Essay Example:
Your thesis might have been that “Social media has a negative impact on society, particularly in the areas of mental health and self-image.” Your conclusion could start with:
“In the face of overwhelming evidence linking social media to anxiety, depression, and distorted self-image, it’s clear that society must reconsider its relationship with these platforms.”
2. Analytical Essay Example:
Your thesis could be that “Shakespeare’s use of soliloquies in Hamlet serves to highlight the character’s inner conflict and moral ambiguity.” Your conclusion might start with:
“By weaving soliloquies into Hamlet, Shakespeare allows us to peer into the depths of his protagonist’s soul, giving us insight into the complex nature of human consciousness.”
3. Descriptive Essay Example:
If you’ve been describing a place, like your favorite park, you could start your conclusion like this:
“As the sun sets behind the trees, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills, it’s easy to see why this park is my sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Key Takeaways: Crafting a Strong Conclusion
When you’re starting your conclusion paragraph, keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid starting with phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “In summary.” These are too formulaic and don’t add much to your writing.
- Instead, restate your thesis, synthesize your main points, or leave the reader with a reflective statement, thought-provoking question, or call to action.
- A strong conclusion doesn’t just wrap things up—it gives your essay a sense of purpose and finality.
A strong conclusion paragraph is your opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your reader. It’s not just about summarizing—it’s about ensuring your argument or message resonates, and that your reader walks away thinking about the ideas you’ve presented. Whether you’re finishing an argumentative essay, a narrative story, or a descriptive piece, the way you start and finish your conclusion can make all the difference in how your writing is received.