How to Conclude an Argumentative Essay: A Symphony of Chaos and Order
Concluding an argumentative essay is akin to orchestrating a symphony where every instrument must play its part to create a harmonious finale. Yet, in this symphony, the violins might decide to play jazz, and the drums could take a nap. The conclusion is not just a summary; it’s a strategic closure that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Here are several perspectives to consider when crafting the perfect conclusion.
1. Restate the Thesis with a Twist The conclusion should revisit the thesis statement, but with a fresh perspective. Instead of merely repeating it, rephrase it to reflect the journey the essay has taken. For example, if your thesis was about the importance of renewable energy, you might conclude by emphasizing how renewable energy is not just a choice but a necessity for future generations.
2. Synthesize, Don’t Summarize While it’s tempting to summarize all the points made in the essay, synthesis is more powerful. Bring together the main arguments and show how they interconnect to support your thesis. This approach demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic and reinforces the essay’s coherence.
3. Call to Action A compelling conclusion often includes a call to action. Encourage your readers to take a specific step or consider a new perspective. For instance, if your essay argues for stricter environmental regulations, you might urge readers to contact their local representatives or support eco-friendly initiatives.
4. Pose a Provocative Question Ending with a thought-provoking question can leave a lasting impression. It invites readers to continue thinking about the topic long after they’ve finished reading. For example, “If we don’t act now to combat climate change, what kind of world are we leaving for our children?”
5. Use a Quotation A well-chosen quotation can add authority and resonance to your conclusion. Select a quote that encapsulates the essence of your argument or offers a poignant reflection on the topic. Ensure the quote is relevant and enhances your message rather than detracting from it.
6. Highlight the Implications Discuss the broader implications of your argument. What are the potential consequences if your thesis is ignored or if the opposing view prevails? This approach can underscore the importance of your argument and motivate readers to take it seriously.
7. End with a Personal Reflection Sharing a personal reflection can humanize your essay and make it more relatable. It shows that the topic has a personal significance to you, which can resonate with readers on an emotional level. For example, “As someone who has witnessed the devastating effects of deforestation firsthand, I am compelled to advocate for sustainable forestry practices.”
8. Create a Vivid Image Conclude with a vivid image or metaphor that encapsulates your argument. This technique can make your conclusion more memorable and impactful. For instance, “The fight for renewable energy is not just a battle for cleaner air; it’s a race against time, with the finish line being a sustainable future for all.”
9. Acknowledge Counterarguments Acknowledging counterarguments in your conclusion can demonstrate intellectual honesty and strengthen your position. Briefly address the opposing views and explain why your argument still holds. This approach shows that you’ve considered multiple perspectives and reinforces the validity of your thesis.
10. Look to the Future Conclude by looking forward. Discuss how the topic might evolve or what future developments could mean for your argument. This forward-looking perspective can leave readers with a sense of hope or urgency, depending on the topic.
11. Use a Circular Structure If your essay began with a specific anecdote or scenario, consider returning to it in the conclusion. This circular structure can create a sense of closure and completeness. For example, if you started with a story about a community affected by pollution, you might end by revisiting that community and showing how your proposed solutions could make a difference.
12. Emphasize the Stakes Highlight what’s at stake if your argument is not heeded. This can be a powerful way to underscore the importance of your thesis. For instance, “If we fail to address the issue of income inequality, we risk creating a society where the gap between the rich and the poor becomes insurmountable.”
13. Offer a Solution If your essay identifies a problem, conclude by offering a solution or a path forward. This approach not only reinforces your argument but also provides a constructive way to end the essay. For example, “To combat the opioid crisis, we must prioritize comprehensive education, accessible treatment, and stricter regulations on prescription drugs.”
14. Reflect on the Journey Take a moment to reflect on the journey your essay has taken. Acknowledge the complexity of the topic and the effort it took to explore it. This reflection can add depth to your conclusion and show that you’ve engaged deeply with the subject matter.
15. End with a Bang Finally, don’t be afraid to end with a strong, memorable statement. This could be a bold declaration, a striking statistic, or a powerful metaphor. The goal is to leave your readers with something to think about long after they’ve finished reading.
In conclusion, crafting the perfect ending for an argumentative essay is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of summarizing key points, synthesizing arguments, and leaving a lasting impression. By employing these strategies, you can ensure that your conclusion resonates with your readers and reinforces the strength of your argument.
Q&A
Q1: How long should a conclusion be in an argumentative essay? A1: A conclusion should typically be around 5-7 sentences, but it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the essay. The key is to be concise while effectively summarizing and synthesizing your arguments.
Q2: Can I introduce new information in the conclusion? A2: Generally, you should avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. The conclusion is meant to wrap up your essay, not introduce new points. However, you can offer a new perspective or a forward-looking statement that builds on the arguments you’ve already made.
Q3: Should I use emotional appeals in the conclusion? A3: Emotional appeals can be effective in the conclusion, especially if they reinforce your argument and resonate with your audience. However, they should be used judiciously and should not overshadow the logical arguments you’ve presented in the essay.
Q4: How can I make my conclusion more memorable? A4: To make your conclusion more memorable, consider using a striking quote, a vivid image, or a thought-provoking question. These techniques can leave a lasting impression on your readers and make your essay stand out.
Q5: Is it necessary to restate the thesis in the conclusion? A5: While it’s not strictly necessary to restate the thesis, doing so can help reinforce your main argument. However, make sure to rephrase it rather than repeating it verbatim, and consider adding a new insight or perspective to keep it fresh.
Q6: Can I end with a call to action in an academic essay? A6: Yes, ending with a call to action can be effective, especially if your essay is persuasive in nature. However, ensure that the call to action is relevant to your argument and appropriate for the context of your essay.