How to Write a Conclusion: 4 Steps + Examples for Every Essay Type

What Is a Conclusion?

A conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay that provides closure while reinforcing the significance of your work. It's your last opportunity to influence your reader's understanding and ensure they remember your main points. Our comprehensive Essay Writing Guide covers every element of essay construction, but conclusions deserve special attention as they determine your reader's final impression.

The Purpose of a Conclusion:

Provide Closure: Signal that your discussion has reached its natural end, giving readers satisfaction rather than leaving them hanging.

Reinforce Your Thesis: Remind readers of your main argument, showing how your essay successfully proved or explored it.

Synthesize Main Points: Demonstrate how your supporting arguments work together to support your thesis, revealing connections between ideas.

Show Significance: Explain why your argument matters—what it means for readers, your field of study, or society at large.

Create Lasting Impression: Leave readers with memorable final thoughts that make your essay stand out from others on similar topics.

Critical Understanding: Writing a conclusion does NOT mean simply repeating all your points. Instead, provide broader implications of your discussed topic while maintaining connection to your main idea.

The 4-Step Conclusion Process

Follow this systematic approach to write conclusions that effectively close your essays while reinforcing your arguments.

Step 1: Restate Your Thesis Statement

Begin your conclusion by revisiting your thesis statement from your introduction. However—and this is crucial—do NOT simply copy your original thesis word-for-word. Instead, restate it using fresh language that reflects the journey your essay has taken.

Why Restatement Matters:

Your introduction's thesis stated what you intended to prove. Your conclusion's restated thesis confirms what you successfully demonstrated. This reinforcement helps readers remember your main point and provides satisfying symmetry between beginning and end.

How to Restate Effectively:

Original Introduction Thesis: "Social media platforms undermine teenage mental health by encouraging constant comparison, disrupting sleep patterns, and replacing face-to-face social interaction."

Restated Conclusion Thesis: "As this essay has demonstrated, Instagram, TikTok, and similar platforms create a perfect storm for teenage mental health crises through comparison-driven anxiety, sleep-disrupting algorithms, and the gradual erosion of genuine social skills."

Notice how the restated version: - Uses different words and structure - Acknowledges that the essay proved something ("As this essay has demonstrated") - Adds specificity (names actual platforms) - Feels evolved rather than repetitive

Common Restatement Mistakes:

• Word-for-Word Copying: Never paste your thesis directly from your introduction
• Weakening Your Claim: Don't add hedging language that makes your proven argument sound uncertain
• Completely Changing Your Argument: Your restated thesis should align with your original—evolution, not contradiction

Learn more about crafting effective thesis statements in our comprehensive guide on Writing Thesis Statements.

Step 2: Create Connection Between Opening and Closing

Maintain continuity by linking your conclusion back to specific elements from your introduction. This technique, often called "closing the loop" or "callback," creates satisfying symmetry that makes essays feel complete.

Effective Connection Strategies:

Return to Your Opening Hook:

If you started with a question, anecdote, statistic, or quote, reference it again in your conclusion—showing how your essay answered the question, completed the story, or illuminated the data.

Introduction Hook: "Seventeen-year-old Maria stares at her phone at 2 AM, scrolling through Instagram while anxiety keeps her awake."

Conclusion Callback: "For teenagers like Maria, trapped in the scroll-induced insomnia that plagues their generation, the solution requires more than individual willpower—it demands systemic changes to how social media platforms operate."

Echo Key Phrases:

Use distinctive language from your introduction in your conclusion, creating verbal links that consciously or unconsciously register with readers.

Introduction: "We stand at a crossroads in educational policy..." Conclusion: "This crossroads demands immediate action—the path we choose will shape teenage well-being for decades..."

Reference Opening Context:

If your introduction established why your topic matters, revisit that significance in your conclusion with new insights.

Introduction: "School start times have remained unchanged for decades despite mounting evidence of harm..." Conclusion: "These decades of resistance to change have cost a generation of students their mental health, academic potential, and safety—losses we can no longer afford..."

This connection strategy is explored in depth in our guide on How to Start an Essay, which shows how introductions and conclusions work together.

Step 3: Revise and Summarize Main Points (With Synthesis)

If your essay comprises multiple body paragraphs, briefly remind readers of your main supporting points. However—critical distinction—don't just list them. Synthesize them by showing how they connect and reinforce one another.

Summary vs. Synthesis:

Weak Summary (Mere List): "This essay discussed three effects of social media: comparison anxiety, sleep disruption, and loss of social skills."

Strong Synthesis (Shows Connections): "These three mechanisms—comparison-driven anxiety, algorithmic sleep disruption, and social skill erosion—work together synergistically. Sleep-deprived teenagers become more vulnerable to comparison anxiety, while both factors make face-to-face interaction feel more difficult, creating a vicious cycle that compounds mental health damage."

Notice how synthesis reveals relationships and cumulative effects rather than treating points as isolated items.

Synthesis Strategies:

• Show Cause-and-Effect Relationships: Demonstrate how one point leads to or amplifies another
• Identify Common Themes: Reveal underlying patterns connecting your separate arguments
• Emphasize Cumulative Impact: Show how your points combine to create effects greater than their sum
• Highlight Contrasts: Use tension between points to sharpen your overall argument

For essays with 3-4 main points, dedicate 2-3 sentences to synthesis. For longer research papers with many supporting arguments, focus on synthesizing the 2-3 most important contributions.

Step 4: Provide Final Insight and Significance (The "So What?")

Make your conclusion thought-provoking by offering insights or demonstrating broader significance. This final element transforms adequate conclusions into memorable ones by answering the crucial question: "So what? Why does this matter?"

Ways to Demonstrate Significance:

Explain Broader Implications:

Show how your focused argument illuminates larger issues or affects more people than your specific topic might suggest.

Example: "While this essay focused specifically on Instagram's impact on teenage girls, the underlying mechanisms—algorithmic amplification of harmful content for profit—affect every demographic using every major platform. The mental health crisis among teens serves as a warning for society's relationship with social media writ large."

Issue Call to Action:

For persuasive essays, conclude by telling readers what specific actions they should take based on your argument.

Example: "Students, parents, and educators must demand policy changes from school boards: later start times aren't optional luxuries but essential public health measures. Contact your local school board today to advocate for science-based scheduling."

Suggest Future Research or Questions:

Particularly effective for research papers and analytical essays exploring complex topics.

Example: "This analysis focused on psychological effects, but future research should examine how social media reshapes teenage brain development during critical neuroplasticity windows. Do these platforms fundamentally alter how adolescent brains form, or do effects reverse when usage stops?"

Connect to Reader's Life:

Make abstract arguments personally relevant by showing how your topic affects readers directly.

Example: "If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone who cares about the teenagers in your life, you're watching this mental health crisis unfold in real-time. The question isn't whether social media affects teen well-being—it's whether we'll act before another generation suffers permanent harm."

For comprehensive guidance on developing well-structured arguments throughout your essay, explore our Essay Writing Tips guide.

The "So What?" Test

Before finalizing your conclusion, apply the "So What?" test. Read your conclusion aloud and ask: "Why should anyone care about this?" If you can't articulate compelling answers, revise to add significance.

How to Apply the Test:

1. Read your conclusion to a friend or classmate
2. After each sentence, have them ask: "So what?" or "Why does this matter?"
3. Answer honestly—if you struggle to explain significance, your readers will too
4. Revise your conclusion to incorporate those answers

Example of the Test in Action:

Draft Conclusion: "In conclusion, this essay discussed how social media affects teenagers. The three main effects are anxiety, sleep problems, and social issues."

Friend asks: "So what? Why should I care?"

You struggle to answer—this signals weak conclusion

Revised Conclusion: "The teenager in your life checks their phone 96 times daily, loses an average of 1.5 hours of sleep nightly, and reports anxiety levels three times higher than teenagers a generation ago. Social media isn't merely affecting teenage mental health—it's creating a public health crisis that will define this generation unless we implement immediate policy changes to protect vulnerable adolescents from predatory platform design."

Friend asks: "So what?"

You easily answer: "Because this affects millions of teenagers right now, and we have the power to change it through policy—it's urgent and actionable."

The revised version passes the "So What?" test by demonstrating scale, urgency, and actionability.

Conclusion Length Guidelines

How long should your conclusion be? Follow the 10-15% rule for the appropriate proportion.

The 10-15% Rule

Your conclusion should comprise approximately 10-15% of your total essay length:

• Short Essays (500-750 words): 50-100 words (3-5 sentences) 
• Medium Essays (1,000-1,500 words): 100-200 words (5-8 sentences) 
• Long Essays/Research Papers (2,000-3,000 words): 200-400 words (8-15 sentences)

Signs Your Conclusion Is Too Short:

• Feels abrupt or rushed
• Leaves readers without closure
• Simply restates thesis without any synthesis or significance
• Takes less than 20 seconds to read aloud

Signs Your Conclusion Is Too Long:

• Introduces multiple new ideas or extensive new analysis
• Includes detailed evidence that belongs in body paragraphs
• Repeats every single point from the essay exhaustively
• Takes longer than 60 seconds to read aloud

The Read-Aloud Test: Your conclusion should take 30-60 seconds to read aloud at a natural pace for most academic essays.

6 Types of Conclusions

Different conclusion types serve different purposes. Choose the approach that best fits your essay's goals.

1. Summary Conclusion

Briefly recaps main points and restates the thesis. Most common for straightforward academic essays.

When to Use: Standard essays, timed essays, assignments requiring traditional structure

Example: "Throughout this essay, we have explored three primary causes of the French Revolution: economic inequality stemming from regressive taxation, Enlightenment ideas that challenged absolute monarchy, and crop failures that created food shortages among the poor. Together, these factors created the perfect conditions for revolutionary upheaval that transformed European politics for centuries."

2. Call to Action Conclusion

Encourages readers to take specific action based on your argument. Essential for persuasive essays.

When to Use: Persuasive essays, argumentative pieces advocating change, speeches

Example: "The evidence is clear: single-use plastics devastate marine ecosystems while alternatives exist. Each of us must commit to three simple changes starting today: carry reusable bags, use refillable water bottles, and refuse plastic straws. These individual actions, multiplied across millions of consumers, force manufacturers to change. The question isn't whether we can make a difference—it's whether we will."

3. Implication or Significance Conclusion

Discusses broader implications and relevance of your findings. Effective for analytical essays and research papers.

When to Use: Research papers, analytical essays, topics with far-reaching consequences

Example: "The implications of this research extend beyond teenage mental health to fundamental questions about how technology shapes human development. If social media demonstrably alters adolescent brain chemistry and social skill formation, we must reconsider our assumption that digital platforms are neutral tools rather than formative environments. The teenagers affected today become the adults making decisions tomorrow—meaning this isn't just a teenage problem but a societal transformation with consequences we're only beginning to understand."

4. Future Research Conclusion

Suggests areas for further study or exploration. Standard for academic research papers.

When to Use: Research papers, scientific writing, exploratory essays acknowledging limitations

Example: "This study focused exclusively on Instagram's effects on teenage girls, but several questions merit further investigation. How do effects differ for teenage boys using different platforms? Do outcomes vary across socioeconomic groups with different usage patterns? Most importantly, do these mental health impacts persist into adulthood, or do they resolve when adolescents age out of intensive social media use? Longitudinal studies tracking individuals from adolescence through their twenties could answer these critical questions."

5. Personal Reflection Conclusion

Shares your own insights, growth, or experiences related to the topic. Appropriate for personal narratives and reflective essays.

When to Use: Personal narratives, college application essays, reflective writing, memoirs

Example: "When I began this journey, I believed my anxiety was a personal failing—something wrong with me individually. Researching social media's psychological effects revealed that my experience wasn't unique but rather predictable given the platforms I used daily. This realization didn't eliminate my anxiety, but it transformed my understanding from 'What's wrong with me?' to 'What's wrong with these systems?' That shift from self-blame to structural critique became the first step toward actual healing."

6. Quotation Conclusion

Ends with a relevant, powerful quote that encapsulates your argument. Use sparingly and only with highly appropriate quotations.

When to Use: Literary analysis, historical essays, when a quote perfectly captures your point

Example: "As this analysis has shown, Hamlet's feigned madness serves as calculated political strategy rather than genuine psychological breakdown. Shakespeare himself seemed to understand the thin line between performing madness and becoming mad, as Hamlet notes: 'I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.' This self-awareness reveals method in Hamlet's madness—a deliberate performance in service of his larger revenge plot."

Explore more strategies for effective essay organization in our Essay Outline guide.

Complete Conclusion Examples by Essay Type

Learning from examples helps you understand how principles translate into practice. Here are full conclusion examples for different essay types.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

Topic: Climate Change and Agriculture

"By now, the role of cattle in climate change has become common knowledge. Still, some countries like the Netherlands fail to face and resolve the issue. It is clear that to have a better and improved agricultural sector, Dutch farmers should transition from traditional livestock farming to sustainable vegetable farming methods. Plant-based agriculture will not only help minimize the carbon footprint—if approached correctly, it would help produce more food also. Land requirements would also decrease, giving nature more time to rejuvenate and replenish. Though this transition may result in economic complications, it would have better effects on the national economy long-term. Transitioning to sustainable farming methods would make the Netherlands greener while setting an example for other European governments. Farmers, consumers, and policymakers must adopt long-term vision rather than focusing on short-term personal goals."

Why This Works:

• Restates problem and solution clearly
• Acknowledges potential objections (economic complications)
• Shows broader implications (example for Europe)
• Ends with clear call to action

Thesis Conclusion Example

Topic: Autism and Repetitive Behaviors

"Some people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are prone to repetitive motions such as flapping their hands or exhibiting other similar behaviors. The purpose of this research was to identify effective strategies for managing these repetitive movements through behavioral modification therapies that have proven beneficial in reducing them. Finally, we can work toward breaking this cycle. This research team has found that there are many promising approaches for individuals with repetitive motions in their autism spectrum disorder. Future exploration into these strategies could lead us toward more effective therapies and help improve the quality of life for those affected and their families."

Why This Works:

• Summarizes research purpose
• Restates key findings
• Suggests future research directions
• Emphasizes practical applications

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Example

Topic: Internet in Education

"The internet has had an immensely positive impact on the world of education. Evidence appears in numerous applications—communication and interactivity between teachers and students otherwise separated by geography, all thanks to digital learning tools like Zoom and Google Classroom which enable this connectivity. The future lies with possibilities opened up by these advancements; we can only hope they will be fully embraced by educators who deserve every opportunity for success, just like their students do. The downsides? They're already covered extensively through skeptical analysis. It is high time we focus on the benefits and advantages technology could offer for other sectors also."

Why This Works:

• Makes clear final position
• Provides specific examples
• Addresses counterarguments briefly
• Looks toward future implications

Persuasive Essay Conclusion Example

Topic: Physical Education in Schools

"Physical education has been proven to be an essential part of our daily lives. Students need it from a young age so they can learn not only how important exercise is for their future but also what types of exercise to do, when, and why we eat certain foods as well as making healthy choices based on knowledge about our bodies' needs. Through this class, teachers provide students with all the information needed for proper nutrition, which includes learning basic skills such as playing various sports and games while giving hands-on experience running around outside having fun. Schools must prioritize physical education as essential to student development, not treat it as expendable when budget cuts loom."

Why This Works:

• Reinforces importance of topic
• Shows comprehensive benefits
• Ends with clear policy recommendation
• Appeals to both logic and emotion

For more topic inspiration and examples across all essay types, explore our collection of Essay Topics featuring 300+ ideas.

Essay-Type Specific Conclusion Strategies

Different essay types benefit from tailored conclusion approaches.

Argumentative Essays

Focus: Forceful final statement of your position's validity

Key Elements: Restate thesis confidently, acknowledge and dismiss counterarguments briefly, end with strong claim or call to action

Avoid: Hedging language that weakens your proven argument ("might," "possibly," "perhaps")

Persuasive Essays

Focus: Motivate readers to think or act differently

Key Elements: Emotional appeal, clear call to action, vivid language that makes inaction seem unacceptable

Avoid: Aggressive tone that alienates readers or manipulative tactics that damage credibility

Narrative Essays

Focus: Reveal what you learned or how you changed

Key Elements: Reflective insight, connection between story and broader meaning, emotional resonance

Avoid: Moral lessons that feel preachy or obvious conclusions that don't add new understanding

Analytical Essays

Focus: Synthesize your analysis into cohesive understanding

Key Elements: Show how various interpretations connect, highlight most significant insight, demonstrate sophisticated thinking

Avoid: Simply restating analysis without synthesis or introducing entirely new analytical angles

Research Papers

Focus: Discuss implications and suggest future study

Key Elements: Acknowledge limitations, suggest questions for further research, explain broader significance of findings

Avoid: Overstating your findings' certainty or claiming your study definitively answered all questions

Learn more about crafting effective essays for different purposes in our comprehensive Essay Format guide.

Transition Phrases for Conclusions (Better Than "In Conclusion")

Avoid clichéd conclusion starters. Use these sophisticated alternatives:

Instead of "In conclusion...": 

• "As this essay has demonstrated..."
• "The evidence presented throughout this paper reveals..."
• "These findings collectively suggest..."
• "This analysis ultimately confirms..."

For Synthesis:

• "Together, these factors..."
• "When considered holistically..."
• "The interconnection between these elements..."
• "Examining these points in combination..."

For Significance:

• "The broader implications of..."
• "This matters because..."
• "The significance extends beyond..."
• "Understanding this issue illuminates..."

For Forward-Looking:

• "Moving forward..."
• "Future research must address..."
• "The next step requires..."
• "This opens questions about..."

For Calls to Action:

• "We must now..."
• "The time has come to..."
• "Action requires..."
• "This demands immediate..."

These transitions signal conclusion naturally without resorting to tired phrases that make writing feel formulaic.

Good vs. Poor Conclusions: What Makes the Difference

Understanding the distinction helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Common Conclusion Mistakes to Avoid

Watch for these frequent errors that weaken otherwise strong essays:

Mistake 1: Introducing New Ideas or Arguments

Problem: Your conclusion isn't the place for new analysis or evidence. Readers feel frustrated when you introduce major points at the end.

Solution: New insights about significance are fine, but new arguments belong in body paragraphs. If you discover important points while writing your conclusion, add them to your body instead.

Mistake 2: Simply Repeating Your Introduction

Problem: Word-for-word repetition of your thesis and main points feels lazy and wastes space.

Solution: Paraphrase substantially. Your conclusion should feel evolved—incorporating the journey your essay took rather than mechanically copying your introduction.

Mistake 3: Being Too Brief or Too Long

Problem: Conclusions that are too short (1-2 sentences) feel abrupt; those that are too long (exceeding 15% of essay length) lose focus.

Solution: Follow the 10-15% rule and aim for 30-60 seconds of read-aloud time.

Mistake 4: Using Clichéd Phrases

Problem: Starting with "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "In summary" signals unoriginal thinking.

Solution: Use sophisticated transitions that flow naturally from your final body paragraph.

Mistake 5: Apologizing or Hedging

Problem: Phrases like "This essay only scratched the surface" or "These are just my opinions" undermine your credibility.

Solution: Be confident. If your argument is solid, state it directly without apologetic hedging.

Mistake 6: Ending With a Question

Problem: While questions can occasionally work, they often feel like you're dodging conclusions. You're supposed to provide answers, not leave readers hanging.

Solution: Make clear statements. Save questions for body paragraphs where you'll actually answer them.

Mistake 7: Including Quotations or Evidence

Problem: New evidence belongs in body paragraphs, not conclusions. Conclusions synthesize existing evidence rather than presenting new material.

Solution: Reference evidence from body paragraphs but don't introduce new quotes, statistics, or examples.

For more writing pitfalls to avoid, explore our guide on Essay Writing Tips.

Final Thoughts

Mastering conclusions transforms good essays into excellent ones. Your conclusion is your final opportunity to ensure readers remember your argument and understand its significance. The four-step process—restating thesis, connecting to introduction, synthesizing main points, and demonstrating significance—provides a reliable framework that works across essay types and topics.

Remember that conclusions shouldn't feel like chores or afterthoughts. When you've developed strong arguments throughout your essay, conclusions practically write themselves—you're simply showing readers how all your pieces fit together and why they matter. If you struggle with your conclusion, the problem often lies earlier in your essay: perhaps your thesis isn't clear enough, your main points don't connect well, or you haven't fully considered your argument's significance.

The best practice is writing your introduction and conclusion last, after fully developing your body paragraphs. This approach ensures both bookends accurately represent your actual essay content rather than preliminary intentions. Your conclusion crowns your essay—make it count.

For comprehensive guidance on every aspect of essay writing, from brainstorming through final revision, explore our complete Essay Writing Guide, where you'll find detailed resources on structure, research, and development.