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The final paragraph of your essay is the conclusion.

The purpose of this last paragraph is to summarize, without using the same words, the main points you have made in your essay. Your concluding paragraph should also leave your reader agreeing, disagreeing, or at least thinking about your thesis.

Just as there are several ways to write an introduction, there are several common ways to write a conclusion.

A. Summarize your main points

When you use this method of finishing your essay, you simply restate the main points you presented in your essay. Make sure that you do not repeat your words exactly, however. It is essential that you figure out a new way to say them.

B. Ask a question

Writers often want to leave their readers realizing that there is a problem that needs to be solved or an issue that needs to be resolved. A question is a good way of get­ting your readers’ attention and getting them thinking about what can be done.

C. Suggest a solution, offer a recommendation, or make a prediction

Depending on the topic of your essay, the conclusion might be a good place for you to suggest a solution to a problem that you have discussed, or to make a recom­mendation or a prediction.

ANALYZING CONCLUSIONS

A. Read the following sample conclusions. In small groups, identify the technique or techniques used in each one.

1. Although John Lennon is no longer with us, his music is still very much a part of people's lives. He was a remarkable individual who spoke in a lan­guage that everyone could relate to. During a turbulent time, his optimistic message of peace, love, and happiness emerged. And today, people still refer to the themes of his songs and look to them for answers. Perhaps this is because Lennon was tremendously successful in melting down barriers and borders between people and in finding ways to unify them.

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. In conclusion, although sleep research is a relatively new field, it is a topic arousing considerable interest. A decade ago, only a handful of sleep disorder centers existed; however, today there are more than seventy-five. Consequently, scientists are beginning to unlock the mysteries of what Shakespeare called the “chief nourisher in life's feast.” Still, there are numer­ous chapters to be added to the bedtime story. And then problem sleepers will be able to rest easy.

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. During the course of his life, Peter gained a great deal of power and exerted much influence on the course of Russian history. In summary, although he was not always completely successful, he worked very hard to modernize and westernize Russia. Although his actions were not always pop­ular, everything Peter did was in the best interest of his country. By the end of his life, Peter had made significant progress toward achieving his goal of transforming Russia. Therefore, in my opinion, he deserves the name Peter the Great.

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Technological improvements by aircraft manufacturers are continuing at a healthy pace, and it is no coincidence that the new generation of jets has proved to be the safest planes. With a bit of luck, future airline safety studies will demonstrate what we already know: that flying is the safest way to travel.

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Finally, this wasn't how Diana was meant to be. In the fairy-tale version of royalty, she was meant to produce children - 'an heir and a spare,' as they say in Britain - enjoy muddy walks in the country, ride to hounds, be strong and silent, and remain that crucial two steps behind her husband whenever they appeared in public. She wouldn't do it. It's a late-century thing: strong women, with their own agendas, raising uncom­fortable questions for old, set-in-their ways institutions. And the British monarchy will never be the same again. Or will it?

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. As I have shown, low-income senior citizens make up approximately 30 percent of the elderly population. These people are among the most vulner­able members of society because they depend so heavily on government pro­grams for food, shelter, and medical needs. They are the ones who will suffer the most severely if the government cuts back on its social programs.

Technique(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

В . Look through several newspapers and magazines for interesting articles. Cut out three examples each of introductory and concluding paragraphs and bring them to class. In small groups, discuss what makes each paragraph effective or ineffective as an introduction or a conclusion. What techniques did the writers use?