Conclusion Paragraphs -- Expository Essay

Summary

In this lesson, the teacher explains how to craft an engaging conclusion paragraph for essays. The conclusion should creatively restate the topic and main ideas, summarizing the content effectively. Techniques to improve conclusions include restating main ideas as questions, using word references, incorporating informative verbs, creating hypothetical anecdotes, adding definitive words for authority, and reiterating the controlling idea. These strategies aim to make the conclusion more engaging and memorable while reinforcing the key points of the essay. The goal is to leave the reader with a clear, lasting impression of the essay’s core message.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conclusion paragraphs are essential to summarize the topic and main ideas at the end of your essay.
• 😀 A well-crafted conclusion helps readers remember key points and gives the essay a sense of closure.
• 😀 The introduction paragraph sets the stage with a hook and controlling idea that previews the main ideas, which are expanded upon in the body paragraphs.
• 😀 An effective conclusion should go beyond just restating the main points and should engage the reader creatively.
• 😀 Restating each main idea as a question can add interest and engage the reader more effectively.
• 😀 A hypothetical anecdote can put the reader in a situation, connecting them personally to the topic.
• 😀 Word references, such as using 'jerky' for 'food' or 'igloo' for 'shelter', can make the conclusion more varied and dynamic.
• 😀 Informative verbs (e.g., uncover, determine, recognize) should replace passive or helping verbs to make the writing more active and engaging.
• 😀 Definitive words or phrases (e.g., certainly, without a doubt, absolutely) can help create a sense of authority and confidence in the conclusion.
• 😀 The controlling idea or general topic sentence should be restated in the conclusion to reinforce the main argument of the essay.
• 😀 A strong conclusion creatively incorporates techniques like questions, anecdotes, and definitive phrases, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a conclusion paragraph in an essay?

The primary purpose of a conclusion paragraph is to summarize the topic and main ideas of the essay in an engaging way, helping the reader recall the key points discussed.

How does a conclusion paragraph differ from the introductory paragraph?

The introductory paragraph presents the hook and controlling idea, previewing the main ideas. In contrast, the conclusion paragraph sums up the main ideas discussed in the essay, reminding the reader of the key points in an interesting way.

What makes a conclusion paragraph more engaging?

A conclusion paragraph becomes more engaging by creatively restating the main ideas, using techniques such as asking questions, creating hypothetical anecdotes, using informative verbs, and incorporating definitive phrases to assert authority.

What technique can be used to restate the main ideas in a conclusion paragraph?

One technique is to restate each main idea as a question. This method helps remind the reader of the key points and makes the conclusion more interactive and engaging.

Why should a writer avoid basic or bland conclusions?

A bland conclusion risks leaving the reader uninterested or disengaged. It fails to reinforce the importance of the essay's content in an impactful way. A more interesting conclusion helps the reader feel the significance of the information.

What role do word references play in a conclusion paragraph?

Word references, such as using synonyms for key terms, help avoid repetition and make the conclusion sound more varied and interesting, without losing the essence of the main ideas.

How do informative verbs enhance a conclusion?

Informative verbs like 'uncover,' 'determine,' and 'illustrate' replace passive or weak verbs, making the conclusion sound more authoritative and dynamic, giving the impression that the writer knows what they are talking about.

What is the impact of using definitive words or phrases in a conclusion?

Using definitive words or phrases, such as 'without a doubt' or 'certainly,' adds authority to the conclusion, making the writer's argument appear more credible and final.

What is a hypothetical anecdote and how can it be used in a conclusion?

A hypothetical anecdote is a scenario that imagines the reader experiencing the topic firsthand. It is used in a conclusion to help the reader connect emotionally or conceptually with the essay's subject.

Can you give an example of how to restate the general topic sentence in a conclusion?

An example would be: 'Are you in awe of how the indigenous people of the Arctic adapted to their harsh, icy environment?' This restates the general topic sentence in a way that reinforces the essay's central idea in the conclusion.