Endings

Good conclusions are difficult to write. The conclusions of student essays can be flawed in two main ways:

1. the essay concludes with a long, repetitive concluding paragraph, like an ending to a Romantic symphony, which unnecessarily summarizes points that were presented only a few sentences earlier in the body paragraphs;
   
2. the essay has no evident conclusion whatsoever; the writing simply stops.

For the short 800-1000-word essays usually assigned in humanities courses in the first year of university, it is advisable to dispense altogether with a separate concluding paragraph. Rather, come to a conclusion at the end of your last and most compelling point. As one handbook writer remarks, "In a very short essay, you may have so much to pack into a few paragraphs that you cannot afford to have a final paragraph that is bereft of new ideas." In a short essay, a paragraph that performs no other function than to say "That's all folks!" is unnecessary filler. The concluding paragraph of an essay or other piece of writing is your last comment in the thoughtful conversation you have been having with the reader. You want to leave a good parting impression. You won't if you simply tack on a tired, repetitive summary of what you have said. Imagine ending a conversation that way.

Try anything at the conclusion of an essay other than the stock repetition of the essay's thesis and main points. If the essay topic is well developed and its arguments well supported, a fit ending may present itself as you consider how to conclude. If you are often stuck on how to conclude an essay, some principles that should help you to end with a bang, not a whimper can be found in 3 Rs for Effective Essay Endings.