Writing Conclusions Honors & English 10

Take Action Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. –This can redirect your reader's thought process and help him/her to apply your info and ideas to his/her own life or to see the broader implications. Ex: The advantages of stem cells are so great that to stop further research on the subject is a disservice to mankind. The government decided long ago that science should be separated from religion, yet here is this debate on the ethical issues involving stem cells. Politicians should set aside their religious beliefs and focus on the benefits that can be gained from this research.

Remind the Reader About the Theme Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. –For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. –You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction. Ex: By legalizing gay marriage, Tom and Billy will be able to lead a more normal life together and profit from the same benefits that straight couples have. They will be one step closer to being accepted by society.

Ask Yourself These Questions Play the "So What?" Game. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask, "So what?" or "Why should anybody care?" Ponder that question and answer it. Ex: You: Basically, I'm just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That's important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally.

Broaden Your Horizons Point to broader implications. –For example, a paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists. Ex: Harry Potter has been an influence to many young adults. It has helped many to begin a life-long passion for reading, while encouraging more to embrace the impossible and create their own worlds through their writing.

Return to the Main Points Synthesize, don't summarize: Include a brief summary of the paper's main points, but don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. –Show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together. Ex: Continuing to use the death penalty is a waste of the government’s time, money and has moral implications which should be considered. Thousands of dollars are spent in appeals and in the actual execution that could be better used for Social Security or national defense. Valuable time is wasted in making sure every victim is indeed guilty of the crime which could be used to build shelters for the homeless. And moral problems that arise with the murdering of someone could be avoided by simply not killing them.