In The Conclusion Of An Argumentative Essay The Author Should

In the Conclusion of an Argumentative Essay, the Author Should…

The conclusion of an argumentative essay isn't merely a summary; it's a strategic maneuver designed to leave a lasting impression and solidify your argument's impact. It's the final opportunity to persuade your reader, and a poorly written conclusion can undermine even the strongest body paragraphs. Therefore, understanding what a compelling conclusion should achieve is crucial for academic success. This article will delve into the essential components of a powerful argumentative essay conclusion, offering practical advice and examples to help you master this critical stage of the writing process.

Beyond Summarization: The Purpose of a Conclusion

Many students mistakenly believe the conclusion solely serves to reiterate points already made. While a brief summary can be helpful, a truly effective conclusion goes beyond simple repetition. Its primary purpose is to:

• Reinforce your thesis statement: This isn't about restating it verbatim. Instead, you should rephrase your thesis in light of the evidence presented throughout the essay. Show how your arguments have proven your initial claim.

• Provide a sense of closure: Guide the reader to a satisfying end. Avoid abruptly stopping; offer a sense of resolution.

• Leave a lasting impact: Your conclusion should be memorable and thought-provoking. It should resonate with the reader long after they finish reading.

• Offer implications and future directions (optional but recommended): Depending on your topic, you might explore the broader implications of your findings or suggest areas for future research or discussion.

Key Elements of a Strong Conclusion

A strong conclusion incorporates several key elements, working together to create a cohesive and impactful ending.

1. Restate Your Thesis (But Don't Just Repeat It!)

Begin by revisiting your thesis statement. However, avoid simply copying and pasting it. Instead, rephrase it using different wording and emphasizing the key takeaways supported by your evidence. For example:

Original Thesis: Social media significantly impacts the mental health of adolescents.

Restated Thesis in Conclusion: The pervasive influence of social media on adolescent lives, as evidenced by increased rates of anxiety and depression among heavy users, underscores the urgent need for responsible platform regulation and increased mental health awareness programs.

Notice how the restated thesis incorporates the key findings from the essay, strengthening its impact.

2. Summarize Your Main Points (Concisely!)

Briefly summarize the key arguments you've presented. This isn't about rehashing every detail; instead, highlight the most significant supporting points that directly relate to your thesis. Focus on the "so what?" factor – what is the significance of each point in relation to your overall argument?

3. Synthesize Your Evidence (Don't Just List!)

Don't simply list your evidence again. Instead, synthesize it, demonstrating how the different pieces of evidence work together to support your thesis. Show the connections and relationships between your arguments, highlighting their cumulative effect.

4. Offer a Thought-Provoking Insight or Call to Action

This is where you elevate your conclusion beyond a simple summary. Offer a final thought-provoking statement, perhaps raising a new question, suggesting a course of action, or highlighting the broader implications of your argument.

• Example (Insight): "While further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of social media on adolescent development, the current evidence strongly suggests a need for proactive interventions to mitigate potential harms."

• Example (Call to Action): "It is imperative that educators, parents, and policymakers work together to create a media literacy curriculum that empowers young people to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and protect their mental well-being."

5. Maintain a Consistent Tone and Style

Your conclusion should maintain the same tone and style as the rest of your essay. Avoid introducing new information or drastically shifting your perspective. The conclusion should feel like a natural extension of your argument, providing a satisfying and coherent ending.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students fall into common traps when writing their conclusions. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them:

• Introducing new information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence. Keep it focused on summarizing and synthesizing what's already been presented.

• Overly summarizing: While a brief summary is helpful, don't spend the entire conclusion restating every point. Focus on the most crucial arguments.

• Using weak concluding sentences: Avoid clichés like "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "In closing." These phrases are often unnecessary and can weaken your impact.

• Shifting tone or perspective: Maintain consistency with the tone and style established in the introduction and body paragraphs.

• Ignoring the broader implications: A strong conclusion often explores the larger significance of your argument, relating it to broader contexts or suggesting potential future directions.

Examples of Effective Conclusions

Let's examine some examples of strong conclusions across different essay topics:

Example 1: Essay on Climate Change

"In conclusion, the overwhelming scientific consensus on the reality and severity of climate change necessitates immediate and decisive action. The evidence presented, ranging from rising global temperatures to increasingly frequent extreme weather events, paints a stark picture of the environmental challenges facing our planet. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity: the transition to renewable energy sources not only mitigates climate change but also fosters economic growth and technological innovation. The future of our planet depends on our collective will to act now, embracing both individual responsibility and global cooperation to secure a sustainable future for generations to come."

Example 2: Essay on the Impact of Technology on Education

"Ultimately, the integration of technology into education is a double-edged sword. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, enhanced engagement, and access to information, it also presents challenges related to digital equity, distraction, and the potential for deskilling. To harness the full potential of technology in education, we must prioritize responsible implementation, addressing issues of access and equity, and cultivating critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age. The future of education will undoubtedly be shaped by technology, but its success hinges on thoughtful planning and implementation that prioritizes the needs of both students and educators."

Example 3: Essay on Shakespeare's Hamlet

"In Hamlet, Shakespeare masterfully explores the complex interplay of revenge, madness, and morality. Through Hamlet's internal struggles and ultimately tragic demise, Shakespeare illuminates the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of justice. The play's enduring relevance lies not only in its masterful exploration of universal themes but also in its profound insight into the human condition, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring power of human connection, even in the face of despair. Hamlet's enduring legacy is a testament to Shakespeare's unparalleled ability to capture the timeless complexities of human experience."

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion of your argumentative essay is not an afterthought; it's a powerful tool to leave a lasting impression on your reader and solidify your argument. By understanding the key elements of a strong conclusion—rephrasing your thesis, summarizing key points effectively, synthesizing evidence, offering a thought-provoking insight or call to action, and maintaining consistency—you can transform your essays from adequate to exceptional. Practice these techniques, and you'll master the art of writing compelling and impactful conclusions.