A strong conclusion is your last chance to convince the reader. In an argumentative essay, it shows that you proved your claim. It ties your points together and leaves a clear message. This guide created together with well-known thesis writing experts from Thesis Geek will show you how to write that final paragraph with simple, direct steps.
You will learn a clear formula. Restate your thesis in new words. Combine your best reasons into one short summary. Finish with a final thought or next step. You will also see short examples, useful transition words, common mistakes to avoid, and quick tips.
What Is the Purpose of a Conclusion in an Argumentative Essay?
The conclusion brings your argument to a clear end. It shows the reader that you have answered the question and proven your claim. It also leaves one strong message that the reader will remember.
The main job of the conclusion is to restate the thesis in new words and connect the main reasons into one short, final idea. This helps the reader see the full logic of your essay in one place.
A good conclusion does more than repeat. It synthesizes. That means it combines your points and shows how they work together to support the claim. It should not bring in new evidence or new arguments.
The conclusion also gives a sense of closure. It tells the reader the discussion is complete and guides them to the final position you want them to accept.
In an argumentative essay, the conclusion can include a final thought, a practical implication, or a small call to action. This shows why the argument matters in real life and what the reader can think or do next.
The conclusion links back to the whole essay structure. The introduction presents the claim. The body builds the case with evidence and reasoning. The conclusion confirms the result and makes the main point stand out.
- Do restate the thesis in fresh words.
- Do combine your key reasons into a short summary.
- Do end with a final thought or implication.
- Do not add new evidence, new claims, or long quotes.
- Do not weaken your stance with unsure language.
Think of the conclusion as the answer to two questions. What did you prove. Why should the reader care. If your final paragraph answers both, it is doing its job.
Key Elements of a Strong Argumentative Essay Conclusion
A strong conclusion has a clear job. It restates your main claim in fresh words, it combines your best reasons into a short summary, and it ends with a final thought that shows why your idea matters. Use the elements below to build a complete and focused final paragraph.
1. Restate the thesis in new words
Say your main claim again, but do not copy your original sentence. Use different words and show that you have proven it.
Original thesis: School cafeterias should offer plant based options to improve student health.
Restated thesis: The evidence shows that adding plant based meals in cafeterias is a practical way to make students healthier.
2. Synthesize your key reasons
Combine your strongest points into one or two sentences. Do not list every detail. Show how the points work together to support the claim.
Example: Lower costs over time, better nutrition, and higher student satisfaction all point to the same result. Plant based choices help schools and students at the same time.
3. Provide a final thought or implication
End with a sentence that gives the reader something to think about. You can point to a real life benefit, a next step, or a bigger idea that follows from your argument.
- Final thought: These meals can build lifelong healthy habits.
- Next step: Districts can start with a small pilot menu next semester.
- Bigger idea: Smart food policy in schools can guide healthier communities.
4. Keep a confident and consistent tone
Use clear and calm language. Avoid new doubts or soft phrases like maybe or perhaps if your essay already proved the point. Your tone should match the body of the essay.
5. Avoid new evidence or new claims
Do not add new statistics, new examples, or a brand new reason. If it was not explained in the body, it does not belong in the conclusion.
6. Aim for the right length
A common guide is 10 to 15 percent of the total essay. For a 1,000 word essay, write about 100 to 150 words. Make it tight and focused.
Quick checklist
- Thesis restated with fresh wording
- Key reasons combined in one short synthesis
- Clear final thought, implication, or next step
- Confident and consistent tone
- No new evidence or claims
- Length fits the essay size
Model mini conclusion
The data and student feedback make the case clear. Adding plant based options is a simple change that supports health and budgets. As districts plan next year’s menus, a small pilot can test recipes and reduce waste. With careful rollout, schools can model healthy habits that last beyond graduation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Powerful Conclusion
Writing a good conclusion becomes easier when you follow clear steps. Each step has a simple purpose. Together, they help you restate your claim, connect your ideas, and leave the reader with a final impression that feels complete.
Step 1: Restate your thesis clearly
Start your conclusion by reminding the reader of your main point. Restate your thesis in a new way that shows you have proven it. Do not copy the same sentence from your introduction. Use synonyms or a slightly different structure to show growth in your argument.
Example: Instead of saying, "Online learning is better than traditional classrooms," you could write, "The results show that digital learning environments often lead to more flexible and effective education."
Step 2: Summarize your key supporting arguments
After restating your thesis, summarize the main points that support it. This part should be short and combine your reasons into one connected thought. Avoid listing them with the same words you used before.
Example: Flexible schedules, wider access to materials, and better self-paced learning all make online classes a practical choice for many students.
Step 3: Provide a final thought or call to action
End with a sentence that leaves an impression. This could be a final insight, a real-world impact, or a short call to action. It should answer the question “Why does this argument matter.”
- Insight: Online education may shape how future generations think about learning itself.
- Impact: Schools that embrace digital tools can reach students who once lacked access.
- Call to action: Teachers and policymakers should continue improving digital systems to make learning more inclusive.
Step 4: Review and polish
Read your conclusion aloud. Check that it sounds confident and logical. Make sure each sentence connects smoothly. Remove any repeated phrases or extra words that do not add value.
Step 5: Test your conclusion
Ask yourself two quick questions:
- Does it clearly restate the main point of the essay?
- Does it show why my argument is important?
If you can say yes to both, your conclusion is strong and ready.
Sample outline for your conclusion
1. Restate thesis in new words 2. Combine two or three key points 3. Add a closing thought or call to action 4. Keep tone confident and clear 5. End with purpose, not repetition
Example conclusion following these steps
Digital learning has proven to be a flexible and effective method of education. By allowing students to control their pace, access lessons from anywhere, and use interactive tools, it breaks old barriers to learning. As technology grows, schools that invest in well-designed online systems can help every learner reach their full potential.
Examples of Argumentative Essay Conclusions
Examples help you see how all the steps come together. The samples below show what a weak conclusion looks like and how to improve it. You will also see complete examples from different topics so you can learn how to apply the same structure to your own essay.
Weak vs. strong conclusion example
Weak conclusion:
In conclusion, I think people should recycle more because it is good for the environment and helps the planet. Everyone should just try harder to recycle.
Why it is weak: It only repeats one idea, uses simple opinion phrases like “I think,” and ends without a clear reason or impact.
Improved conclusion:
Recycling is one of the simplest ways individuals can reduce waste and protect natural resources. By improving local recycling systems and encouraging daily habits, communities can make a lasting impact on environmental health. Every person’s effort adds up to cleaner cities and a more sustainable planet.
Example 1: Education topic
The research proves that schools using smaller class sizes create stronger learning environments. Students in small groups receive more attention, participate more often, and perform better on tests. If education systems continue to value personal attention, they will build classrooms that help every learner succeed.
Example 2: Technology topic
Social media has become a major part of modern communication, but users must balance connection with responsibility. The evidence shows that thoughtful digital habits reduce misinformation and stress. As society adapts to new platforms, online awareness should remain a key part of education and policy.
Example 3: Health topic
Regular exercise remains one of the most effective ways to prevent disease and improve mental health. Public programs that make exercise affordable and accessible can create healthier populations. When people treat movement as a daily priority, communities grow stronger both physically and emotionally.
Example 4: Social issue topic
The success of community gardens shows that small local projects can solve big problems. By giving neighbors space to grow food and share skills, cities can reduce hunger and build trust. When people work together on local solutions, they also strengthen social ties that support long-term change.
Example 5: Environment topic
Protecting forests is not only about saving trees but also about maintaining air quality, water balance, and wildlife. Strong conservation laws and responsible consumer choices can protect these systems for the future. When citizens and governments act together, sustainability becomes more than a goal; it becomes a shared responsibility.
What these examples show
- Each conclusion restates the main idea in new words.
- Each combines the key reasons without listing them all again.
- Each ends with a clear insight, implication, or call to action.
- None introduce new evidence or switch topics.
Use these examples as models. Notice how short and focused they are. Each paragraph gives closure, connects ideas, and reminds the reader why the argument matters.
Useful Transition Words and Phrases for Conclusions
Transition words help your conclusion flow naturally. They connect your final paragraph to the rest of the essay and guide the reader smoothly from your last point to your final thought. Using them correctly makes your writing sound professional and complete.
Choose transitions that fit your purpose. Some signal that you are summarizing, others show results, and some emphasize your final message. Avoid using too many at once. One or two clear transitions are enough to show your essay is ending.
Transitions that signal a summary
- in conclusion
- to sum up
- in summary
- overall
- to conclude
- finally
Transitions that show cause or effect
- therefore
- as a result
- for this reason
- because of this
- thus
- consequently
Transitions that emphasize a final insight
- ultimately
- most importantly
- in the end
- after all
- it is clear that
- without a doubt
How to use transitions effectively
Place the transition word at the start of your first sentence in the conclusion. Follow it with your restated thesis or your main closing idea. Do not use the same transition in every essay. Try different ones to keep your writing varied and natural.
Example 1: In conclusion, the research confirms that renewable energy investments help both the economy and the planet.
Example 2: Ultimately, strong communication between teachers and students remains the foundation of effective learning.
Example 3: As a result, banning single-use plastics will reduce waste and protect marine life.
Using the right transition makes your conclusion sound finished and logical. It also helps readers understand that your essay has reached its final message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Essay Conclusions
Many students lose points because their conclusions repeat information or sound unfinished. Knowing the most common mistakes will help you write a clear and confident ending. Each mistake below includes a quick fix so you can avoid it in your own writing.
Mistake 1: Repeating the thesis word for word
Copying the exact sentence from your introduction makes your conclusion feel lazy and mechanical. Readers want to see that you understand your topic better after writing the full essay.
Fix: Restate the thesis in new words. Use different phrasing or a slightly different sentence structure to show progress in your argument.
Mistake 2: Adding new evidence or new claims
The conclusion is not the place to introduce fresh data, quotes, or examples. New ideas confuse the reader and make your essay feel unfinished.
Fix: Save new evidence for the body paragraphs. In your conclusion, focus on summarizing what you have already proven.
Mistake 3: Using weak or uncertain language
Phrases like “I think,” “maybe,” or “perhaps” reduce the power of your conclusion. Your essay should end with confidence.
Fix: Use firm and clear language. Replace “I think we should” with “The evidence shows we should.”
Mistake 4: Ending too suddenly
A short one-sentence conclusion often feels abrupt and unsatisfying. The reader needs at least a few lines to see how the argument ends.
Fix: Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis, summarize your main points, and add one final thought.
Mistake 5: Using generic filler phrases
Sentences like “That is why this topic is important” or “In conclusion, that’s what I think” add no value. They take up space without making your argument stronger.
Fix: Replace empty phrases with a meaningful insight or a real-world implication that links to your topic.
Mistake 6: Changing the topic
Some writers suddenly shift to a new issue or mention unrelated ideas in the last paragraph. This breaks focus and weakens the essay’s unity.
Fix: Keep every sentence tied to the original thesis. Your final thought should still connect to the main claim.
Mistake 7: Making the conclusion too long
A conclusion that repeats every argument or goes off-topic becomes dull. Readers prefer a short, direct ending that summarizes your main points efficiently.
Fix: Limit your conclusion to about 10 to 15 percent of the essay length. Focus only on your thesis, key reasons, and final message.
Checklist before you finish
- Did you restate the thesis in new words?
- Did you avoid new evidence or ideas?
- Is your tone confident and consistent?
- Does it end smoothly without filler?
- Is the length balanced with the essay?
Reviewing this list after writing will help you catch mistakes early and turn a weak ending into a strong one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students often have similar questions when learning how to write conclusions for argumentative essays. The answers below explain the most common concerns in simple language.
How long should a conclusion be in an argumentative essay?
A good conclusion is about 10 to 15 percent of the total essay length. For a 1,000 word essay, that means around 100 to 150 words. This gives you enough space to restate the thesis, summarize key points, and add a final thought without repeating too much.
Can I add new evidence in the conclusion?
No. The conclusion is for connecting ideas that were already discussed, not for adding new data or examples. New information belongs in the body paragraphs. The conclusion should show how everything fits together.
What is the difference between a summary and a conclusion?
A summary repeats the main points of an essay in order. A conclusion does more. It restates the thesis, shows what the evidence means, and ends with a message that gives the reader closure. A conclusion interprets rather than lists.
How can I restate my thesis without copying it?
Use synonyms, change the sentence structure, and reflect on what your argument has proven. For example, if your thesis said, “Social media increases anxiety among teenagers,” you could restate it as, “The evidence makes it clear that frequent social media use can harm the emotional balance of young people.”
Should I include transition words in the conclusion?
Yes. A simple transition such as “In conclusion” or “Ultimately” helps signal to the reader that the essay is ending. Just do not overuse them. One clear transition is enough to guide the reader into your final paragraph.
What tone should my conclusion have?
The tone should sound confident, calm, and respectful. Avoid emotional or dramatic expressions. The reader should feel that your essay ends with balance and strength, not pressure or exaggeration.
Can I ask a question in my conclusion?
You can, but use it carefully. A question at the end can make the reader think more deeply about your topic, but it should relate directly to your thesis. Avoid open questions that change the topic or confuse the reader.
Understanding these answers will help you avoid confusion and finish your essays with a clear and professional tone. Keep these ideas in mind each time you write a new conclusion.
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