Q. How do I structure a conclusion paragraph?

The most important function of a successful conclusion paragraph is to tell readers what can, could, or should be done with the information that you presented in the essay. A conclusion is also usually pyramid-like, in that it begins with a narrow scope of the topic through a restatement of the thesis, and then, sentence by sentence, gradually broadens its focus until it leaves the reader with its final impression. A conclusion paragraph is traditionally structured as follows:

1. Thesis restatement: This first part reminds readers of the essay's main focus by stating the thesis in a new way.
2. Summary: This next part reminds readers of the most important points you made by briefly summarizing them.
3. So what?/Implications: This last part is the most important because it is your final chance to emphasize why this topic matters and what readers can do with what they just read. Some common ways of ending essays are as follows:
   • Call to action: This method is often used in argument essays to rally readers to take action and usually relies on strong emotional appeals such as anger or sympathy.
   • Recommendation: Similar to a call to action, a recommendation is usually less emotional and is not necessarily targeted directly to the essay's readers; rather, it often speaks in broader terms of what society, the government, or fellow researchers could do with the presented information.
   • Prediction: This method looks to the future and paints a picture of what society might look like if your essay's message is ignored or heeded. It also often appeals to emotions such as hope or fear.
4. Full circle: No matter what method you use to look to the future in your conclusion, it is often effective to end the essay by coming back to the hook somehow because this provides a satisfying closed loop for the reader.

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