How To Start A Conclusion Paragraph? – A Detailed Guide 

One of the most common questions we get is “How can I write the perfect conclusion for my paper?” Many students and researchers struggle while writing the conclusion paragraph of an essay, assignment, article review, or any piece of academic writing. You might also wonder, “What are the best ways to conclude your work without sounding repetitive or boring?” Do not worry, we have provided some useful tips on how to start a conclusion paragraph that feels fresh and engaging. 

In this blog, we will discuss why it is important to write a strong conclusion, how to restate your thesis statement, common mistakes to avoid, simple steps and examples, and how you can make a lasting impression on your reader. By the end of this blog, you will feel confident about starting and ending your conclusion paragraph in a memorable manner. 

What Is A Conclusion Paragraph? 

A conclusion paragraph is the final paragraph of a research paper, report, assignment, essay, or article whose main purpose is to wrap up the main points of your work and offer a final thought to the readers. It also restates the thesis statement so that readers can understand the purpose of the written work. 

In short, your conclusion paragraph should leave your readers with a last impression or key takeaways. You can end it with a strong quotation or present your argument in a larger context. In addition, your paragraph should ultimately suggest to your readers that you have accomplished what you set out to prove. 

Features Of A Conclusion Paragraph 

A conclusion paragraph includes: 

• Restating the thesis statement.
• A summary of the main points discussed before. 
• A call to action or a closing thought. 

Why Is A Conclusion Paragraph Important For Your Written Work 

As we have discussed before, a conclusion paragraph offers a final thought to readers, similarly, the first sentence of your conclusion paragraph tells your readers that you are about to finish. It shifts the tone from discussion to reflection and allows a smooth transition between ideas. However, if you write it poorly, then the reader might feel confused or feel too abrupt.

A good start to your conclusion paragraph must prepare the reader for closure, remind them of the purpose of your essay or article, offer a call to action, and must create a logical bridge from the last body paragraph to the final conclusion. This is why it is important for students to use the right phrases while starting their paragraphs so that they reflect purpose, clarity, and style. 

A Step-by-Step Guide: How To Start The Conclusion Paragraph? 

Here is a step-by-step guide on starting your conclusion paragraph and how you can compel your readers to perform a specific action or make them see a fresh perspective in a new light.

Step 1: Restate Your Thesis Statement

Just like a hook statement that engages the readers and sets the tone for your work, a thesis statement educates the readers on the main purpose of the written work. This is why it is necessary to remind the readers of your main argument or idea. However, you must not copy it directly from your introduction. It must be rephrased in a way that reflects everything that you have previously discussed in the body paragraphs.  

For example, if your thesis statement was “Social media affects mental health in teenagers”, then you can rephrase it as: “Throughout recent years, social media has shown both positive and negative effects on the mental well-being of teenagers.”

Step 2: Connect Your Conclusion Back To Your Body 

After restating your thesis, you can mention how your body paragraphs supported the thesis statement. This helps your readers to see that your conclusion is based on everything you have already argued or proved. Let us take a look at an example:m 

Example: “The effects of social media were evident in how it influences self-esteem, sleep patterns, and social skills of today’s youth.” 

Step 3: Mention Supporting Points 

You must extract the main points from each body paragraph and summarise them to prove your thesis statement in a way that shows the importance of the idea or topic. However, you do not want to simply summarise them. You must convey a sense of closure and also leave your readers with lingering possibilities of the topic. 

Step 4: Make Your Readers Reflect 

Another important part of your conclusion paragraph is making your readers reflect by offering a final insight. This can be a question, a call to action, or a thought-provoking thought that makes them think, “Now what?” If you are writing a dissertation paper, then you can offer questions for further research in the future for other researchers and philosophers. 

Example: As we continue to explore the digital world, it becomes imperative to understand the effect of social media platforms on our younger generation. 

Step 5: Use Connecting Words Or Transitions 

A good way to wrap your final points and allow for a smooth flow between ideas is to use transition words. However, using words like “In conclusion” can be generic, which is why you should use unique and new words, such as: 

• Clearly
• Ultimately 
• Without a doubt
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Looking back 
• Given the evidence 
• All things considered 

It is important to remember that overusing these words can bore the reader; hence, they must only be used where necessary. 

Mistakes To Avoid While Starting Your Conclusion 

Here are some common mistakes that students and writers often make while stating their conclusion paragraph: 

• Do not repeat your thesis statement in the same manner that you have written it in the introductory paragraph. Many students copy and paste it, which can sound repetitive. Hence, it must be rephrased in a clear and fresh way. 

• Avoid using generic words like “In conclusion,” “Lastly,” or “As stated before”. These words do not offer anything new and can bore readers. Readers already know that they are at the end of your article, and do not need a signpost. This is why you must start your sentence with words that have more meaning and depth. 

• Do not start your conclusion by presenting a new idea. This can confuse readers. You must start your conclusion with a summary of your previous ideas or points and avoid placing new arguments in it. 

• Avoid using vague sentences or beating around the bush, as this can give a poor impression to your readers. Hence, the conclusion paragraph must always be direct, clear, and concise.

• You must always match the tone of your writing and avoid being too informal in academic writings, such as reports and research papers. 

Examples Of Opening Lines For The Start Of Your Conclusion 

Let us look at a few examples of opening lines for the start of your conclusion for different types of academic writing: 

Example 1: Argumentative Essay 

Thesis: Uniforms must be mandatory in every school.

Conclusion Start: While the debate over school uniforms continues, it is evident that requiring students to wear them promotes equality and builds a sense of unity. 

Example 2: Informative Essay 

Thesis: Climate change is a growing threat to the environment. 

Conclusion Start: Considering the rise in global temperatures and melting ice caps, it is clear that immediate action must be taken to curb the effects of climate change. 

Example 3: Personal Narrative 

Thesis: Learning to play the piano changed my life. 

Conclusion Start: Looking back, I never imagined that playing the piano would shape who I am today. 

Example 4: Analytical Essay 

Thesis: Shakespeare’s use of metaphors deepens the emotional impact of Romeo and Juliet. 

Conclusion Start: Shakespeare’s clever use of metaphors not only adds beauty to the language but also enriches the themes of love, tragedy, and fate. 

Example 5: General Academic Writing 

Thesis: Pollution caused by poor waste management and industrial activities has led to severe environmental degradation. 

Conclusion Start: After studying the effects of pollution, it is clear that immediate actions must be taken to protect our environment.   

Final Thoughts 

Starting the conclusion paragraph for your college homework or university report does not have to be hard. You must remember that your conclusion paragraph must be 5 to 10% of your academic writing. This means that you must not stuff it with unnecessary points or new arguments. Restating your thesis, linking back to main ideas, and using a reflective tone are the best ways to write a well-structured conclusion paragraph. 

You must think of your conclusion as a final message to your readers, which can include a call to action or a thoughtful question. End it with a meaning, which can be a lesson, a quote, or a final insight that gives your audience something to remember or ponder upon. If you are struggling to write a conclusion for your essay, then online coursework writing services can help you. This way, you can ensure that you write a conclusion paragraph that is focused and meaningful.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I add new information in my conclusion paragraph?

You can not add any new information, arguments, or points in your conclusion paragraph. It is only suitable to wrap up the previous points and link them to the conclusion. 

Q2: What should I include in my conclusion paragraph?

A well-written conclusion paragraph must include the following: 

• Restating the thesis statement or main idea
• Summarisation of points and arguments
• End with a final thought, question, or call to action. 

Q3: Can a conclusion paragraph have a question?

You can add a question to your conclusion paragraph. This can help readers think more deeply and take action. It is also a way to leave a lasting impression on your readers. 

Example: What kind of world do we want to leave for our younger generation? 

Q4: How can I make my conclusion paragraph stronger?

To make your conclusion paragraph stronger and compelling, you must use clear and concise language. Avoid being too informal and only use professional language in academic writings. Moreover, avoid using repetitive or generic words and sentences, which can bore the reader.