Introduction
Every writer knows that a conclusion is an important part of any essay, and this is especially true for college essays.
But what exactly is a college essay conclusion?
A college essay conclusion refers to the final paragraph or section, which brings your essay to a close. It should summarize the key points you have made in your essay, and leave the reader with a lasting impression.
Having a strong conclusion is essential because it’s the last thing the reader will read. It is your last chance to make an impression on the reader and leave them with something to think about.
In this article, we will explore different methods, tips and tricks, creative techniques, do’s and don’ts, and examples to help you write a conclusion that will leave a lasting impression with the reader.
7 Proven Methods for Crafting a Captivating Conclusion to Your College Essay
Here are seven proven methods for crafting a captivating conclusion:
A. Summarize the main points
A useful way to end your college essay is by summarizing the main points you have made in the essay. It helps to remind the reader of the important messages you wanted to convey. However, be careful not to simply repeat what you have already written – instead, try to summarize the points in a way that brings them together and reinforces your thesis statement.
B. End with a call to action
Depending on your essay topic, ending your essay with a call to action can be a powerful way to create a lasting impression. By telling your readers what they can do to make a difference, you are making them feel like they can take action and make a positive change in the world.
C. Pose a rhetorical question
You can pose an interesting rhetorical question to provoke thought in the reader and make them reflect on the topic of your essay. Try to pose a question that is thought-provoking and leaves the reader wanting to know more.
D. Share a personal anecdote
Sharing a personal anecdote can be an effective way to conclude your essay. By sharing a personal experience, you are able to connect with the reader and give your essay a more personal touch. This can be especially useful if your essay topic is a personal one.
E. Look to the future
You can also end your essay by looking to the future. This can be done by discussing what needs to happen next or by making predictions about what might occur in the future. This approach can be especially useful if your essay topic is related to social or political issues.
F. Connect to a larger theme
You can conclude your essay by connecting your topic to a larger theme. This can be done by discussing how your topic fits into a larger framework or by discussing how your topic relates to other important issues in the world.
G. Use a quote
Using a quote to conclude your essay can be effective if the quote is relevant and meaningful. Make sure to choose a quote that aligns with your essay topic and strengthens your thesis statement.
The Art of Ending a College Essay: Tips and Tricks from Experts
To learn more about what makes a strong conclusion and how to make your conclusion stand out, we interviewed some writing experts. Here’s what they had to say:
A. Interview with writing experts on what makes a strong conclusion
According to writing expert, Mary Johnson, “A strong conclusion is one that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It should summarize the main points of your essay, but it should also leave the reader with something to think about.”
Additionally, writing expert, John Smith, states that “Your conclusion should be interesting and thought-provoking. It should make the reader feel like they have learned something and want to know more.”
B. Common mistakes to avoid in conclusion writing
When it comes to crafting a conclusion, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. For instance, do not introduce new information in your conclusion, as this can leave the reader feeling confused or disoriented. Additionally, avoid apologizing or undermining your essay’s argument, as this can make you seem unsure of yourself and your ideas.
C. How to make your conclusion stand out
To make your conclusion stand out, try to be creative and use language that is compelling and impactful. Use imagery and metaphors to paint a picture in the reader’s mind and leave them with something to think about. Additionally, try to connect your conclusion to a larger theme, as this can give your essay a sense of purpose and meaning.
5 Creative Techniques to Conclude Your Essay and Leave a Lasting Impression
If you want to make your conclusion truly unforgettable, try using one of these creative techniques:
A. Use imagery to evoke emotion
Using sensory details and strong imagery can help to create an emotional connection with the reader. By painting a picture with your words, you can make them feel like they are a part of your essay and leave them with a lasting impression.
B. End with a cliffhanger
Ending your essay with a cliffhanger can be a bold move, but it can also be effective. By leaving the reader wanting more, you can create a sense of curiosity and anticipation that will keep them thinking about your essay long after they have finished reading it.
C. Use humor
Using humor can be an effective way to connect with your reader and lighten the mood. By making them laugh, you can create a positive impression and make your essay more memorable.
D. Provide a solution
If your essay addresses a problem, providing a solution in your conclusion can be a powerful way to create a lasting impression. By offering a tangible way to make a positive change, you can make your essay feel more impactful and meaningful.
E. Incorporate a metaphor or analogy
Incorporating a metaphor or analogy into your conclusion can be a creative way to summarize your essay’s key points. By comparing your topic to something else, you can create a vivid image in the reader’s mind and help to reinforce your thesis statement.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Concluding Your College Essay
Here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your college essay conclusion:
A. Do reiterate your thesis statement
Make sure to reiterate your thesis statement in your conclusion. This will help to reinforce your main argument and leave the reader with a clear understanding of what you were trying to say.
B. Do bring closure to your essay
Your conclusion should provide a sense of closure and bring your essay to a natural close. Make sure to tie up any loose ends and leave your reader with a sense of what you were trying to accomplish with your essay.
C. Don’t introduce new information
As mentioned before, avoid introducing new information in your conclusion. Stick to summarizing your main points and reinforcing your thesis statement.
D. Don’t apologize or undermine your essay’s argument
Avoid apologizing or undermining your essay’s argument in your conclusion. You want to leave the reader with a strong impression of what you were trying to say, not send them mixed messages.
From Vague to Vivid: How to Write a Memorable Conclusion for Your College Essay
To write a conclusion that is both memorable and impactful, it’s important to avoid vague language and bring specificity to your conclusion. Here’s how:
A. Tips for avoiding vague language
Avoid using vague language in your conclusion, such as “in conclusion” or “in summary.” These phrases can make your conclusion feel cookie-cutter and uninspired. Instead, try to use language that is fresh and engaging.
B. Techniques for bringing specificity to your conclusion
To bring specificity to your conclusion, try to use concrete examples and facts to support your argument. This will help to reinforce your thesis statement and make your conclusion feel more grounded in reality.
C. Examples of vivid conclusions
Here are some examples of vivid college essay conclusions:
“As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. And although there may be challenges along the way, I am confident that I have the strength and determination to overcome them.”
“In the end, it is our actions that define us. And I hope that my actions will speak louder than my words, as I work to make a positive difference in the world.”
Say it Loud and Clear: How to End Your College Essay with Impact
The power of language cannot be understated when it comes to concluding your college essay. Here’s how to end your essay with impact:
A. Discuss the power of words and language in conclusion writing
When it comes to conclusion writing, language is everything. By choosing the right words and using them in the right way, you can create a conclusion that is both meaningful and memorable.
B. Provide examples of strong, impactful language in conclusions
Here are some examples of strong, impactful language that can be used in college essay conclusions:
“In the end, it is our choices that determine who we are.”
“Change does not come from without, but from within.”
C. Tips for editing and refining your conclusion
To make sure that your conclusion is as impactful as possible, take the time to edit and refine it. Make sure that every word counts and that your argument is as strong and clear as possible.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, having a strong conclusion is essential when it comes to crafting a college essay. By using the tips, techniques, and strategies outlined in this article, you will be able to write a conclusion that is both powerful and memorable.
Remember to keep your thesis statement in mind when writing your conclusion, and to avoid introducing new information or undermining your own argument. By following these simple guidelines, you will be able to craft a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.
