how to start the conclusion paragraph in an essay

100+ Good Conclusion Starters for the Last Paragraph

Table of Contents

Like the introductory paragraph, the conclusion paragraph should also be given utmost importance because it is the closing section of your essay or paper where you need to effectively convince your readers about your thoughts and arguments. Also, most importantly, when writing a conclusion paragraph, you should concisely present all the major points already discussed in the introduction and the body section of the essay. Do you know how to write a strong conclusion? If not, continue reading this post and learn how to write a good conclusion using perfect conclusion starters.

What is a Good Conclusion?

A conclusion is typically the last paragraph of an essay or research paper that provides a summary of the entire work. It is one of the most important parts of an essay because it shows your readers where your writing ends.

A good conclusion is one that

Provides a concise summary of the essay or research topic.
Helps the readers remember how strong your arguments were.
Encourages readers to post comments.
Draws attention to the evidence that backs up the arguments.

Most of the time, writers finish their essays quickly, and some writers forget to include a concluding section in their writing. Therefore, you must be careful to effectively conclude your essay or research paper with powerful sentences or statements in order to emphasize your ideas on a particular topic.

Remember, when you write a strong paragraph , then obviously the key points that you have included in the last section of your essay or paper will easily get stored in your readers’ minds. If your conclusion is weak, then your readers will forget it quickly.

Occasionally, readers will regret selecting your topic for reading because of your poor conclusion. So, when you write the conclusion statement for an essay or research paper, remember the important steps and advice for writing a good conclusion and then craft it accordingly.

How to Write an Excellent Conclusion Paragraph?

Till now, we saw the significance of a good conclusion paragraph. Now, let us step forward and learn how to write a good conclusion paragraph.

Seriously, you can’t impress your readers if you don’t know to write a good conclusion. In order to conclude your essay powerfully, you can either ask provocative questions or include quotes, a warning, or a call to action.

Not just for essays, a specific structure should also be followed for writing a strong conclusion too. Your conclusion will be thoughtful and impressive only if you stick to a general conclusion outline or a standard conclusion structure containing the following elements.

A good conclusion starter
Summary of the main points presented in the body of your writing
A closing sentence

Points to Remember While Writing a Conclusion Paragraph

Never introduce a new idea or topic in your conclusion paragraph that was not covered in the introduction and body of your essay or research paper.
Don’t stress the insignificant parts of your essay. Always make an effort to draw attention to the main points you want your readers to understand.
The points made in the conclusion paragraph ought to be easy to remember for the readers.

What are Conclusion Starters?

The conclusion starters are the opening sentence in your concluding paragraph. It generally acts as a link between the body and the conclusion paragraph.

One of the significant things that should be used when writing a good conclusion paragraph of your essay is the conclusion starters. With the help of conclusion starters, you can inform your readers that you are about to wrap up your writing.

There are plenty of conclusion starters available in the English language. Usually, the concluding sentences’ paragraph structure will always vary depending on your writing type. However, the conclusion starters are the same for the essay types like compare and contrast, narratives, descriptive, and argumentative.

List of the Best Conclusion Starters for Final Paragraphs

Listed below are some of the best conclusion starter on time business news examples ideas that you can use while writing the conclusion paragraph of your essay.

Simple Conclusion Starter Words

In conclusion
All aspects considered
In drawing to the closure
The logical conclusion seems to be
Considering the perspective of
Thus, it can be restarted
On considering the different facts presented in this work
On the whole

Conclusion Starters for Essays and Speeches

In my opinion
Nevertheless
As expressed
With all these in mind
In a nutshell
Now that we know
I think there is no option but to conclude
For this reason
When faced with the question of
Given these points
There is nothing else we can conclude but

Effective Conclusion Paragraph Starters for Students

To summarize
I conclude that
To sum it all up
To put it briefly
As a result
In the final analysis
For the most part
As a final point
All things considered
For these reasons
So, I have come to the conclusion that
To wrap it all up

Impressive Conclusion Starters

The summative conclusion is that
The broad conclusion
The study concluded
Towards this end
After all, has been said
I recommend that
The informative conclusion is that
Now you know why
From now on
Looking back
I hope you can now learn that
Last but not least
In the future
You should now consider it
I think I have shown that
Without doubt
The time has come to
I agree with that

Good Conclusion Starters for Research Paper

As per the final analysis
Based on the evidence presented
As expected, the results signify
Due to the result
In light of these findings
The data reveals
As per the data, it can be indicated
The significant revelations made by the study
Unexpectedly the data revealed
To assume from the data
The result of this research showcases
What the study reveals is
On reviewing these findings it can be stated
In the context of the concept
While further research is competent

A Few More Powerful Conclusion Starters

As I observe things
At the end of the day
After all, it has been told and done
To reach the core of the heart.
As per my perspective
To make a long story short
No one could have assumed that
As the time comes to wrap up
In a simple language
As stated in the introduction
I would like to say finally
One final idea
My conclusions are
The data indicate that
It is worth re-examining
The nexus between
As this paper demonstrates
After discussing
I’m looking forward to
It is my conviction that
My final bow is that
It is my sincere belief that
Through this research, we learn that
My verdict is that
The research proves that
That was the conclusion reached
The summative end is that

In the list mentioned above, we saw the various conclusion starters you can use to start a conclusion paragraph. No matter what your topic is, you can make your speech or write-up memorable for your audiences with the help of a great and effective conclusion. If you wish to add value to your writing, then make sure to use any good conclusion starters at the beginning of your conclusion paragraph.

how to start the conclusion paragraph in an essay

190 Engaging Debate Topics and Ideas for Students

125 Excellent Astronomy Topics For Students To Consider

About author.

Jacob Smith

I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

180 Funny Speech Topics to Blow the Minds of Audience

200 best ap research topics and ideas, 200 trending group discussion topics and ideas, 255 outstanding world history topics and ideas 2024, 150 unique geology research topics to focus on, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
Happiness Hub
This Or That Game
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications
College University and Postgraduate
Academic Writing

How to Start a Conclusion

Last Updated: October 26, 2024

This article was co-authored by Diane Stubbs . Diane Stubbs is a Secondary English Teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching all high school grade levels and AP courses. She specializes in secondary education, classroom management, and educational technology. Diane earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from Wesley College. This article has been viewed 180,699 times.

A persuasive essay, literary analysis, or research paper should include a thoughtful introduction and conclusion. The conclusion, when written correctly, gives the reader a summary and insights into the reasons for the subject's importance. You may also need to deliver a speech or presentation which needs a good conclusion. Many of the same principles apply, but you should tailor your conclusion carefully.

Things You Should Know

For an essay, start with a transition sentence that references the original question, avoiding phrases like "in conclusion."
Go beyond a simple summary, exploring how every point in your essay connects and the significance of your essay question.
In a presentation, indicate that you’re finishing up and return to the initial question, giving a summary with enthusiasm and conviction.

Writing Template and Sample Conclusion

Writing a Conclusion for an Essay or Paper

Step 1 Start with a transition sentence.

To help you achieve this fluency, you should start with a sentence that links the conclusion to the main body of the text. [1] X Research source
This might be a statement that reflects the content of your essay but connects your essay to the wider points that your conclusion will then go on to briefly discuss.
The sentence "A sense of the impermanence of human achievement permeates this poem", indicates a transition to the conclusion by articulating the key argument in one sentence.

For example, what if the essay question asks you "to what extent did the Battle of Monte Casino change the course of the Second World War"?
Here, you could begin with a sentence such as "The Battle of Monte Casino was a crucial moment that reflected the shifting dynamic of WWII, but did not in itself turn the tide of the war".

A short summary can be useful in a longer essay, but do not simply restate what you have said in the same terms.
Rather, indicate your key points while situating them within a larger context, which displays a deeper understanding and potentially opens up new lines of inquiry.

Step 5 Suggest some broader implications.

In your conclusion structure, this discussion of the broader implications should follow the transition sentences and the explanation of how the different elements of your argument fit together. [3] X Research source
This could include universalizing the topic of essay, making a connection to a contemporary issue, or providing a call to action.

Concluding a Presentation or Speech

Step 1 Indicate that you are concluding.

Phrases such as "in conclusion", and "to summarise", which you wouldn't use in a written essay, can be useful for a spoken presentation.
Indicating that you are about to conclude will encourage your listeners to focus on what you are about to say. [4] X Research source

For example, you could ask yourself the main question at the start of the conclusion. "So, how do I suggest we improve our sales in the Mid-West?" before going on provide a summary of your key points.

Generally, listening to a presentation will be more passive than reading an essay, so it is more beneficial to summarise your key points in the conclusion of a spoken presentation.
The last things your audience hear will most likely be what they take away with them, so be sure all your key points are covered in the conclusion.

You might also include a short anecdote that supports your argument and acts as a call to action to the other people in the room.
A strong ending can make a personal connection with the audience, by demonstrating how you can resolve a problem for the audience member. [6] X Research source

Using an action verb in your final sentence can highlight exactly how you want your audience to respond.
For example, when John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do or your country," he was encouraging action from the audience. [7] X Research source
Finishing this way both demonstrates your personal conviction and indicates that you think your ideas should be followed up.

Expert Q&A

↑ http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/concl.html
↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-ways-to-end-a-presentation-2014-7
↑ http://www.ethos3.com/2014/12/the-best-way-to-end-a-professional-presentation/

About This Article

To start a conclusion for an essay, begin with a reference to the original question. If, for example, the essay question asks “How did the Battle of Monte Casino change the course of WWII?”, start with “The Battle of Monte Casino was a crucial moment that reflected the shifting dynamic of WWII.” Additionally, start your conclusion in a natural way, without obvious transitions like "In conclusion." For example, begin with "A sense of the impermanence of human achievement..." instead of, "In conclusion, a sense of the impermanence.." For more advice from our English reviewer, including how to write a conclusion for a presentation or speech, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Maddison Thomas

Dec 7, 2016

Did this article help you?

Mar 14, 2018

Aug 16, 2016

Apr 12, 2018

Jan 12, 2023

Featured Articles

Make Your Android Screen Black and White or Grayscale

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

Highlight the “so what”

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

Leave your readers with the “now what”

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?
What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?
Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?
What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?
What larger context might my argument be a part of?

What to avoid in your conclusion

a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.
a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.
an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.
fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
picture_as_pdf Conclusions