Concluding Paragraph Handout PDF

**The concluding paragraph:** **The overall shape of the conclusion is a familiar funnel. This time, however, it is upside down.** A triangle with black text Description automatically generated \- The concluding paragraph is the last paragraph of an essay. It is a short and simple paragraph where...

**The concluding paragraph:** **The overall shape of the conclusion is a familiar funnel. This time, however, it is upside down.** A triangle with black text Description automatically generated \- The concluding paragraph is the last paragraph of an essay. It is a short and simple paragraph wherein the writer may restate the main idea stated in the thesis statement in different words or frame. \- An effective conclusion helps readers understand the most important points of your essay and why they are significant. The purpose of the concluding paragraph is to let you know that the writer is bringing their ideas or the topic to a close after dealing with it elaborately in the previous paragraphs. **The concluding paragraph has three purposes:** 1.It restates the thesis statement in different words. 2\. It reminds the reader of your main points. 3\. It leaves the reader with your final thoughts on the topic. **Notice how the writer accomplishes these three purposes in the following concluding paragraph.** In short, Mr. Smith had several qualities of a great teacher. He was well informed about his subject, and his enthusiasm for it rubbed off on his students. Furthermore, his lectures were well organized, and he returned papers and tests promptly. His classes were always interesting, and he told funny stories to keep even the sleepiest student awake and engaged in learning. Mr. Smith taught more than just history; he also taught us to love learning. The transition phrase [In short] signals the end of the essay. It restates the thesis statement. It summarizes the qualities of Mr. Smith: he was well informed, enthusiastic, organized, and interesting. It gives a final comment: Mr. Smith inspired students to love learning. The conclusion is the place where you can express your opinion, make a judgment, or give a recommendation. **[Note]: Do not add any new ideas in the concluding paragraph.** Just comment on what you have already discussed. **Exercise:** 1. Study the following abbreviated essay outlines. Only the introductory paragraph and topic sentences for body paragraphs are given. Then circle the number of the most appropriate concluding paragraph. **Compulsory Attendance in College** On my first day of class in an American university, I discovered that there are many differences between universities in the United States and in my country. One difference hit me immediately when the professor walked into the classroom dressed in casual pants and a sports shirt. Then he sat down, and I received a second shock. He sat down on the desk, not behind the desk. The biggest shock happened when he passed out a piece of paper listing the requirements of the class. I learned that I was not allowed to miss any classes! In my country, professors do not know or care if students attend lectures, but in the United States, professors actually call the roll2 at the beginning of each class meeting. Compulsory attendance in college is completely inappropriate for two reasons. A. College students are adults, not elementary school children. B. Students often have other obligations such as jobs and family. **Possible concluding paragraphs:** \(1) To summarize, attendance in college classes should be optional. Students may already know the material that the professor will cover. Sometimes the professor lectures on material that is in the textbook, so students can read it on their own time. Therefore, compulsory attendance in college classes should be abolished. \(2) To summarize, college students are mature enough to take charge of their own learning. Furthermore, they may have family or work problems once in a while that cause them to miss a class. They should not be penalized for this. Therefore, compulsory attendance in college classes should be abolished.