A strong conclusion is central to any piece of writing. A good conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of resolution, as well as an idea for how the essay has changed the reader’s perspective on the topic at hand. In this article, we will share some techniques to help you identify the crux of your essay and lay it out concisely in a powerful way.
Identifying The Crux
The crux of your paper is the main argument or point that you are trying to make. It is important to identify the crux early on in the writing process so that you can focus your paper around it. There are a few ways to identify the crux of your paper:
-Think about what you want your reader to take away from your paper. What is the most important point that you want to communicate?
-Look at your thesis statement. What claim are you making in your paper?
-Identify the main idea of each paragraph in your paper. What point is each paragraph trying to make?
Once you have identified the crux of your paper, you can start to organize your thoughts and structure your paper around it. Keep the crux in mind as you write, and make sure that all of your supporting points tie back to it. Your conclusion should also reflect the crux of your paper; restate your main argument and provide a final thought or call to action on the topic.
Example:
The crux of this paper is that the use of cellphones in school should be banned.
Thesis statement: Cell phone usage in schools should be banned because it distracts students from learning, it can be used to cheat on tests, and it can be disruptive in class.
Main idea of each paragraph:
1: Cell phones are a distraction from learning.
2: Cell phones can be used to cheat on tests.
3: Cell phones could be disruptive in class.
Techniques To Write A Strong Conclusion
When you reach the end of your paper, you may be wondering how to write a strong conclusion. The following techniques will help you create a powerful conclusion that will leave your reader with a lasting impression:
1. Restate your thesis statement in different words.
2. Summarize the main points of your paper.
3. End with a strong statement or call to action.
4. Leave your reader with something to think about.
5. Use quotes from experts or influencers.
Examples of Effective Conclusions
An effective conclusion should be memorable, providing the reader with a sense of closure. It should be concise and to-the-point, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. And it should be convincing, demonstrating that you have indeed made a compelling case.
Here are some examples of effective conclusions:
“In conclusion, the evidence points overwhelmingly to the fact that Smith is guilty of the crime. The jury’s verdict should reflect this.”
“To sum up, it is clear that our company faces significant challenges. But I am confident that we can overcome them if we work together and focus on our common goal.”
“As we have seen, the benefits of this new program are many. I urge you to support it.”
Conclusion
A conclusion is not simply a rehashing of your paper or a summary of your points. A good conclusion should leave the reader with a strong sense of what you have argued and why it matters. It should also give them a sense of closure on the topic. To write a strong conclusion, start by restating your thesis in different words than you used in your introduction. Then, briefly summarize the main points you made throughout the body of your paper. Finally, end with a call to action or something that will leave the reader thinking about your paper long after they finish reading it.
