The document provides tips for writing a strong conclusion paragraph. It advises to brainstorm by asking "So what?" and "Why are these ideas important?" It also recommends returning to the introduction's theme to give closure. Introductions move from general to specific while conclusions move from specific back to general. The conclusion should leave the reader with a final impression through a strong statement, tribute, quote, question, or answer. An example conclusion paragraph is provided that restates the essay's lessons and leaves the reader thinking about the relevance.

1. Writing a Conclusion

2. The Conclusion
What main point did you want to make in your essay?
In your final paragraph, you should not only summarize the content
of your paper but also leave a lasting impression on the reader.
How can you accomplish this task effectively? The following tips will
help you create a powerful conclusion for your expository piece of
writing:

3. Brainstorming stage
Ask “So what?”
Think about the information you developed in your
paper and ask yourself:
• “So what?”
• Why are these ideas important?
• How does the reader benefit from getting this
information?

4. Brainstorming stage
Think about how you began your introductory paragraph.
If you opened your paper with a certain theme or idea,
remember to return to it in your final paragraph. This trick will
give your work a sense of closure.

5. •The introduction begins with a general
approach to the topic and then moves
toward the more specific aspect(s) of it.
•The conclusion begins with the more
specific aspect(s) and moves toward the
general topic of your essay.
Think of these two paragraphs as funnels, one
leading toward the body of your essay, while
the other leads the reader away from the body.
The Introduction and the Conclusion

6. How to do it:
Ideas for Clinchers
 End with a strong statement of truth.
 End with a tribute to the text, the author or a character.
 End with a relevant quote that ties into your thesis statement
(from a credible outside source).
 End with a question.
 Give an answer to a common question.

7. On the next slide is a sample conclusion from an
essay on a book titled, The House on Mango Street.
This book has a heroine named Esperanza, the same
name as the heroine in Esperanza Rising, but this
character is quite different.
Notice the major part of the concluding paragraph on
the next slide.

8. Example of a Conclusion Paragraph:
In conclusion, The House on Mango Street’s young Esperanza
teaches us numerous lessons through her struggles living in a
poverty laden Latino neighborhood. We heard her heart ache over
the oppression of the neighborhood women, her desire to escape to
a new life and her coming of age. Although the little red house on
Mango Street was not what Esperanza had imagined as her first
real home, her first year there was full of experiences that made her
a stronger person. One day she will be able to say good-bye to
Mango Street only to enable herself to return for those who cannot
leave.

9. Now it’s your turn to write your conclusion paragraph for your
explanatory essay . . .
based on the prompt:
Using examples from literature, history, or your own
experiences, write an explanatory essay about life in
America for immigrants and their families. Think about the
balance between old and new, allegiance to family and the
unique hardships immigrants face once settled.

10. Answers to Exercise 1. Example 1.
1. Connect to the introduction/Hook:
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has remained popular for over 150
years because it addresses a basic question with which many people
still struggle---the relative value of financial success and kindness.
2. Restate the thesis in different words:
The play answers this question by showing that financial success offers
no guarantee of happiness and love, but kindness brings many rewards.
3. End with something to make the reader think. (Who cares? So what?
How is this relevant?):
Money is a concern for the ages.

11. Answers for Exercise 1. Example 2
Correct order of sentences: 2,1,3.
2. The search for what makes a life meaningful will continue to
fascinate mankind.
1. While some look for meaning in adventure and some seek it in
wealth, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol seems to say that life’s
purpose can be found in treating others with thoughtfulness and
respect.
3. Such kindness and generosity will repay the giver many times over
with a life full of value and meaning.