The document provides guidance on writing effective concluding paragraphs. It defines a concluding paragraph as the last paragraph that restates the thesis, summarizes arguments, and provides final thoughts. There are three parts to an effective conclusion: restating the thesis, summarizing arguments, and including a concluding sentence. The conclusion should synthesize information and demonstrate the broader importance of the topic without introducing new ideas. Overall, an effective concluding paragraph ties together the key points of the essay without simply repeating information.

1. Concluding
Paragraphs
8th Grade Style
Matt Hilbrich, Kangni Gu, Juliet Kelsten

2. Chapter 1
What are concluding
paragraphs and why
are they important?
1

3. Let’s Get Started
With a Video...
Jenny Sawyer: How to Write that A+ Paper
2

4. Definition
A concluding paragraph is the last paragraph in
your essay intended to sum up your ideas, restate your
thoughts, and provide a broader meaning for the
reader
Synthesize (or rephrase) your
information, DON’T just
summarize your thoughts in the
exact same way
3

5. The purpose of conclusions is to:
• make a final impression on your readers
• summarize your thoughts
• demonstrate the importance of your work
• propel the reader to look at the issue(s) in a
new way
• end on a positive note
4

6. Chapter 2
How to write a
concluding paragraph
5

7. There are 3 Parts:
1. Restate Thesis Statement
Write a sentence that states your main claim, but
do not simply use the same sentence that is in the
introduction paragraph.
2. Summation
Summarize your arguments in a new way, but do
not be repetitive. Explain your topic in a broader
context, without adding new ideas.
3. Concluding Sentence
End your essay on a positive note.
6

8. Identifying the three parts of
your conclusion paragraph:
Restate Thesis
Summation
Concluding Sentence
Sample Essay: Technology in the 21st Century
(INTRO.)! Technology has changed the world in which we live. In some ways it has
made communication better and easier. In other ways, technology has decreased the
person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has enhanced our society, even though it
has made some negative impacts as well.
(BODY)
The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for computers, cell phones,
software, apps, the Internet, and social media. All of these devices have become accessible for most people and in almost every situation. This has made navigation, work, and
communication easier.
(BODY) Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to technology has changed
the culture of the world. People are always texting, tweeting, and snapping. This has decreased the face-to-face contact people have with one another, and it allows for cyber
bullying, which is a dangerous and sad reality.
(CONCL.) Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it
is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and their parents about technology and its effects.
This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep
technology from being harmful to our society.
7

9. 1.Restating Your Thesis
Original Thesis:
Overall, technology has
enhanced our society, even
though it has made some
negative impacts as well.
**The restated thesis should
summarize your claim, in a
new and interesting way.**
Thesis Restated:
Although it is obvious that
Tips:
• Choose powerful words
technology has bettered our
! (“impossible to ignore”)
society, it is impossible to ignore
• Cha!enge readers to develop a
the fact that it has also had some
! standpoint
• Emphasize the importance of your work negative effects.
8

10. 2. Summation
-Mention your arguments in a new way
-Combine your ideas to show connections
-Make your viewpoint on the issue very clear
Although it is obvious that
technology has bettered our society, it
is impossible to ignore the fact that it
has also had some negative effects.
Because there are so many good and
bad consequences to technology, it is
important to educate students and
their parents about technology and its
effects. This is part of a teacher’s job,
and it is a good preventative technique
to keep technology from being harmful
to our society.
9

11. 3. Concluding Sentence
-Finish your essay on a positive note
-Explain your claim in a broader context
-Offer su%estions to readers
-NO CLIFFHANGERS!!
Although it is obvious that
technology has bettered our society, it
is impossible to ignore the fact that it
has also had some negative effects.
Because there are so many good and
bad consequences to technology, it is
important to educate students and
their parents about technology and its
effects. This is part of a teacher’s job,
and it is a good preventative technique
to keep technology from being harmful
to our society.
10

12. Chapter 3
What makes a superb
concluding paragraph?
11

13. Contains a reworded thesis statement
Only summarizes information
Never introduces new arguments
Combines all information from essay
Lets the reader know the broader point
Uses proper grammar and organization
Shouldn’t be repetitive
Includes final thoughts on the topic
Only restates ideas in a new way
Nicely ends the essay
12

14. What is GOOD and NOT-SOGOOD about this conclusion?
Good
Not-so-good
(INTRO)% Technology has changed the world in which we live. In some
ways it has made communication better and easier. In other ways, technology
has decreased the person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has enhanced our society, even though it has made some negative impacts as well.
(BODY) % %
The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for computers,
cell phones, software, apps, the Internet, and social media. All of these devices have become accessible for most people and in almost every situation.
This has made navigation, work, and
communication easier.
(BODY) Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to technology has
changed the culture of the world. People are always texting, tweeting, and
snapping. This has decreased the face-to-face contact people have with one
another, and it allows for cyber bullying, which is a dangerous and sad reality.
(CONCLUSION) Although it is obvious that technology has bettered our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also
had some negative effects. Because there are so many good and bad
consequences to technology, it is important to educate students and
their parents about technology and its effects. This is part of a
13 teacher’s job, and it is a good preventative technique to keep technology from being harmful to our society.

15. Good
-restates the thesis without
being repetitive
-summarizes points
mentioned earlier
-comments on the topic in a
broader way
-ends the essay on a positive
note
-the author makes her
viewpoint clear and remains
on topic
14
Not-so-good
-the vocabulary could be
stronger
-use a thesaurus as to not
repeat words
-Start sentences in an active
voice not passive voice

16. What makes a good concluding
paragraph in general?
Good
-do not repeat your
arguments word for word
-explain your final
thoughts in a different
way
-end your essay on a
positive note
-use good grammar
-use strong vocabulary
words
15
Same
Not-so-good

17. What makes a not-so-good concluding paragraph in general?
Good
-do not repeat your
arguments word for word
-explain your final
thoughts in a different
way
-end your essay on a
positive note
-use good grammar
-use strong vocabulary
words
16
Same
Not-so-good
-repeats the exact
wording of the essay
-doesn’t stay on topic
-doesn’t explain the essay in
a broader context
-uses poor vocabulary
-contains grammatical
errors

18. What’s the same about good and
not-so-good concluding paragraphs in general?
Good
-do not repeat your arguments word for word
-explain your final
thoughts in a different
way
-end your essay on a
positive note
-use good grammar
-use strong vocabulary
words
17
Same
Not-so-good
-mention your arguments
again
-explains final thoughts
-ends your essay
-repeats the exact
wording of the essay
-doesn’t stay on topic
-doesn’t explain the essay in
a broader context
-uses poor vocabulary
-contains grammatical
errors

19. Chapter 4
The broader picture: looking
at the essay as a whole
18

20. Your concluding paragraph can only
be great if your entire essay is...
List your strengths and weaknesses as a writer...
Be honest with yourself, and you wi& see more
productive results!
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21. Let’s Review Introduction Paragraphs...
DO...
-introduce your topic with a hook
-mention your arguments
-state your thesis
-identify your voice and style of essay
-be specific
-stay on topic
DON’T...
-use dictionary definition
-use generalizations
-waffle back and forth
-summarize the plot of a book
-announce your intentions (i.e. I am going to write about...)
20

22. Let’s review body paragraphs...
SHOULD...
-introduce only one main argument per body paragraph
-connect back to your thesis
-include transitions between ideas
-be on topic
-help prove your points
-include other sources to back up your opinions
SHOULD NOT...
-include slang or casual jargon
-be off topic
-include grammatical errors
-have more than argument per paragraph
21

23. There are 3 main goals in essay writing...
1. introduction paragraph should
explain what your main claim is and
preview how you are going to prove it
2. body paragraphs should prove your
points in an organized fashion
3. conclusion paragraph should tie all
the loose ends together
22

24. Use this checklist to “grade” the sample essay:
• Introduction Paragraph
• Hook
• Short explanation of arguments
• Clear, concise, specific thesis statement
• Body Paragraphs
• Topic sentence that introduces argument in that paragraph
• Specific examples and explanations for each argument
• transition sentence to next argument
• Conclusion Paragraph
• restate thesis statement
• summation
• concluding sentence
ocabulary
• Grammar and V
• essay should be free of grammatical errors and typos
• words should not be overly-used (use a thesaurus)
• use a dictionary to strengthen your vocabulary
23

25. Chapter 5
Practice identifying
the parts of the essay
24

26. SAMPLE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Key:
Hook
Arguments
Thesis Statement
% % % Technology has changed the world in which we
live. In some ways it has made communication better and
easier. In other ways, technology has decreased the
person-to-person contact. Overall, technology has
enhanced our society, even though it has made some
negative impacts as well.
25

27. SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH #1
Key:
topic sentence
support
transition sentence
% % % The word ‘technology’ is an umbrella term for
computers, cell phones, software, apps, the Internet,
and social media. All of these devices have become
accessible for most people and in almost every
situation. This has made navigation, work, and
communication easier.
26

28. SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH #2
Key:
topic sentence
support
transition sentence
% % % Unfortunately, though, this unlimited access to
technology has changed the culture of the world.
People are always texting, tweeting, and snapping. This
has decreased the face-to-face contact people have
with one another, and it allows for cyber bullying,
which is a dangerous and sad reality.
27

29. SAMPLE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Key:
restate thesis
summation
conclusion paragraph
% % % Although it is obvious that technology has bettered
our society, it is impossible to ignore the fact that it has also
had some negative effects. Because there are so many good
and bad consequences to technology, it is important to
educate students and their parents about technology and its
effects. This is part of a teacher’s job, and it is a good
preventative technique to keep technology from being
harmful to our
28

30. Chapter 6
Strategies for your
concluding paragraph
29

31. Idea One:
Start your essay from the middle or end
Sometimes starting at the beginning can be the
hardest thing!
Take a different approach and...
-sum up your ideas first
-expand on your arguments
-work on your thesis statement
30

32. Idea Two:
Do Research
If you feel stuck, do some research
about your topic in order to get
your thoughts rolling and to see
other people’s ideas....be careful
not to plagiarize
31

33. Idea Three:
Talk with a friend
Talk about your essay casually
with a friend or teacher to brainstorm. You can even recorder
your conversation and try to
write from that!
32

34. Idea Four:
explore the other side
If your paper is argumentative
or persuasive, look at the
opposing viewpoint to see how
you can structure your
comebacks
33

35. Idea Five:
Refresh your memory on words that signal a
“transition” or “conclusion”
Transitions:
-moreover
-however
-oppositely
-for example
-but
-though
34
Conclusion:
-in conclusion
-finally
-in the end
-lastly
-eventually
-at last

36. -the introduction paragraph should catch
your reader’s attention, mention your point,
and introduce your claim
-the body paragraphs should explain your
arguments, have support for each point,
and provide transitions to other ideas
-the conclusion paragraph should tie loose
ends together by restating your thesis, summing up your arguments, and closing the essay on a positive note
-remember none of these parts function well
without one another
35

37. CREDITS:
PICTURES:
hamburgeressay-http://grammarandcomposition.wikispaces.com/file/view/hamburger2.jpg/59346122/hamburger2.jp
g
blackboard-http://www.wallpapermania.eu/wallpaper/green-blackboard-back-to-school
dictionary-http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/d/d1/20130603002655!Dictionary_Icon.png
got purpose-https://www.outreach.com/media/print/product/product_images/IC1231820_l.jpg
writing-http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/forms%20of%20writing/writing.GIF
thesis wordle-http://blogs.msbcollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/thesis_statement.jpg
A+-http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83r-7l3MnA4/UYa1PRMRldI/AAAAAAAADNw/UyTXE0ohVw4/s1600/grade-a.jpg
goodandbad-http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/coramax/coramax1208/coramax120801690/14815095-3d-people--m
an-person-presents-good-and-bad-words.jpg
venn diagram-http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/cell/2venn.gif
bigger picture-http://www.darcymoore.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/3279873902_9cf69cb55a_z.jpeg
strengths and weaknesses-http://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/5/000/228/3fa/39ba681.png
introduction paragraphs-http://stpaddys.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/6/8/13689605/2277045_orig.jpg?391
body paragraph-http://teachers.saschina.org/mbradshaw/files/2013/01/body-paragraph-structure.jpg
five paragraph essay-http://img.ozessay.com.au/content/five-paragraph-essay-structure.png
checklist-http://www.lymphomaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/mental-strength-checklist-1.jpg
introduction-http://blog.contactually.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/introduction.jpg
content-http://www.gonetbusiness.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Content-Marketing-Introduction.jpg
finishline-http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/storage/wl_bmtn_finish_line_020313.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHE
VERSION=1359672027403
essay house-http://www.caribexams.org/files/files/essay_structure3.gif
takehomepoints-http://eatsleepmove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/take-home-message.png
pen-http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Stipula_fountain_pen.jpg
essayorganization-http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow77BN7tPlg/T0PyBCccTMI/AAAAAAAAB4A/8P4i2Led1ig/s1600/I
MG_0277.JPG
research-http://www.vumc.com/27576/7086114/7086164/Homepagecarroussel-research1.jpg
talk about idea-http://lovedelusions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/How_to_Talk_to_Girls.jpg
thegrassisgreener-http://www.inboundsales.net/Portals/87880/images/Lead%20Generation%20-%20Is%20he%20g
rass%20really%20greener%20on%20the%20other%20side%20of%20the%20fence.png
colorful gear shifts-http://images.colourbox.com/thumb_COLOURBOX3524433.jpg
8th grade pencil-http://donnamathgames.pbworks.com/f/1344454753/8th%20grade%20math.jpg
OTHER RESOURCES:
http://www.tutorforenglish.com/courses/Essay/Show.aspx?Lesson=Essay_Structure_Checklist
http://www.asdk12.org/Middlelink/LA/writing/StepUp/Transition_Closing_Words.pdf
https://wikis.engrade.com/writingaconclusionparag
VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGl4GR5LdmA
36

38. User’s Guide:
This book is intended for 8th grade English students. It contains
information about concluding paragraphs, and thus satisfies standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1e. That element of the eighth grade
curriculum states that students must be able to provide a concluding
statement or section that fo&ows 'om and supports the argument(s)
presented. This book also reviews essays as a whole and other writing
strategies, since these things effect conclusion paragraphs as we&.
37