An Informative Essay's Conclusion Should: Wrapping Up with a Twist

When it comes to crafting an informative essay, the conclusion is often the most overlooked yet crucial part of the entire piece. It serves as the final impression you leave on your reader, and it should not only summarize the key points but also provide a sense of closure. However, an informative essay’s conclusion should also be a place where you can subtly introduce a new perspective or a thought-provoking idea, even if it doesn’t strictly follow the logical flow of the essay. This approach can leave your readers pondering long after they’ve finished reading.

The Purpose of a Conclusion in an Informative Essay

The primary purpose of a conclusion in an informative essay is to summarize the main points discussed in the body of the essay. It should reiterate the thesis statement in a way that reinforces the central argument or the key takeaway. However, a conclusion is not merely a repetition of what has already been said. It should also provide a synthesis of the information presented, showing how the different points connect to form a cohesive whole.

For example, if your essay is about the benefits of renewable energy, your conclusion should not only recap the advantages of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power but also emphasize how these benefits collectively contribute to a sustainable future. This synthesis helps the reader understand the broader implications of the information presented.

The Art of Summarizing Without Repetition

One of the challenges in writing a conclusion is summarizing the main points without sounding repetitive. To achieve this, you can rephrase the key ideas in a way that adds depth or offers a new angle. For instance, instead of simply stating that renewable energy reduces carbon emissions, you could highlight how this reduction impacts global climate change and public health. This approach not only reinforces the main points but also adds a layer of complexity that keeps the reader engaged.

Introducing a New Perspective

While the conclusion should primarily focus on summarizing the essay, it can also be an opportunity to introduce a new perspective or a thought-provoking question. This doesn’t mean you should introduce entirely new information that wasn’t discussed in the body of the essay. Instead, you can pose a question or present a scenario that encourages the reader to think beyond the scope of the essay.

For example, after discussing the benefits of renewable energy, you might conclude by asking, “What would happen if every household in the world switched to solar power tomorrow?” This question doesn’t require an answer within the essay but serves to stimulate further thought and discussion. It also leaves the reader with a sense of curiosity, which can be a powerful tool in informative writing.

The Importance of a Strong Closing Sentence

The final sentence of your conclusion is your last chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It should be memorable and impactful, encapsulating the essence of your essay in a few words. A strong closing sentence can take many forms—it could be a call to action, a poignant observation, or a powerful quote.

For instance, if your essay is about the importance of education in reducing poverty, your closing sentence might be, “Education is not just a pathway to knowledge; it is the key to unlocking a brighter future for generations to come.” This sentence not only summarizes the main point but also leaves the reader with a sense of hope and inspiration.

Balancing Closure and Open-Endedness

A well-crafted conclusion strikes a balance between providing closure and leaving room for further thought. While it should tie up the main points of the essay, it should also encourage the reader to reflect on the topic beyond the confines of the essay. This balance can be achieved by ending with a question, a hypothetical scenario, or a call to action that invites the reader to engage with the topic on a deeper level.

For example, if your essay is about the impact of social media on mental health, you might conclude by saying, “As we continue to navigate the digital age, it’s essential to ask ourselves: How can we use social media to enhance our lives without compromising our mental well-being?” This conclusion not only summarizes the essay’s main points but also encourages the reader to think critically about their own social media use.

The Role of Tone in the Conclusion

The tone of your conclusion should align with the overall tone of your essay. If your essay is formal and academic, your conclusion should maintain that tone. However, even in a formal essay, you can inject a sense of urgency or importance into your conclusion to make it more compelling.

For instance, if your essay is about the urgency of addressing climate change, your conclusion might adopt a more urgent tone: “The time to act is now. The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today.” This tone reinforces the seriousness of the topic and leaves the reader with a sense of responsibility.

Conclusion: The Final Touch

In conclusion, the conclusion of an informative essay is more than just a summary of the main points. It is an opportunity to reinforce your thesis, synthesize the information, and leave your reader with a lasting impression. By summarizing without repetition, introducing a new perspective, and crafting a strong closing sentence, you can create a conclusion that not only wraps up your essay but also inspires further thought and discussion.

Remember, the conclusion is your final chance to make an impact, so make it count. Whether you end with a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a powerful statement, ensure that your conclusion leaves your reader with something to ponder long after they’ve finished reading.

Related Q&A

Q: How long should a conclusion be in an informative essay? A: A conclusion should typically be around 5-7 sentences long, depending on the length of the essay. It should be concise yet comprehensive enough to summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression.

Q: Can I introduce new information in the conclusion? A: Generally, you should avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. The conclusion is meant to summarize and synthesize the information already presented in the essay. However, you can introduce a new perspective or a thought-provoking question that encourages further reflection.

Q: How can I make my conclusion more engaging? A: To make your conclusion more engaging, consider ending with a strong closing sentence, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question. You can also use a more urgent or inspirational tone to leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Q: Should the conclusion restate the thesis? A: Yes, the conclusion should restate the thesis, but it should do so in a way that adds depth or offers a new angle. Simply repeating the thesis word-for-word can make the conclusion feel redundant. Instead, rephrase the thesis to reinforce the central argument and show how the essay has supported it.