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Writing the Perfect Conclusion for your Nonfiction Book

September 27, 2017 By Nina Amir 10 Comments

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I always say my authors “activate” in fall. They have spent their summers writing their books and then, inevitably, pop into my inbox in the first few weeks of September with freshly completed manuscripts. Their excitement to get the book off to their editor shows—but not always in a good way.

I always can tell when an author is just ready to be done writing. The final chapters get shorter and more similar in structure, and then the book ends in a conclusion that’s two pages long and sums up the book quickly before simply ending .

Conclusions often end up short and short-changed because writers feel they have nothing left to say. In a way, they are right: the bulk of the important ideas should be included in the main body of your book. But that doesn’t mean that the last chapter needs to be one that says nothing.

The conclusion can do a lot of interesting work to tie up the reading experience for the reader. It can help them think about the bigger implications of your story, the next steps they can take, or the lessons that they can learn from what they’ve read.

If you’re stuck on how to make your conclusion reach its potential, there is some good news: conclusions don’t need to be wildly innovative to make their mark. There are some basic formulas you can follow in creating a conclusion that wrap up your work in a meaningful way.

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Conclusion #1: The “Where are They Now” Conclusion

In a ‘where are they now’ conclusion, the author talks about their or their subject’s current life after having undergone the journey discussed in the book. This type of conclusion works best with memoir or autobiography, but it can also work for biography or a kind of narrative involving multiple characters going through a concrete event.

If you use this type of conclusion, be careful not to just include a rote summary of what everyone’s doing; dive in to how the events in the book link up to your or the subject’s present-day experience.

Conclusion #2: The “Why Should We Care” Conclusion

This type of conclusion is the most common one I see, and that’s because it’s so effective. This kind of conclusion steps out from the close focus of the book to explore the bigger picture into which the book fits. In a journalistic story, it’s a chance to say how the stories in a book fit in to a larger trend and why that trend is important. In a history or other more discursive book, the conclusion is a place to explain how the topic discussed in the book illuminates new information and unveils new ways of looking at a particular subject.

The important thing to keep in mind with this kind of conclusion is that you want to avoid being repetitive, as you may have discussed the “so what” of your argument in your introduction or in scattered places throughout the book. If you find yourself in this position, my general advice is to examine the implications of the book more fully in the conclusion and change earlier discussion of those implications to be more succinct.

Conclusion #3: The “What Do We Do Now?” Conclusion

A “what do we do now” conclusion works well in how-to or advice books. If you are writing a book about getting involved in politics as a young person, for instance, you could write a conclusion that gives distilled real-world tips on how someone could get involved. If you are writing a book on how to do something that follows a standard process (say, writing nonfiction books) then the conclusion could be the final step in the process, or getting started again after going through the process once.

Conclusion #4: The “Artsy Cliffhanger” Conclusion

In memoirs, journalistic narratives, or true-crime books, there might not be a clear, solid ending to a narrative. The mystery hasn’t been solved; you (the memoirist) conquered your demons a little but not all the way; the international crisis in Africa you witnessed is still ongoing. In these cases, it could be interesting to take a more artistic approach and end the book with a story that shows there is not yet a resolution to the story.

This can be a moving ending, but take care to add in extra “so what” narration if it is not immediately clear why you are not adding in a more resolute conclusion to the book.

Conclusion #5: The Combo Method

As you might guess, sometimes just following one of these conclusion approaches won’t quite be enough for your book. In these cases, experiment with combining two or more approaches. A “where are they now” structure can be the story that makes up your “artsy cliffhanger” conclusion; a “why should we care” conclusion can take the form of a “what do we do now” ending. Above all, you should think about your readers: what would they want or need before ending the book? The conclusion is really for them.

As I’ve said before on this blog, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing any part of a book; what type of conclusion you have can vary by the kind of book you are writing and what you want to ultimately say. But what does matter is that you have one in the first place. Like I’ve said with introductions , take care to put together a good conclusion—you owe it to your readers to keep them engaged until the very end of the book.

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October 7, 2018 at 8:52 am

Yes I too believe that conclusion is as important as is the introduction. Conclusion can have some more related resources and sum up of everything but not the repetition.

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June 25, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Thank you so much for such helpful guidance. I had already written my book – conclusion and all and, like so many, I thought I was done. I stepped away from it for a while and a little more research extended the thesis in a much more meaningful way. I then wrote the conclusion again then, I wondered had I gone too far and maybe gone into related areas that had only been mentioned throughout the other chapters. I did a Google search and ended up reading this article. It turned out that I had essentially used (unbeknowst to myself) THE COMBO METHOD “where are they now” structure (or, in my case: where is the situation now), with a springling of “artsy cliffhanger”, a major coating of, “why should we care” followed by, “what do we do now” ending. And I considered my readers at this point quite considerably. This confirmed that I was instinctively on the right track and thanks to your article, I now how the tools to all my conclusions and customise the advice accordingly. The most important part of the advice of course, is to recognise that even when you think you have finished – that you maybe haven’t and, as I found in my own experience, by revisiting the conclusion – I had something much more profound to say, It was the bigger picture as you describe it and this seems to only come by taking a big step back from all that you have slaved over so lovingly and passionately – so that you as the writer actually get the significance of what you have just written. Thank you so much again.

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July 1, 2019 at 10:53 pm

So glad you found the post, Maria, and that it was hepful.

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November 17, 2019 at 4:49 pm

Can a case study to validate the thesis be part of a conclusion? Or should it come before a conclusion, or after?

January 6, 2020 at 3:55 pm

I would do it long before a conclusion.

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August 14, 2019 at 7:38 am

Writing my first book and needed help with a conclusion. Your suggestions were timeless!

August 27, 2019 at 11:39 am

Glad the post was timely for you!

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October 14, 2019 at 8:19 am

I needed that so much to he;p me get a 100 A+.

THANK YOU!!!.

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November 22, 2019 at 5:47 am

Hello Nina, Thank you for your many wise words to all who are passionate about words and putting them together correctly to help describe the vents of the story unfolding before the readers own eyes. At the request of my eldest daughter, I have been writing a book (nonfiction) about events of my own life which saw me not only imprisoned at a particular time in my life (almost forty years ago now) but also put onto life support as a consequence of the new living environment I found myself in at that same time,and trying to survive in, on a day by day, hour by hour existence. I found it very hard to write this book as in doing so I seemingly re-lived many unpleasant and hurtful events in my own mind. Where to now though? It is a massive story and I do not want to put too much detail about it into an open letter that others may see and read. I would dearly like to ask a couple of questions of you with regards to what to and where to from here? Is it possible that you might respond to give me a guiding suggestion? I would be very appreciative and would be open to share with you an absolutely massive story about an event in time which has never been told by anyone, to anyone. No media interview has ever been conducted and I am the only person out of the three people involved in this event (almost forty years ago) who is still alive and who can tell the story about what actually did happen. That is why my daughter asked me to document it all whilst i was still alive. I am currently sixty one years old. (2019) Infamous these events and this story are; definitely NOT ‘famous’ but historical and TRUE CRIME none the less. I was one who the system decided to make a public example of, … and continues to do so all of these years later. It was a matter of property and NOT one of people. I did not harm at any time, man, Woman or child, nor did I break into anybody’s private home, corner shop, department store or harm the family cat or dog. None the less, a whipping boy I was made, and I have been constantly lashed by the opinions of others who some were not even alive at the time, yet make judgement s of events they could not know about; .. simply because I have never discussed them with anybody. They look at the headline only, and not the story behind the headlines. It is indeed a fascinating story. I await your reply. With respect Stay well, God Bless Steve Mannix Australia.

January 6, 2020 at 3:54 pm

Why not contact me for a free 15-minutes session? Go here: https://ninaamir.as.me/15-min-strategy-session

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How to Write an Interesting Conclusion for Your Nonfiction Book

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Ah, the conclusion. Arguably one of the most difficult parts of a book to write! You’ve done all the hard work of organizing your thoughts into a cohesive and persuasive book that will keep your readers engaged throughout. You don’t want to fall at the final hurdle and write a lackluster conclusion.

In this blog post, I’ll cover some of the challenges of writing a conclusion to a nonfiction book and what to include in your conclusion to make it a more interesting read. 

Table of Contents

What Is the Conclusion of a Book?

The conclusion of a book is the final part of the narrative or content. The conclusion brings the book to a close in a satisfying manner, allowing the reader to feel that they’ve reached the end of a meaningful journey through the book’s content.

In fiction, the conclusion is where the story’s major plotlines come to a climax and where readers see the outcomes of the characters’ journeys. In nonfiction, the conclusion often recaps the main arguments or ideas, summarizes the book’s purpose, and underscores its significance.

The Challenges of Writing an Interesting Conclusion

Writing the conclusion of a nonfiction book can be challenging for several reasons:

Summarizing Complex Ideas: Nonfiction books often contain complex ideas, arguments, and a wealth of information. Summarizing and distilling this content into a clear and concise conclusion can be challenging.

Ensuring Clarity: The conclusion should make the main points of the book crystal clear for the reader. Achieving this clarity while avoiding repetition or redundancy can be a delicate balancing act.

Maintaining Reader Engagement: The conclusion should not feel like a dry or mechanical recap of the book’s content. Authors often struggle to maintain reader engagement and interest in this final section.

Finding the Right Tone: Authors must strike the right tone in the conclusion, whether it’s motivational, reflective, or contemplative. Choosing the appropriate tone to leave a strong impact on the reader can be challenging.

Crafting a Memorable Closing: The closing sentences of the conclusion are crucial for leaving a lasting impression. Crafting these sentences in a way that resonates with readers and encapsulates the book’s core message can be daunting.

Balancing Personal Reflection: If the author includes personal reflections in the conclusion, it can be challenging to balance these reflections with the book’s overarching theme and message without making the conclusion overly self-centered.

Avoiding New Material: Authors must resist the temptation to introduce new material in the conclusion. It’s important to focus on summarizing and reflecting on what’s already been presented in the book.

Consideration of the Target Audience: Authors often need to think about the expectations and needs of their target audience. A conclusion should resonate with the readers and address their interests and concerns.

Meeting Publisher or Genre Expectations: Different nonfiction genres or publishers may have specific expectations for how conclusions should be structured and what they should accomplish. Authors may need to navigate these expectations.

Fear of Inadequacy: The conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a strong impact, and authors may worry about falling short of their own or their readers’ expectations. This pressure can make writing the conclusion challenging.

To overcome these challenges, it’s important to plan and structure the conclusion carefully, revise it as needed, seek feedback from trusted readers or editors, and, most importantly, stay focused on the book’s central message and the reader’s experience. Writing a strong conclusion can be a rewarding process, as it allows the author to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the book’s significance.

What Makes a Good Conclusion for a Nonfiction Book?

A good conclusion for a nonfiction book serves as a vital component in delivering the book’s message effectively and leaving a lasting impact on the reader. A well-crafted conclusion for a nonfiction book should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the book’s main points, their significance, and a sense of closure or motivation to take action. It should be a thoughtful and engaging wrap-up to the book’s content. 

Here are some elements that can contribute to a strong conclusion for a nonfiction book:

Summarize the Key Points

The conclusion provides a concise summary of the key points, arguments, and information presented in the book. Here you can reinforce the main takeaways and help the reader recall the most important information.

Restate the Message

The conclusion is a good place to reiterate the central thesis, main idea, or message of the book, reinforcing what you, the author, wanted to convey. This reminder helps ensure that the reader clearly understands the book’s core concept.

Reflect on the Significance of the Book’s Premise

The conclusion reflects on the broader significance and relevance of the book’s subject matter. Help the reader see the relevance of the book’s content by explaining why the topic is important and how it connects to the reader’s life, society, or the world at large.

Reinforce Supporting Evidence

Remind the reader of the evidence, examples, and data used to support your arguments. This reaffirms the credibility and persuasiveness of your work.

Provide a Resolution

In nonfiction works that address problems, challenges, or questions, the conclusion often provides resolutions, solutions, recommendations, or outcomes based on the content of the book. It can help readers see a path forward or understand the implications of the information presented. In some cases, it’s essential to propose concrete actions for readers to take.

Connect Back to the Introduction

Consider connecting your conclusion to the introduction. Highlight how far the reader has come from the beginning of the book and how their understanding has evolved.

Connect with the Reader

The conclusion can establish a stronger connection between the author and the reader by sharing personal reflections, experiences, or insights related to the book’s content. This personal touch can make the material more relatable and engaging.

Address Counterarguments

If your book deals with controversial topics or opposing viewpoints, you might briefly address counterarguments and explain why your perspective is the most compelling.

Encourage Further Exploration

Nonfiction conclusions often suggest additional reading, research, or resources for readers who want to delve deeper into the subject. This can empower readers to continue their learning journey beyond the book. 

Leave a Lasting Impression

Craft a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression. This could be a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action that encourages the reader to think, reflect, or engage with the subject matter further.

Keep the conclusion concise and focused. Avoid introducing new material or going off on tangents. The conclusion should be a concise summary and reflection on the book’s content.

Use a Consistent Tone and Style

The tone and style of the conclusion should be consistent with the rest of the book. If the book is academic, maintain an academic tone; if it’s a self-help book, maintain an encouraging and motivational tone.

In essence, the purpose of the conclusion in a nonfiction book is to tie together the various elements of the book, offer a final perspective, and guide the reader toward a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It should leave the reader with a sense of clarity and the motivation to think critically, take action, or further explore the book’s ideas and themes.

If you’re looking for help with your book, check out my editorial services or read some of the kind words authors have said about working with me .

What Are the Parts of a Book?

What to Include in the Front Matter of a Book

What to Include in the Back Matter of a Book

What to Include on the Copyright Page of a Book

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

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Writing the Perfect Non-Fiction Closing Statement: Tips and Tricks From an Expert

by Harry Wallett

Have you ever struggled to write the perfect conclusion for your non-fiction piece? If so, you’re not alone! Crafting a solid and effective closing statement can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

With the right tips and tricks from an expert, you can create a powerful conclusion that will leave your readers wanting more.

In this article, you’ll learn how to write the perfect non-fiction closing statement, including the importance of summarizing your main points and reinforcing your thesis. You’ll also discover the art of weaving in a call to action and creating a sense of closure. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to write a strong and effective conclusion that will leave your readers satisfied and connected to your writing.

What is a closing statement?

A closing statement is your conclusion – a summary of the arguments you’ve examined in your well-considered inquiry, providing an answer to the central question of the piece.

It’s almost impossible to write a strong closing statement unless you have:

  • A clear and distinct title examining  a central question
  • A digestible  opening statement , driving the reader to continue reading
  • A collection of  balanced arguments,  exploring the  central question  from a range of perspectives, forming the  body  of the non-fiction piece

So, your  opening statement  lays out your  intentions  for the piece. And the  body  of your non-fiction piece will explore the central question from  various perspectives .

And the  closing statement  ties all of those arguments together.

Why is a strong conclusion important?

A strong closing statement comes from a strong opener.

Think about why you might want to  read  a piece of non-fiction writing. Often, your opening statement enthuses the reader to keep reading – it promises an interesting, intelligent, and stimulating examination of your central question.

So, when writing an opening statement, consider what you  want  your audience to  DO  after reading it. Are you trying to convince your reader of something? Perhaps you want to address a misapprehension?

In some ways, it’s easy to make promises at the beginning of your piece. And that’s what an opening statement is all about: teasing the reader to  want to spend time  with your non-fiction piece.

Can you maintain the pace and enthusiasm through the body of the text?

A strong conclusion is the payoff

If your central question is clear and the body of your work is balanced, well-written, and relevant, then your strong conclusion is the payoff.

You’ll feel cheated if there’s no firm conclusion – you’ll feel like you’ve wasted your time reading the work. 

And your reader is less likely to trust you when it comes to your subsequent non-fiction work.

So, a strong conclusion makes your writing worth reading. It helps the reader feel like they’ve made a good decision to read your piece. And, hopefully, they’ll have learned something along the way (confirmed within your closing statement).

So, know what you want to say.

Writing an academic closing statement

academic closings

Academic writing is complex in syntactical structure, with many LONG sentences and paragraphs that can run into pages. So, reading an academic paper requires a tremendous amount of concentration. 

And this is why it’s ESSENTIAL to write a strong closing argument – your tutor may read your conclusion first! 

Yes, you have it from the horse’s mouth – sometimes when marking a paper, you look at the student’s conclusion first. This is because marking an academic document requires several readings to digest the arguments and the points presented, so reading the closing statement first is a good shortcut. 

So, ensuring you have a strong closing statement is essential to achieving a high grade – if the marker understands your conclusion, they can consider each angle of your argument leading to that conclusion. 

How to write a strong closing argument

A strong closing argument is a summary of everything previously presented. It offers a value judgment based on the balance of your ideas, from the opening statement to the body of the piece. 

Let’s consider a  legal closing argument  – how a lawyer might draw the evidence together to make an ultimate, persuasive argument to convince the jury that their client is innocent (or that the defendant is guilty!). 

How to write a closing statement – the legal way

The trial attorney delivers the closing statement at the end of a criminal case once the evidence is on the table, taking into account expert opinions and the witness testimony. 

The closing statement is the final opportunity for the attorney to address the jury and the judge, so it’s essential that the jury understands the final closing argument. 

How to compile a legal closing statement

A strong closing statement is based on the evidence presented in court, so taking notes during a trial is essential. This is the equivalent of a non-fiction writer planning out their piece before they start writing, ensuring they have the:

  • Central question
  • The subheadings prompting each argument
  • Brief details they’re going to cover under each subheading 

Good attorneys prepare their closing statements at the end of the trial, making notes along the way and having listened to both sides of the case. 

Write an outline for your closing statement

Put some bullet points together – facts and arguments that draw you toward a clear conclusion. 

Once you have your bullet points, use simple language to summarise your argument, as stated in the body of the text. 

And then, balance those arguments to draw toward your conclusion. 

Your structure could follow:

Review   your case

A good lawyer reviews the salient points to remind the jury and judge of their theory of the case.

Review your evidence

evidence

Of course, as a non-fiction writer, you’re likely to have a biased view of the outcome you want to reach. 

In law, you’d remind the jury about the facts you promised in the opening statement, then a step-by-step review of the facts supporting your theory. 

You’d consider:

  • Your client’s story
  • The damaging testimony
  • The outcome of the cross-examination and the other side of the story
  • The key elements of the opponent’s case, as well as your case

A lawyer would spend time to explain and argue the story, using words that evoke emotional responses in the jury. They build a defense from their outline, which draws the jury closer to a favorable verdict. 

A closing attorney might review a civil case, a mock trial, or even use examples from literature – from Shakespeare or the bible – to compare their case with the outcome of another. 

In non-fiction writing, it’s good practice to begin your research from a broad standpoint – exploring and seriously considering other arguments. If you just begin with an unshakeable verdict and work backward to reinforce that singular perspective, your conclusion becomes less credible. 

Attack the alternatives

A good, balanced argument needs context; it’s essential that you’ve done your research and are aware of the counterarguments. 

In court, the lawyer would attack and undermine the opposition’s case. But, be aware of discounting the counterarguments without consideration – that weakens your conclusion. 

Point out the discrepancies in other theories – but make sure you can substantiate your viewpoint. 

Conclude 

Having assessed the evidence and the counterarguments, draw your piece to a conclusion that  satisfies the central question  without reasonable doubt. 

Often, non-fiction writers get to the end of their piece and drift off to another conclusion without readdressing the central question. 

So, always remind yourself what you set out to achieve before you draw a conclusion. 

Strong closing statements need a Call To Action

Consider what you want your reader to DO after reading your non-fiction closing statement. In the lawyer’s case, they want the jury’s attention, they hope the jury understand the facts as presented, and they want a favorable verdict – the right person proven guilty (or otherwise). 

Are you aiming to change the reader’s mind about something? Then, you need to be convincing in your representation of the evidence. 

Do you want your reader to:

  • Agree with you?
  • Challenge you?
  • Share your findings?

Cascadia wants your arguments!

If you’re a non-fiction writer with a thorough base in broad research, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking to support non-fiction writers from all backgrounds looking to make a living by sharing their work and developing a broad audience. 

Get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

Harry Wallett is the Managing Director of Cascadia Author Services. He has a decade of experience as the Founder and Managing Director of Relay Publishing, which has sold over 3 million copies of books in all genres for its authors, and looks after a team of 50+ industry professionals working across the world.

Harry is inspired by the process of book creation and is passionate about the stories and characters behind the prose. He loves working with the writers and has shepherded 1000s of titles to publication over the years. He knows first-hand what it takes to not only create an unputdownable book, but also how to get it into the hands of the right readers for success.

Books are still one of the most powerful mediums to communicate ideas and establish indisputable authority in a field, boosting your reach and stature. But publishing isn’t a quick and easy process—nor should it be, or everyone would do it!

A professional grade book takes 250+ individual tasks to complete. Cascadia is an expert in every single one of them. Do you want to harness our expertise to launch your book into the stratosphere? Chat with us !

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how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

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Book Profiles

How to write a non-fiction conclusion for your book

Jan 24, 2024 | Writing

I took an essay writing course in grad school back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and discovered that it’s much harder to wrap up a piece than it is to start one. When it comes time to draw a conclusion, just watch yourself blank out.

The same sort of WTF-now? comes up for those writing prescriptive non-fiction books. The intro is locked down, you’ve got 200 or so pages spelling it all out, and now you’ve got to end the show gracefully, without looking like you’ve simply run out of paper.

The beautiful thing is there’s a formula for conclusions, which I’m going to share with you right here.

But let’s start with a clear understanding of the purpose of a conclusion, which is to wrap up your argument or discussion and leave a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your opportunity to summarize key points, restate your thesis or main message, and provide closure.

Here’s what you should include in a non-fiction conclusion:

Restate your thesis or main message: Begin your conclusion by revisiting the main point or argument you made in your introduction. This reminds your readers of the central focus of your piece.
(If you don’t know what I’m referring to, go HERE .)

Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main points and arguments you’ve made throughout your work. This helps readers recall the important information you’ve presented.

If you’ve guided your reader through action steps, we want a reiteration of these steps.

Acknowledge the reader for taking the first step towards solving this problem.

This is a new lifestyle, a new mindset. Simple small habits will win this game.

How can they lock in this new lifestyle? What more should they do? What should they watch out for? How might they set they screw up when first using this stuff? What are the common errors they’ll have to avoid now that they’re making these changes?

How can they set themselves up for continued success?

Put in a slightly different way, describe how your reader can incorporate this information, this philosophy, into his or her life. How does this new way of thinking open the vista, make life better financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually?

Or think….What happens when your reader internalizes this stuff, does the exercises, completes the action items? Can you paint the “after” picture using a client example? What happened when they made these changes, when they finally understood the very information you’ve provided in the book? How does it change things up in unexpected ways?

Give us a reiteration of how much better life can be on this side of the problem.

What programs or services can you offer them that will guarantee continued success? Where can you point them? If you have nothing, is there another book they can read that will deepen their understanding?

Address counterarguments (if applicable): If you’ve discussed opposing viewpoints or counterarguments in your work, briefly acknowledge them in your conclusion. You can explain why your perspective is more compelling or how your research has contributed to the broader discussion.

End with a strong closing statement: Craft a memorable closing sentence that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It could be a thought-provoking quote, a powerful statement, or a call to action.

Things to watch out for:

Maintain the tone and style: Ensure that your conclusion maintains the same tone and style as the rest of your work. Consistency in voice and style is essential for a polished conclusion.

Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new facts, arguments, or evidence. Stick to summarizing and reiterating what you’ve already presented. This is not a dumping ground, people.

Damn, now I have to come up with a pithy closing statement and I’m drawing a blank. How about….Follow this formula, and you won’t go wrong.

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Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

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Academic writers across all disciplines analyze texts. They summarize and critique published articles, evaluate papers’ arguments, and reflect on essays. In order to do these things, they have to read complex texts carefully and understand them clearly.

This page is about how you can read and analyze nonfiction texts. When you’ve read a text well, you can then discuss it in class, think critically about it, incorporate it into your writing, consider it in light of other texts, and advance or push against its ideas. We believe two productive strategies for approaching this kind of reading and analysis are active reading and rhetorical précis writing. This page provides a guide to these strategies and practical ways to help you evaluate, compare, and reflect upon nonfiction texts.

Active Reading

Introduction to the rhetorical précis, parts of a rhetorical précis, using a rhetorical précis to guide analysis.

Active reading requires you to slow your reading down, engage more intentionally with the text, think about it, and focus your attention on its ideas. When you read actively, you can’t just flip pages and daydream about tomorrow’s plans. Much has been written about active reading, but generally we recommend that when you read you:

  • Skim over the text before reading it. Look to see how long it is, where it’s published, how it may be divided into sections, what kind of works cited list it has, whether there are appendices, etc. Use the title to help you predict what the text is about and what it argues. This overview will help you to understand the context, genre, and purpose of this piece as well as help you gauge how long it will take you to read it and how it might be relevant to your class, paper, or project.
  • Take notes about the text’s key ideas and your responses to those ideas. Depending on the text and your preferences, these notes could be made on your copy of the text or article or in a separate place. Notes will help you remember and process what the text is about and what you think about it.

In addition to these strategies, we firmly believe that one of the best ways to understand a book, article, essay, blog post, etc. is to write a summary of it. Specifically, we recommend that you use your reading to generate a rhetorical précis.

“Précis” is French for “specific” or “precise.” It’s also a particular kind of writing. When you write a précis you have to exactly and succinctly account for the most important parts of a text. If you write a successful précis, it is a good indication that you’ve read that text closely and that you understand its major moves and arguments. Writing a précis is an excellent way to show that you’ve closely read a text.

Disclaimer: There are different kinds of précis for different contexts. A legal précis is different from what we’re talking about here. Some précis are longer or shorter than others. If you are writing a précis as a course assignment, be sure to follow your instructor’s guidance on what this should consist of and how it should be formatted.

Sometimes rhetorical précis writing is a course requirement. However, even if you aren’t required to write a précis for a class, writing one can help you in a number of ways. Writing a précis guides your reading and directs your attention to the key aspects of a text. Précis writing prepares you to discuss a text and sets you up for that important next step: analysis. A rhetorical précis can even help you structure your annotated bibliography annotations or provide you with summary sentences to include in a paper as you account for your sources.

A rhetorical précis, as developed by Margaret K. Woodworth and described in her 1988 article “The Rhetorical Précis” (published by Rhetoric Review), consists of four dense but direct sentences.

  • The first sentence identifies who wrote the text, where and when it was published, and what its topic and claim are.
  • The second sentence explores how the text is developed and organized.
  • The third sentence explains why the author wrote this, her purpose or intended effect.
  • The fourth and final sentence describes the “for whom” of the text by clarifying who the intended or assumed audience of this text is.

Let’s look more closely at those four parts.

First Sentence: Who, Where, When, and What?

Start by identifying the author and offering any information that might help clarify who this person is in relation to this text. Is this a scholar? If so, what is her field? Is she a public official or a prominent blogger? Is he a public intellectual? A reporter? A spokesperson? Has he written other stuff? Locate a bio in the journal or the book cover. Do a quick internet search. Figuring out who the writer is will help you understand some of the texts’ context.

Next up, the publication. What is its title? Is it a book in a series or an article in a special collection? Does it appear in the leisure section of a local newspaper? Sometimes the title of the journal is self-explanatory, but at other times it’s unfamiliar or not clearly connected to a specific discipline. Explain it as necessary. Add the date in parentheses after the title of the text. Unless it’s a newspaper, magazine, or time-sensitive online article, usually just the year will suffice.

The rest of the sentence should be about the article’s topic—what it is about. In order to make this part particularly precise, use a rhetorically strong verb to describe the author’s claim. For example, the author may suggest, argue, analyze, imply, urge, contrast, or claim something.

Second Sentence: How?

In this sentence, provide a very condensed outline of how the author develops, structures, and supports the argument. What kind of evidence does the article draw upon? How is the case built? Perhaps by comparing and contrasting, illustrating, defining, or providing context? Perhaps the text starts out with a narrative and then moves into a description of several research studies? This sentence should account for all the most important moves made across this piece.

Third Sentence: Why?

What does the writer want the reader to do, believe, feel, or think about all this? What was the purpose of this text? In the first sentence, you told us what that author is arguing; now it is time to consider why the author has done all of this. Use an “in order to” phrase in this sentence to very clearly indicate the purpose.

Fourth Sentence: For Whom?

In the final sentence, identify the author’s intended audience and offer some rationale for how you know that to be the audience. Look back at the publication and think about who is likely to read this kind of magazine, journal, or book. Pay attention to the language used in this piece and how much background the writer provides. What does the writer assume readers believe, know, or value? Identifying the audience helps you consider how rhetorically effective this text is.

An Annotated Sample of a Rhetorical Précis

Take a look at this annotated précis of William Cronon’s 1995 article “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” It closely follows the précis structure outlined above.

In “The Trouble With Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature” (1995), the opening essay of the edited collection Uncommon Ground: Rethinking the Human Place in Nature, renowned environmental historian William Cronon [Comment: The information about who Cronon is was very easily located at the end of the article and through a quick internet search.] critiques the romantic idolization of supposedly untouched, vast wilderness and argues that such a perspective of wilderness negatively affects humankind’s relationship with nature. Cronon builds a historical case for wilderness as a human construct, explores the cultural and literary foundations for the belief that wilderness is a sublime frontier, identifies the problematic paradoxes inherent in this belief, and outlines the detriments of and possible paradigm–shifting solutions to this environmental problem. [Comment: One of the challenges of the second sentence is to decide what not to include. In this case, more could be said about what those paradoxes and detriments are, but since the focus here is on the “how” instead of the “what,” they have been left out. If those kinds of unidentified details are important enough, there is room to mention them more thoroughly in the third sentence.] Cronon opposes the perspective of wilderness as an idealized, non–human space in order to persuade his readers to live rightly in relationship to nature and embrace the reality that “home” as a welcoming, responsibility–requiring place encompasses both “wilderness” and “civilization.” [Comment: Often there is more than one “why,” so be on the look out for this as you actively read.] According to his specific identification, scholarly presentation, and publication venue, Cronon’s primary audience includes American environmentalist academics. [Comment: In the later third of this essay, Cronon uses the pronoun “we” to identify himself and his assumed readership. Often authors aren’t this useful in helping to identify an audience.]

Writing a good précis is a lot of work. It takes dedicated time and consideration. But, it can be useful in and of itself and productive in the development of additional academic writing. Of course, the most obvious application of a précis is connected to its function as a summary. In academic writing, we summarize sources all the time. Once you have written a précis, you can incorporate some of its sentences or ideas into your writing when you need to quickly account for a text’s argument, content, or purpose.

But a rhetorical précis is even more powerfully useful for writing analysis.

Etymologically, “analysis” comes from the Ancient Greek terms for “throughout” and “loosening.” When you analyze something, you deconstruct it, extract its parts, peer inside to see how everything fits together. You thoroughly loosen it in order to understand it better. When you’ve used a précis to lay out the primary elements of this text (the author; the argument’s what, how, and why; and the audience) in front of you, you’re ready to move on with your analysis. Analysis of nonfiction texts can take several forms, but three common ones are: evaluation and critique, comparison, and reflection.

Evaluation and Critique

Evaluating a text requires you to use your analysis to consider and critique the strengths and weaknesses of that piece of writing. Look back at the argument and audience and ask yourself some of these questions:

  • Is this a persuasive argument for this group of readers?
  • How well is the author’s argument developed and clarified through the structure of the text?
  • Where does the logic of the argument and its supporting evidence cohere or fall apart?
  • Do the author’s background, tone, evidence, and assumptions foster credibility?
  • Does the piece achieve what the author intended?

Detailed answers—with examples—to any of these or similar questions could generate enough material for a close, analytical evaluation. Make sure that you are connecting your assertions about what works and doesn’t work in this text to the author, the argument’s development and purpose, and the audience. Make sure that you are looking deeply at how and why various elements of the text and its argument succeed or falter.

Through comparison, you bring together an analysis of more than one text. Start by writing a précis for each piece you have to compare. Then look at each précis side–by–side and ask yourself about how a sentence in one précis relates to the corresponding sentence in the other précis. Here are some questions to guide your thinking:

  • Are all texts addressing a parallel idea?
  • Are they making similar or different arguments?
  • Have they employed similar methods to arrive at their arguments?
  • Are they using the same kind of structure to develop those arguments?
  • What is different about their intended audiences?
  • Is one more or less successful or persuasive than the other?

Let what you identify as being similar and different about these texts guide your comparative analysis.

Reflection provides you with space to analyze a text in light of your experiences, perspectives, and ideas. In this kind of writing, you get to talk about yourself. In a way, a reflective analysis is kind of like a comparative analysis where the second text is you. Look back at that rhetorical précis and ask yourself questions like these, or other questions that connect what you know and have experienced with the text you have read:

  • What else have you read or experienced that furthers or complicates the argument made by this text?
  • How do you see that these ideas fit into the larger context of what you’ve been studying in this course?
  • Why do you have a particular opinion or response towards this piece of writing?
  • Moving forward, how can this text, its argument, or its presentation be influential in shaping your thinking or research?

In order to analyze a text, you need to understand key elements of it. Closely reading that text and summarizing it through a rhetorical précis can help you understand it better. In large part, the quality of your analysis will be dependent on the quality of your comprehension. So, give yourself the time you need to read carefully, think deeply, and analyze effectively.

Works Cited

Cronon, William. “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” Environmental History , vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 7–28.

Woodworth, Margaret K. “The Rhetorical Précis.” Rhetoric Review , vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 156–64.

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

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  • How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

  • Tie together the essay’s main points
  • Show why your argument matters
  • Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

  • Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
  • Does it raise new questions for future study?
  • Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
  • Can it be applied to different contexts?
  • Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

  • “In conclusion…”
  • “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

  • “This is just one approach among many.”
  • “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
  • “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

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This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

  • A rephrased version of your overall thesis
  • A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
  • An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

  • Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
  • Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
  • Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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Conclusions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate conclusions you’ve drafted, and suggest approaches to avoid.

About conclusions

Introductions and conclusions can be difficult to write, but they’re worth investing time in. They can have a significant influence on a reader’s experience of your paper.

Just as your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will help them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.

Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment. The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings.

Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your topic in personally relevant ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest your reader, but also enrich your reader’s life in some way. It is your gift to the reader.

Strategies for writing an effective conclusion

One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion:

  • Play the “So What” Game. If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then ponder that question and answer it. Here’s how it might go: You: Basically, I’m just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That’s important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally. You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself “So What?” as you develop your ideas or your draft.
  • Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction.
  • Synthesize, don’t summarize. Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together.
  • Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.
  • Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. This can redirect your reader’s thought process and help them to apply your info and ideas to their own life or to see the broader implications.
  • Point to broader implications. For example, if your paper examines the Greensboro sit-ins or another event in the Civil Rights Movement, you could point out its impact on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. A paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists.

Strategies to avoid

  • Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing.” Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.
  • Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.
  • Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.
  • Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes.
  • Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of an analytical paper.
  • Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper.

Four kinds of ineffective conclusions

  • The “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” Conclusion. This conclusion just restates the thesis and is usually painfully short. It does not push the ideas forward. People write this kind of conclusion when they can’t think of anything else to say. Example: In conclusion, Frederick Douglass was, as we have seen, a pioneer in American education, proving that education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.
  • The “Sherlock Holmes” Conclusion. Sometimes writers will state the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion. You might be tempted to use this strategy if you don’t want to give everything away too early in your paper. You may think it would be more dramatic to keep the reader in the dark until the end and then “wow” them with your main idea, as in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. The reader, however, does not expect a mystery, but an analytical discussion of your topic in an academic style, with the main argument (thesis) stated up front. Example: (After a paper that lists numerous incidents from the book but never says what these incidents reveal about Douglass and his views on education): So, as the evidence above demonstrates, Douglass saw education as a way to undermine the slaveholders’ power and also an important step toward freedom.
  • The “America the Beautiful”/”I Am Woman”/”We Shall Overcome” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion usually draws on emotion to make its appeal, but while this emotion and even sentimentality may be very heartfelt, it is usually out of character with the rest of an analytical paper. A more sophisticated commentary, rather than emotional praise, would be a more fitting tribute to the topic. Example: Because of the efforts of fine Americans like Frederick Douglass, countless others have seen the shining beacon of light that is education. His example was a torch that lit the way for others. Frederick Douglass was truly an American hero.
  • The “Grab Bag” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion includes extra information that the writer found or thought of but couldn’t integrate into the main paper. You may find it hard to leave out details that you discovered after hours of research and thought, but adding random facts and bits of evidence at the end of an otherwise-well-organized essay can just create confusion. Example: In addition to being an educational pioneer, Frederick Douglass provides an interesting case study for masculinity in the American South. He also offers historians an interesting glimpse into slave resistance when he confronts Covey, the overseer. His relationships with female relatives reveal the importance of family in the slave community.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. New York: Dover.

Hamilton College. n.d. “Conclusions.” Writing Center. Accessed June 14, 2019. https://www.hamilton.edu//academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/conclusions .

Holewa, Randa. 2004. “Strategies for Writing a Conclusion.” LEO: Literacy Education Online. Last updated February 19, 2004. https://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

By the time you get to the final paragraph of your paper, you have already done so much work on your essay, so all you want to do is to wrap it up as quickly as possible. You’ve already made a stunning introduction, proven your argument, and structured the whole piece as supposed – who cares about making a good conclusion paragraph?

The only thing you need to remember is that the conclusion of an essay is not just the last paragraph of an academic paper where you restate your thesis and key arguments. A concluding paragraph is also your opportunity to have a final impact on your audience. 

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How to write a conclusion paragraph that leaves a lasting impression – In this guide, the team at EssayPro is going to walk you through the process of writing a perfect conclusion step by step. Additionally, we will share valuable tips and tricks to help students of all ages impress their readers at the last moment.

Instead of Intro: What Is a Conclusion?

Before we can move on, let’s take a moment here to define the conclusion itself. According to the standard conclusion definition, it is pretty much the last part of something, its result, or end. However, this term is rather broad and superficial.

When it comes to writing academic papers, a concluding statement refers to an opinion, judgment, suggestion, or position arrived at by logical reasoning (through the arguments provided in the body of the text). Therefore, if you are wondering “what is a good closing sentence like?” – keep on reading.

What Does a Good Conclusion Mean?

Writing a good conclusion for a paper isn’t easy. However, we are going to walk you through this process step by step. Although there are generally no strict rules on how to formulate one, there are some basic principles that everyone should keep in mind. In this section, we will share some core ideas for writing a good conclusion, and, later in the article, we will also provide you with more practical advice and examples.

How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay _ 4 MAJOR OBJECTIVES THAT CONCLUSION MUST ACCOMPLISH

Here are the core goals a good conclusion should complete:

  • “Wrap up” the entire paper;
  • Demonstrate to readers that the author accomplished what he/she set out to do;
  • Show how you the author has proved their thesis statement;
  • Give a sense of completeness and closure on the topic;
  • Leave something extra for your reader to think about;
  • Leave a powerful final impact on a reader.

Another key thing to remember is that you should not introduce any new ideas or arguments to your paper's conclusion. It should only sum up what you have already written, revisit your thesis statement, and end with a powerful final impression.

When considering how to write a conclusion that works, here are the key points to keep in mind:

  • A concluding sentence should only revisit the thesis statement, not restate it;
  • It should summarize the main ideas from the body of the paper;
  • It should demonstrate the significance and relevance of your work;
  • An essay’s conclusion should include a call for action and leave space for further study or development of the topic (if necessary).

How Long Should a Conclusion Be? 

Although there are no strict universal rules regarding the length of an essay’s final clause, both teachers and experienced writers recommend keeping it clear, concise, and straight to the point. There is an unspoken rule that the introduction and conclusion of an academic paper should both be about 10% of the overall paper’s volume. For example, if you were assigned a 1500 word essay, both the introductory and final clauses should be approximately 150 words long (300 together).

Why You Need to Know How to End an Essay:

A conclusion is what drives a paper to its logical end. It also drives the main points of your piece one last time. It is your last opportunity to impact and impress your audience. And, most importantly, it is your chance to demonstrate to readers why your work matters. Simply put, the final paragraph of your essay should answer the last important question a reader will have – “So what?”

If you do a concluding paragraph right, it can give your readers a sense of logical completeness. On the other hand, if you do not make it powerful enough, it can leave them hanging, and diminish the effect of the entire piece.

Strategies to Crafting a Proper Conclusion

Although there are no strict rules for what style to use to write your conclusion, there are several strategies that have been proven to be effective. In the list below, you can find some of the most effective strategies with some good conclusion paragraph examples to help you grasp the idea.

One effective way to emphasize the significance of your essay and give the audience some thought to ponder about is by taking a look into the future. The “When and If” technique is quite powerful when it comes to supporting your points in the essay’s conclusion.

Prediction essay conclusion example: “Taking care of a pet is quite hard, which is the reason why most parents refuse their children’s requests to get a pet. However, the refusal should be the last choice of parents. If we want to inculcate a deep sense of responsibility and organization in our kids, and, at the same time, sprout compassion in them, we must let our children take care of pets.”

Another effective strategy is to link your conclusion to your introductory paragraph. This will create a full-circle narration for your readers, create a better understanding of your topic, and emphasize your key point.

Echo conclusion paragraph example: Introduction: “I believe that all children should grow up with a pet. I still remember the exact day my parents brought my first puppy to our house. This was one of the happiest moments in my life and, at the same time, one of the most life-changing ones. Growing up with a pet taught me a lot, and most importantly, it taught me to be responsible.” Conclusion:. “I remember when I picked up my first puppy and how happy I was at that time. Growing up with a pet, I learned what it means to take care of someone, make sure that he always has water and food, teach him, and constantly keep an eye on my little companion. Having a child grow up with a pet teaches them responsibility and helps them acquire a variety of other life skills like leadership, love, compassion, and empathy. This is why I believe that every kid should grow up with a pet!”

Finally, one more trick that will help you create a flawless conclusion is to amplify your main idea or to present it in another perspective of a larger context. This technique will help your readers to look at the problem discussed from a different angle.

Step-up argumentative essay conclusion example: “Despite the obvious advantages of owning a pet in childhood, I feel that we cannot generalize whether all children should have a pet. Whereas some kids may benefit from such experiences, namely, by becoming more compassionate, organized, and responsible, it really depends on the situation, motivation, and enthusiasm of a particular child for owning a pet.”

What is a clincher in an essay? – The final part of an essay’s conclusion is often referred to as a clincher sentence. According to the clincher definition, it is a final sentence that reinforces the main idea or leaves the audience with an intriguing thought to ponder upon. In a nutshell, the clincher is very similar to the hook you would use in an introductory paragraph. Its core mission is to seize the audience’s attention until the end of the paper. At the same time, this statement is what creates a sense of completeness and helps the author leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Now, since you now know what a clincher is, you are probably wondering how to use one in your own paper. First of all, keep in mind that a good clincher should be intriguing, memorable, smooth, and straightforward.

Generally, there are several different tricks you can use for your clincher statement; it can be:

  • A short, but memorable and attention-grabbing conclusion;
  • A relevant and memorable quote (only if it brings actual value);
  • A call to action;
  • A rhetorical question;
  • An illustrative story or provocative example;
  • A warning against a possibility or suggestion about the consequences of a discussed problem;
  • A joke (however, be careful with this as it may not always be deemed appropriate).

Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure that your clincher is memorable and aligns with your introduction and thesis.

Clincher examples: - While New York may not be the only place with the breathtaking views, it is definitely among my personal to 3… and that’s what definitely makes it worth visiting. - “Thence we came forth to rebehold the stars”, Divine Comedy - Don’t you think all these advantages sound like almost life-saving benefits of owning a pet? “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”, The Great Gatsby

strategies

Conclusion Writing Don'ts 

Now, when you know what tricks and techniques you should use to create a perfect conclusion, let’s look at some of the things you should not do with our online paper writing service :

  • Starting with some cliché concluding sentence starters. Many students find common phrases like “In conclusion,” “Therefore,” “In summary,” or similar statements to be pretty good conclusion starters. However, though such conclusion sentence starters may work in certain cases – for example, in speeches – they are overused, so it is recommended not to use them in writing to introduce your conclusion.
  • Putting the first mention of your thesis statement in the conclusion – it has to be presented in your introduction first.
  • Providing new arguments, subtopics, or ideas in the conclusion paragraph.
  • Including a slightly changed or unchanged thesis statement.
  • Providing arguments and evidence that belong in the body of the work.
  • Writing too long, hard to read, or confusing sentences.

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Conclusion Paragraph Outline

The total number of sentences in your final paragraph may vary depending on the number of points you discussed in your essay, as well as on the overall word count of your paper. However, the overall conclusion paragraph outline will remain the same and consists of the following elements:

conclusion ouline

  • A conclusion starter:

The first part of your paragraph should drive readers back to your thesis statement. Thus, if you were wondering how to start a conclusion, the best way to do it is by rephrasing your thesis statement.

  • Summary of the body paragraphs:

Right after revisiting your thesis, you should include several sentences that wrap up the key highlights and points from your body paragraphs. This part of your conclusion can consist of 2-3 sentences—depending on the number of arguments you’ve made. If necessary, you can also explain to the readers how your main points fit together.

  • A concluding sentence:

Finally, you should end your paragraph with a last, powerful sentence that leaves a lasting impression, gives a sense of logical completeness, and connects readers back to the introduction of the paper.

These three key elements make up a perfect essay conclusion. Now, to give you an even better idea of how to create a perfect conclusion, let us give you a sample conclusion paragraph outline with examples from an argumentative essay on the topic of “Every Child Should Own a Pet:

  • Sentence 1: Starter
  • ~ Thesis: "Though taking care of a pet may be a bit challenging for small children. Parents should not restrict their kids from having a pet as it helps them grow into more responsible and compassionate people."
  • ~ Restated thesis for a conclusion: "I can say that taking care of a pet is good for every child."
  • Sentences 2-4: Summary
  • ~ "Studies have shown that pet owners generally have fewer health problems."
  • ~ "Owning a pet teaches a child to be more responsible."
  • ~ "Spending time with a pet reduces stress, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety."
  • Sentence 5: A concluding sentence
  • ~ "Pets can really change a child life for the better, so don't hesitate to endorse your kid's desire to own a pet."

This is a clear example of how you can shape your conclusion paragraph.

How to Conclude Various Types of Essays

Depending on the type of academic essay you are working on, your concluding paragraph's style, tone, and length may vary. In this part of our guide, we will tell you how to end different types of essays and other works.

How to End an Argumentative Essay

Persuasive or argumentative essays always have the single goal of convincing readers of something (an idea, stance, or viewpoint) by appealing to arguments, facts, logic, and even emotions. The conclusion for such an essay has to be persuasive as well. A good trick you can use is to illustrate a real-life scenario that proves your stance or encourages readers to take action. More about persuasive essay outline you can read in our article.

Here are a few more tips for making a perfect conclusion for an argumentative essay:

  • Carefully read the whole essay before you begin;
  • Re-emphasize your ideas;
  • Discuss possible implications;
  • Don’t be afraid to appeal to the reader’s emotions.

How to End a Compare and Contrast Essay

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to emphasize the differences or similarities between two or more objects, people, phenomena, etc. Therefore, a logical conclusion should highlight how the reviewed objects are different or similar. Basically, in such a paper, your conclusion should recall all of the key common and distinctive features discussed in the body of your essay and also give readers some food for thought after they finish reading it.

How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay

The key idea of a descriptive essay is to showcase your creativity and writing skills by painting a vivid picture with the help of words. This is one of the most creative types of essays as it requires you to show a story, not tell it. This kind of essay implies using a lot of vivid details. Respectively, the conclusion of such a paper should also use descriptive imagery and, at the same time, sum up the main ideas. A good strategy for ending a descriptive essay would be to begin with a short explanation of why you wrote the essay. Then, you should reflect on how your topic affects you. In the middle of the conclusion, you should cover the most critical moments of the story to smoothly lead the reader into a logical closing statement. The “clincher”, in this case, should be a thought-provoking final sentence that leaves a good and lasting impression on the audience. Do not lead the reader into the essay and then leave them with dwindling memories of it.

How to Conclude an Essay About Yourself

If you find yourself writing an essay about yourself, you need to tell a personal story. As a rule, such essays talk about the author’s experiences, which is why a conclusion should create a feeling of narrative closure. A good strategy is to end your story with a logical finale and the lessons you have learned, while, at the same time, linking it to the introductory paragraph and recalling key moments from the story.

How to End an Informative Essay

Unlike other types of papers, informative or expository essays load readers with a lot of information and facts. In this case, “Synthesize, don’t summarize” is the best technique you can use to end your paper. Simply put, instead of recalling all of the major facts, you should approach your conclusion from the “So what?” position by highlighting the significance of the information provided.

How to Conclude a Narrative Essay

In a nutshell, a narrative essay is based on simple storytelling. The purpose of this paper is to share a particular story in detail. Therefore, the conclusion for such a paper should wrap up the story and avoid finishing on an abrupt cliffhanger. It is vital to include the key takeaways and the lessons learned from the story.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Lab Report

Unlike an essay, a lab report is based on an experiment. This type of paper describes the flow of a particular experiment conducted by a student and its conclusion should reflect on the outcomes of this experiment.

In thinking of how to write a conclusion for a lab, here are the key things you should do to get it right:

  • Restate the goals of your experiment
  • Describe the methods you used
  • Include the results of the experiment and analyze the final data
  • End your conclusion with a clear statement on whether or not the experiment was successful (Did you reach the expected results?)

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Writing a paper is probably the hardest task of all, even for experienced dissertation writer . Unlike an essay or even a lab report, a research paper is a much longer piece of work that requires a deeper investigation of the problem. Therefore, a conclusion for such a paper should be even more sophisticated and powerful. If you're feeling difficulty writing an essay, you can buy essay on our service.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

However, given that a research paper is the second most popular kind of academic paper (after an essay), it is important to know how to conclude a research paper. Even if you have not yet been assigned to do this task, be sure that you will face it soon. So, here are the steps you should follow to create a great conclusion for a research paper:

  • Restate the Topic

Start your final paragraph with a quick reminder of what the topic of the piece is about. Keep it one sentence long.

  • Revisit the Thesis

Next, you should remind your readers what your thesis statement was. However, do not just copy and paste it from the introductory clause: paraphrase your thesis so that you deliver the same idea but with different words. Keep your paraphrased thesis narrow, specific, and topic-oriented.

  • Summarise Your Key Ideas

Just like the case of a regular essay’s conclusion, a research paper’s final paragraph should also include a short summary of all of the key points stated in the body sections. We recommend reading the entire body part a few times to define all of your main arguments and ideas.

  • Showcase the Significance of Your Work

In the research paper conclusion, it is vital to highlight the significance of your research problem and state how your solution could be helpful.

  • Make Suggestions for Future Studies

Finally, at the end of your conclusion, you should define how your findings will contribute to the development of its particular field of science. Outline the perspectives of further research and, if necessary, explain what is yet to be discovered on the topic.

Then, end your conclusion with a powerful concluding sentence – it can be a rhetorical question, call to action, or another hook that will help you have a strong impact on the audience.

  • Answer the Right Questions

To create a top-notch research paper conclusion, be sure to answer the following questions:

  • What is the goal of a research paper?
  • What are the possible solutions to the research question(s)?
  • How can your results be implemented in real life? (Is your research paper helpful to the community?)
  • Why is this study important and relevant?

Additionally, here are a few more handy tips to follow:

  • Provide clear examples from real life to help readers better understand the further implementation of the stated solutions;
  • Keep your conclusion fresh, original, and creative.

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So, What Is a Good Closing Sentence? See The Difference

One of the best ways to learn how to write a good conclusion is to look at several professional essay conclusion examples. In this section of our guide, we are going to look at two different final paragraphs shaped on the basis of the same template, but even so, they are very different – where one is weak and the other is strong. Below, we are going to compare them to help you understand the difference between a good and a bad conclusion.

Here is the template we used: College degrees are in decline. The price of receiving an education does not correlate with the quality of the education received. As a result, graduated students face underemployment, and the worth of college degrees appears to be in serious doubt. However, the potential social and economic benefits of educated students balance out the equation.

Strong Conclusion ‍

People either see college as an opportunity or an inconvenience; therefore, a degree can only hold as much value as its owner’s skillset. The underemployment of graduate students puts the worth of college degrees in serious doubt. Yet, with the multitude of benefits that educated students bring to society and the economy, the equation remains in balance. Perhaps the ordinary person should consider college as a wise financial investment, but only if they stay determined to study and do the hard work.

Why is this example good? There are several key points that prove its effectiveness:

  • There is a bold opening statement that encompasses the two contrasting types of students we can see today.
  • There are two sentences that recall the thesis statement and cover the key arguments from the body of the essay.
  • Finally, the last sentence sums up the key message of the essay and leaves readers with something to think about.

Weak Conclusion

In conclusion, with the poor preparation of students in college and the subsequent underemployment after graduation from college, the worth associated with the college degree appears to be in serious doubt. However, these issues alone may not reasonably conclude beyond a doubt that investing in a college degree is a rewarding venture. When the full benefits that come with education are carefully put into consideration and evaluated, college education for children in any country still has good advantages, and society should continue to advocate for a college education. The ordinary person should consider this a wise financial decision that holds rewards in the end. Apart from the monetary gains associated with a college education, society will greatly benefit from students when they finish college. Their minds are going to be expanded, and their reasoning and decision making will be enhanced.

What makes this example bad? Here are a few points to consider:

  • Unlike the first example, this paragraph is long and not specific enough. The author provides plenty of generalized phrases that are not backed up by actual arguments.
  • This piece is hard to read and understand and sentences have a confusing structure. Also, there are lots of repetitions and too many uses of the word “college”.
  • There is no summary of the key benefits.
  • The last two sentences that highlight the value of education contradict with the initial statement.
  • Finally, the last sentence doesn’t offer a strong conclusion and gives no thought to ponder upon.
  • In the body of your essay, you have hopefully already provided your reader(s) with plenty of information. Therefore, it is not wise to present new arguments or ideas in your conclusion.
  • To end your final paragraph right, find a clear and straightforward message that will have the most powerful impact on your audience.
  • Don’t use more than one quote in the final clause of your paper – the information from external sources (including quotes) belongs in the body of a paper.
  • Be authoritative when writing a conclusion. You should sound confident and convincing to leave a good impression. Sentences like “I’m not an expert, but…” will most likely make you seem less knowledgeable and/or credible.

Good Conclusion Examples

Now that we've learned what a conclusion is and how to write one let's take a look at some essay conclusion examples to strengthen our knowledge.

The ending ironically reveals that all was for nothing. (A short explanation of the thematic effect of the book’s end) Tom says that Miss Watson freed Jim in her final will.Jim told Huck that the dead man on the Island was pap. The entire adventure seemingly evaporated into nothingness. (How this effect was manifested into the minds of thereaders).
All in all, international schools hold the key to building a full future that students can achieve. (Thesis statement simplified) They help students develop their own character by learning from their mistakes, without having to face a dreadful penalty for failure. (Thesis statement elaborated)Although some say that kids emerged “spoiled” with this mentality, the results prove the contrary. (Possible counter-arguments are noted)
In conclusion, public workers should be allowed to strike since it will give them a chance to air their grievances. (Thesis statement) Public workers should be allowed to strike when their rights, safety, and regulations are compromised. The workers will get motivated when they strike, and their demands are met.
In summary, studies reveal some similarities in the nutrient contents between the organic and non-organic food substances. (Starts with similarities) However, others have revealed many considerable differences in the amounts of antioxidants as well as other minerals present in organic and non-organic foods. Generally, organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic foods and therefore are more important in the prevention of chronic illnesses.
As time went by, my obsession grew into something bigger than art; (‘As time went by’ signals maturation) it grew into a dream of developing myself for the world. (Showing student’s interest of developing himself for the community) It is a dream of not only seeing the world from a different perspective but also changing the perspective of people who see my work. (Showing student’s determination to create moving pieces of art)
In conclusion, it is evident that technology is an integral part of our lives and without it, we become “lost” since we have increasingly become dependent on its use. (Thesis with main point)

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How to Write a Conclusion in 3 Simple Steps

How To Write a Conclusion In 3 Simple Steps

Learn how to write a conclusion in 3 simple steps, and no time at all! Find out what a good conclusion looks like, and how to write a terrific one!

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

A satisfactory conclusion is the most crucial part of your essay. It is the last thing your reader will see, and it’s your final opportunity to make an impression and drive home your argument. So, let’s learn how to write a conclusion and why a powerful conclusion is vital to your essay’s success. 

Conclusions, or your concluding paragraphs, have three important jobs- they restate your thesis, reinforce your argument, and remind readers of the importance of your subject. 

Below is a guide on how to write a conclusion in three easy to follow steps. If you adhere to this roadmap, you will thoughtfully conclude your essay, reinforce your argument, and leave your reader curious about your subject. So, let’s get started learning how to write a conclusion. 

How to Write a Conclusion in Three Steps

How to Write a Conclusion in Three Steps

Step 1: Restate your thesis. 

Your thesis statement is an essential part of your essay, so it’s important to reinforce that thesis in your conclusion. The first thing you’ll do is restate your idea by using different phrasing. Let’s take a straightforward thesis and rephrase it for a concluding paragraph. 

Read how to read a thesis statement in four steps here.

Say your thesis statement is: Giraffes are the best animal because of their spotted hide and long necks. 

Start your conclusion by taking that thesis and restating it like this: We’ve learned that giraffes are superior to other animals because of their long necks and spots. 

Action Steps: 

  • Rewrite/ rephrase your thesis statement to open your conclusion

We’ve learned that giraffes are superior to all other animals because of their long necks and bright spots.← A giraffe’s neck allows the animal to reach the topmost leaves of a tree and avoid competing with other animals. The animal’s patches aid with blood flow and cool their body in the arid savanna. Despite their creative adaptations, Giraffes have no defense against their most significant threat, habitat loss. Giraffe herds are spread thin, and their population has declined 40 percent over the last 30 years. We must place Giraffes on the endangered species list or risk losing this majestic animal permanently.  

Step 2: Reinforce the main points of your argument.  

Reinforce main points in your conclusion

A satisfactory conclusion mirrors a good introduction. What do I mean by that? A conclusion is like a reverse of your introduction. To open your essay, you start by speaking broadly about your subject and narrow it down to a specific thesis statement. 

In a compelling conclusion, you will start specifically by restating your thesis statement and broaden by reviewing your article’s main points and touching on broader implications. Use your conclusion to reinforce and review each of the main points or supporting details of your essay. 

  • Summarize each of the supporting details after you’ve restated your thesis
  • Only spend a sentence, or two, on each detail

We’ve learned that giraffes are superior to all other animals because of their long necks and bright spots. A giraffe’s neck allows the animal to reach the topmost leaves of a tree and avoid competing with other animals. The animal’s patches aid with blood flow and cool their body in the arid savanna.← Despite their creative adaptations, Giraffes have no defense against their most significant threat, habitat loss. Giraffe herds are spread thin, and their population has declined 40 percent over the past three decades. We must place Giraffes on the endangered species list or risk losing this majestic animal forever.  

Step 3: Remind readers why your topic is important & leave them thinking.

Remind readers of your main points in your conclusion.

One goal of your conclusion should be to keep your readers thinking about your subject or argument. An excellent way to do this is to pose a question or questions about your topic. Remind your readers what the implications of your thesis are. 

If you discussed a problem or set of questions in your essay, you could advise possible solutions and answers. Give your reader a course of action or steps that they can take to help solve the issues that you introduced. 

  • Close the essay by provoking your reader to think about your subject
  • See the techniques below and choose one

Techniques to close your essay: 

  • Provide a course of action for the reader
  • Propose a solution to a problem you presented
  • Address/refute opposing viewpoints
  • Write about the implications of your argument/ subject. 
  • Answer the question, “Why should anyone care?” 
  • Use a relevant quote from one of your sources. 

We’ve learned that giraffes are superior to all other animals because of their long necks and bright spots. A giraffe’s neck allows the animal to reach the topmost leaves of a tree and avoid competing with other animals. The animal’s patches aid with blood flow and cool their body in the arid savanna. Despite their creative adaptations, Giraffes have no defense against their most significant threat, habitat loss. Giraffe herds are spread thin, and their population has declined 40 percent over the past three decades. We must place Giraffes on the endangered species list or risk losing this majestic animal forever. ←

Tips for a good conclusion: 

  • Provoke thought 
  • End positively 
  • Reinforce your thesis 
  • Summarize your main points 

What to avoid in your conclusion: 

  • Phrases like “In summary,” or “In conclusion,” etc. 
  • Introducing new information you didn’t cover in your essay 
  • Emotional appeals to your reader 
  • Waiting until the conclusion to present your thesis 

Write a conclusion in three easy steps

Continued reading on Conclusions :

A professor's guide to writing essays jacob neumann

A Professor’s Guide to Writing Essays

“This isn’t a typical book on writing essays… it’s for college students, graduate students, and even high school students – good writing is good writing; all that changes is the length and complexity of what you write. But the plan stays the same. “

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay

“The  How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay Step-by-Step  workbook teaches your students how to write a 5-paragraph essay using a foolproof step-by-step process.”

Harvard College Writing Center- Ending the Essay: Conclusions

Indeed- Career Writing Center

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Table of Contents

What a Good Ending Should Do

What the end of the book should not do, how to end a book (and get readers talking about it), great conclusion examples, how to write a book conclusion (& end your story the right way).

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

Here’s the thing about ending your book the right way:

If the reader got all the way to the conclusion, that means they read the whole book , they liked it, and now they want to wrap this up.

So don’t ramble on and on. Give them what they want.

The goal of a great ending is to tie everything together, neatly summarize your book, and then provide a specific call or calls to action for your reader.

Don’t overcomplicate the conclusion—just let it do its job, and it’ll work great.

  • Clearly summarize the book: That’s the best thing you can do, not only to deliver value to the reader but also to make the book memorable (and recommendable).
  • Address any lingering issues and close any open loops: The reader should feel like everything is wrapped up in a bow.
  • Provide a call to action: In essence, tell the reader what to do.
  • Give even more: Point them to any additional resources you have that could help them.
  • A conclusion should NOT introduce any new content: This should only be a summarization of what’s in the book. You can have new stories or anecdotes, of course.
  • A conclusion should not be too long: The rule of thumb is that it should be the shortest chapter in your book.
  • A conclusion should not break faith with the reader: Don’t tell them “operators are standing by” or try to sell them in a preposterous way that turns them off.

At Scribe, we like to outline the conclusion using this template:

  • Grab the reader with a great hook
  • Restate the book’s thesis
  • Summarize the chapters
  • Call to action: what should the reader do when they finish the book?

This is one of the most important writing tips for any Author:

Every chapter should start with a hook. Even the last one.

This can be a story that summarizes the book, or you can close a loop from earlier in the book. But the point is, the reader should feel like they do at the end of a good movie, where everything feels nicely summarized with a satisfying ending.

By this time, you’ve mentioned a lot of different topics. Usually, the easiest and most compelling way to begin the conclusion is by referring back to one (or more) of them. Or you can add another dimension to a story you already told or tie up loose ends.

2. Restate the book’s mission/thesis

This is pretty simple, but make sure you restate the book’s thesis. From the first chapter to the final chapter, your book’s primary message should be consistent.

3. Summarize chapters

This is optional, but most good nonfiction books do this. They summarize the key points so succinctly and clearly that the reader can’t help but understand your lessons the same way that you do.

You want the reader to think about and talk about your book to their friends the same way you would if you could be there yourself. The best way to make sure they do that is to tell them exactly what to say.

That’s what this section is for.

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

Specifically, it’s about nailing whatever you want your readers to remember about your book. What are the takeaways that really matter? How do you want them to talk about them?

If your book is a memoir, your conclusion also needs to complete your story arc, tying up any plot threads and subplots in your storyline so you don’t leave any cliffhangers.

You might not summarize the plot points of each chapter literally, but you still want to remind your readers of the journey.

4. Call to action

What’s the first thing you want your reader to do when they finish the last word and put the book down? This is usually the final word, and it’s what you should leave them with on the final page.

Note on the call to action

A call to action (CTA) is not required in a conclusion, but most nonfiction books have them. It’s usually the very last bit of the conclusion, the final word to readers, and it ensures they know what you want them to do.

Authors generally adopt a different tone with the CTA—one that’s not just more explicitly inspirational but that’s also framed as an imperative. The underlying message of the call to action is straightforward and empowering: now that you have all the tools, go out there and use them.

This is good, and readers tend to like it. Some authors feel uncomfortable including such a direct appeal to readers because they may feel it’s unprofessional, and they can be right (sometimes).

Authors often want to be too inspirational in the introduction, and not enough in the conclusion. But this is when you can really tell your reader what to do, and be very direct.

What you do not want to do is write a glorified sales brochure. The last thing you want to do here is try to pitch them something of yours to buy.

Think about it—you’ve spent the whole book earning their trust, and now you ruin it with a bad ending that tries to sell them?

Don’t do that. Most importantly because it doesn’t work very well.

Readers are smart. They’re interested in your topic because they’ve picked up your book. If they’ve made it this far, then they’ve already read an entire book’s worth of your knowledge and expertise.

They can form their own conclusions when it comes to contacting you.

That said, if you do want to suggest they contact you, do so authentically—from a place of trying to help them , not yourself. Tell them you want to hear from them, or that you want to help them move forward.

If your website or the name of your firm is in your bio or About the Author page , that’s sufficient. Give them your email in the conclusion if you like—but only if you’re sincere about responding to them.

Ultimately, your goal is to provide so much value to them that they respect and admire you and your work, and choose to contact you because they have sold themselves on wanting to, not because you sold them.

Some authors want a more explicit CTA, such as directing readers of the book to a specific landing page. This can work, as long as the page you’re directing them to gives the reader something.

But it has to be something they’ll see as extra, not something they’ll feel should have been in the book. For example, a map or chart that is additive, but not crucial, to the content is great.

What you don’t want to do is give them something on a landing page that makes them think, “Why isn’t this in the book?” That just breaks faith with the reader.

1. Syndicating is a B*tch, by Bruce Petersen

“The most tangible stress of managing a syndication deal happens prior to close. You’re taking care of a lot of moving pieces and are responsible for a lot of money for a lot of people, and that’s a lot. Once the deal closes, that’s it. There’s not a lot happening at that point.

That doesn’t mean the stress has ended. The more experience you gain doing deals, the more prepared you’re going to be for the weird things that come up—and something will always come up. Remember when I lost $5.2 million to OFAC? I was completely blindsided that first time, and as I’m writing this book, it happened again. Yep.”

This is a fantastic example of how to start a well-structured conclusion. The author leads by talking about closing a deal, just as he’s closing his book. There’s a parallel structure there that orients the reader to the end of the book.

He also refers back to something that happened earlier in the book, then leads into a story about the same thing happening again. The new story hooks the reader while reminding them of an important point he made earlier.

2. Breakthrough Leadership Team, by Mike Goldman

“You’ve just finished reading this book, and your head is swimming with ideas. You’re probably wondering, Where do I begin?

I suggest you start by measuring where you are in your journey toward becoming a Breakthrough Leadership Team …”

Here, again, the opening lines of the conclusion orient the reader, signaling to them that they have reached the final chapter. In this case, the Author jumps immediately into helping the reader figure out what to do next.

The title of this final chapter, by the way, is “Call to Action.” It’s the theme of the whole chapter, reminding the reader of their journey throughout the book and suggesting what to do next.

3. Beyond Wins, by Mala Subramaniam

“Did the book address questions posed in the OpeningThoughts?

Why do I feel like I am on a seesaw of wins and losses in my business negotiations? Even when I win, I sometimes feel like I lost something. Tools and techniques I picked up in books and training are not foreign, so what am I missing? What will put me on the path to success? What Is the yardstick for success?

It did for Paula of the Adrift Website Case, which is a real success story.”

This Author begins her conclusion by returning to and listing the questions she asked at the beginning. As the book ends, she reminds the reader of where the journey started, then immediately leads into a new story.

While you shouldn’t introduce new concepts in a conclusion, new stories that drive key concepts home are a great way to leave the reader with a memorable application of what they’ve learned.

The Scribe Crew

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Writers.com

What is creative nonfiction? Despite its slightly enigmatic name, no literary genre has grown quite as quickly as creative nonfiction in recent decades. Literary nonfiction is now well-established as a powerful means of storytelling, and bookstores now reserve large amounts of space for nonfiction, when it often used to occupy a single bookshelf.

Like any literary genre, creative nonfiction has a long history; also like other genres, defining contemporary CNF for the modern writer can be nuanced. If you’re interested in writing true-to-life stories but you’re not sure where to begin, let’s start by dissecting the creative nonfiction genre and what it means to write a modern literary essay.

What Creative Nonfiction Is

Creative nonfiction employs the creative writing techniques of literature, such as poetry and fiction, to retell a true story.

How do we define creative nonfiction? What makes it “creative,” as opposed to just “factual writing”? These are great questions to ask when entering the genre, and they require answers which could become literary essays themselves.

In short, creative nonfiction (CNF) is a form of storytelling that employs the creative writing techniques of literature, such as poetry and fiction, to retell a true story. Creative nonfiction writers don’t just share pithy anecdotes, they use craft and technique to situate the reader into their own personal lives. Fictional elements, such as character development and narrative arcs, are employed to create a cohesive story, but so are poetic elements like conceit and juxtaposition.

The CNF genre is wildly experimental, and contemporary nonfiction writers are pushing the bounds of literature by finding new ways to tell their stories. While a CNF writer might retell a personal narrative, they might also focus their gaze on history, politics, or they might use creative writing elements to write an expository essay. There are very few limits to what creative nonfiction can be, which is what makes defining the genre so difficult—but writing it so exciting.

Different Forms of Creative Nonfiction

From the autobiographies of Mark Twain and Benvenuto Cellini, to the more experimental styles of modern writers like Karl Ove Knausgård, creative nonfiction has a long history and takes a wide variety of forms. Common iterations of the creative nonfiction genre include the following:

Also known as biography or autobiography, the memoir form is probably the most recognizable form of creative nonfiction. Memoirs are collections of memories, either surrounding a single narrative thread or multiple interrelated ideas. The memoir is usually published as a book or extended piece of fiction, and many memoirs take years to write and perfect. Memoirs often take on a similar writing style as the personal essay does, though it must be personable and interesting enough to encourage the reader through the entire book.

Personal Essay

Personal essays are stories about personal experiences told using literary techniques.

When someone hears the word “essay,” they instinctively think about those five paragraph book essays everyone wrote in high school. In creative nonfiction, the personal essay is much more vibrant and dynamic. Personal essays are stories about personal experiences, and while some personal essays can be standalone stories about a single event, many essays braid true stories with extended metaphors and other narratives.

Personal essays are often intimate, emotionally charged spaces. Consider the opening two paragraphs from Beth Ann Fennelly’s personal essay “ I Survived the Blizzard of ’79. ”

We didn’t question. Or complain. It wouldn’t have occurred to us, and it wouldn’t have helped. I was eight. Julie was ten.

We didn’t know yet that this blizzard would earn itself a moniker that would be silk-screened on T-shirts. We would own such a shirt, which extended its tenure in our house as a rag for polishing silver.

The word “essay” comes from the French “essayer,” which means “to try” or “attempt.” The personal essay is more than just an autobiographical narrative—it’s an attempt to tell your own history with literary techniques.

Lyric Essay

The lyric essay contains similar subject matter as the personal essay, but is much more experimental in form.

The lyric essay contains similar subject matter as the personal essay, with one key distinction: lyric essays are much more experimental in form. Poetry and creative nonfiction merge in the lyric essay, challenging the conventional prose format of paragraphs and linear sentences.

The lyric essay stands out for its unique writing style and sentence structure. Consider these lines from “ Life Code ” by J. A. Knight:

The dream goes like this: blue room of water. God light from above. Child’s fist, foot, curve, face, the arc of an eye, the symmetry of circles… and then an opening of this body—which surprised her—a movement so clean and assured and then the push towards the light like a frog or a fish.

What we get is language driven by emotion, choosing an internal logic rather than a universally accepted one.

Lyric essays are amazing spaces to break barriers in language. For example, the lyricist might write a few paragraphs about their story, then examine a key emotion in the form of a villanelle or a ghazal. They might decide to write their entire essay in a string of couplets or a series of sonnets, then interrupt those stanzas with moments of insight or analysis. In the lyric essay, language dictates form. The successful lyricist lets the words arrange themselves in whatever format best tells the story, allowing for experimental new forms of storytelling.

Literary Journalism

Much more ambiguously defined is the idea of literary journalism. The idea is simple: report on real life events using literary conventions and styles. But how do you do this effectively, in a way that the audience pays attention and takes the story seriously?

You can best find examples of literary journalism in more “prestigious” news journals, such as The New Yorker , The Atlantic , Salon , and occasionally The New York Times . Think pieces about real world events, as well as expository journalism, might use braiding and extended metaphors to make readers feel more connected to the story. Other forms of nonfiction, such as the academic essay or more technical writing, might also fall under literary journalism, provided those pieces still use the elements of creative nonfiction.

Consider this recently published article from The Atlantic : The Uncanny Tale of Shimmel Zohar by Lawrence Weschler. It employs a style that’s breezy yet personable—including its opening line.

So I first heard about Shimmel Zohar from Gravity Goldberg—yeah, I know, but she insists it’s her real name (explaining that her father was a physicist)—who is the director of public programs and visitor experience at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, in San Francisco.

How to Write Creative Nonfiction: Common Elements and Techniques

What separates a general news update from a well-written piece of literary journalism? What’s the difference between essay writing in high school and the personal essay? When nonfiction writers put out creative work, they are most successful when they utilize the following elements.

Just like fiction, nonfiction relies on effective narration. Telling the story with an effective plot, writing from a certain point of view, and using the narrative to flesh out the story’s big idea are all key craft elements. How you structure your story can have a huge impact on how the reader perceives the work, as well as the insights you draw from the story itself.

Consider the first lines of the story “ To the Miami University Payroll Lady ” by Frenci Nguyen:

You might not remember me, but I’m the dark-haired, Texas-born, Asian-American graduate student who visited the Payroll Office the other day to complete direct deposit and tax forms.

Because the story is written in second person, with the reader experiencing the story as the payroll lady, the story’s narration feels much more personal and important, forcing the reader to evaluate their own personal biases and beliefs.

Observation

Telling the story involves more than just simple plot elements, it also involves situating the reader in the key details. Setting the scene requires attention to all five senses, and interpersonal dialogue is much more effective when the narrator observes changes in vocal pitch, certain facial expressions, and movements in body language. Essentially, let the reader experience the tiny details – we access each other best through minutiae.

The story “ In Transit ” by Erica Plouffe Lazure is a perfect example of storytelling through observation. Every detail of this flash piece is carefully noted to tell a story without direct action, using observations about group behavior to find hope in a crisis. We get observation when the narrator notes the following:

Here at the St. Thomas airport in mid-March, we feel the urgency of the transition, the awareness of how we position our bodies, where we place our luggage, how we consider for the first time the numbers of people whose belongings are placed on the same steel table, the same conveyor belt, the same glowing radioactive scan, whose IDs are touched by the same gloved hand[.]

What’s especially powerful about this story is that it is written in a single sentence, allowing the reader to be just as overwhelmed by observation and context as the narrator is.

We’ve used this word a lot, but what is braiding? Braiding is a technique most often used in creative nonfiction where the writer intertwines multiple narratives, or “threads.” Not all essays use braiding, but the longer a story is, the more it benefits the writer to intertwine their story with an extended metaphor or another idea to draw insight from.

“ The Crush ” by Zsofia McMullin demonstrates braiding wonderfully. Some paragraphs are written in first person, while others are written in second person.

The following example from “The Crush” demonstrates braiding:

Your hair is still wet when you slip into the booth across from me and throw your wallet and glasses and phone on the table, and I marvel at how everything about you is streamlined, compact, organized. I am always overflowing — flesh and wants and a purse stuffed with snacks and toy soldiers and tissues.

The author threads these narratives together by having both people interact in a diner, yet the reader still perceives a distance between the two threads because of the separation of “I” and “you” pronouns. When these threads meet, briefly, we know they will never meet again.

Speaking of insight, creative nonfiction writers must draw novel conclusions from the stories they write. When the narrator pauses in the story to delve into their emotions, explain complex ideas, or draw strength and meaning from tough situations, they’re finding insight in the essay.

Often, creative writers experience insight as they write it, drawing conclusions they hadn’t yet considered as they tell their story, which makes creative nonfiction much more genuine and raw.

The story “ Me Llamo Theresa ” by Theresa Okokun does a fantastic job of finding insight. The story is about the history of our own names and the generations that stand before them, and as the writer explores her disconnect with her own name, she recognizes a similar disconnect in her mother, as well as the need to connect with her name because of her father.

The narrator offers insight when she remarks:

I began to experience a particular type of identity crisis that so many immigrants and children of immigrants go through — where we are called one name at school or at work, but another name at home, and in our hearts.

How to Write Creative Nonfiction: the 5 R’s

CNF pioneer Lee Gutkind developed a very system called the “5 R’s” of creative nonfiction writing. Together, the 5 R’s form a general framework for any creative writing project. They are:

  • Write about r eal life: Creative nonfiction tackles real people, events, and places—things that actually happened or are happening.
  • Conduct extensive r esearch: Learn as much as you can about your subject matter, to deepen and enrich your ability to relay the subject matter. (Are you writing about your tenth birthday? What were the newspaper headlines that day?)
  • (W) r ite a narrative: Use storytelling elements originally from fiction, such as Freytag’s Pyramid , to structure your CNF piece’s narrative as a story with literary impact rather than just a recounting.
  • Include personal r eflection: Share your unique voice and perspective on the narrative you are retelling.
  • Learn by r eading: The best way to learn to write creative nonfiction well is to read it being written well. Read as much CNF as you can, and observe closely how the author’s choices impact you as a reader.

You can read more about the 5 R’s in this helpful summary article .

How to Write Creative Nonfiction: Give it a Try!

Whatever form you choose, whatever story you tell, and whatever techniques you write with, the more important aspect of creative nonfiction is this: be honest. That may seem redundant, but often, writers mistakenly create narratives that aren’t true, or they use details and symbols that didn’t exist in the story. Trust us – real life is best read when it’s honest, and readers can tell when details in the story feel fabricated or inflated. Write with honesty, and the right words will follow!

Ready to start writing your creative nonfiction piece? If you need extra guidance or want to write alongside our community, take a look at the upcoming nonfiction classes at Writers.com. Now, go and write the next bestselling memoir!

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Sean Glatch

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Thank you so much for including these samples from Hippocampus Magazine essays/contributors; it was so wonderful to see these pieces reflected on from the craft perspective! – Donna from Hippocampus

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Absolutely, Donna! I’m a longtime fan of Hippocampus and am always astounded by the writing you publish. We’re always happy to showcase stunning work 🙂

[…] Source: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-complete-guide-to-writing-creative-nonfiction#5-creative-nonfiction-writing-promptshttps://writers.com/what-is-creative-nonfiction […]

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So impressive

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Thank you. I’ve been researching a number of figures from the 1800’s and have come across a large number of ‘biographies’ of figures. These include quoted conversations which I knew to be figments of the author and yet some works are lauded as ‘histories’.

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excellent guidelines inspiring me to write CNF thank you

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How to Write a Conclusion

Last Updated: July 15, 2023

Template and Sample Conclusion

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been viewed 476,316 times.

Writing the introduction and body of a paper is a big accomplishment. Now you need to write your conclusion. Writing a conclusion can feel difficult, but it's easier if you plan ahead. First, format your conclusion by revisiting your thesis, summarizing your arguments, and making a final statement. Then, re-read and revise your conclusion to make it effective.

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

  • Let’s say your thesis reads, “Allowing students to visit the library during lunch improves campus life and supports academic achievement because it encourages reading, allows students to start assignments early, and provides a refuge for students who eat alone.”
  • You might restate it as, “Evidence shows students who have access to their school’s library during lunch check out more books and are more likely to complete their homework; additionally, students aren’t forced to eat alone.”

Step 2 Summarize your argument in 1-2 sentences.

  • You might write, “According to data, students checked out more books when they were allowed to visit their library during lunch, used that time to do research and ask for help with homework, and reported feeling less alone at lunch time. This shows that opening up the library during lunch can improve student life and academic performance."
  • If you’re writing an argument essay, address the opposing argument, as well. You might write, “Although administrators worry that students will walk the halls instead of going to the library, schools that allow students into the library during lunch reported less behavioral issues during lunch than schools that don’t allow students in the library. Data show that students were spending that time checking out more books and working on homework assignments.” [3] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Step 3 End your paper with a statement that makes your reader think.

  • Call your reader to action . For example, “By working with school administrators, Greenlawn ISD can increase academic achievement by letting students use the library during lunch.”
  • End with a warning . You might write, “If students aren’t allowed to use the library during lunch, they are missing out on a valuable learning opportunity they’ll never get back.”
  • Evoke an image . Write, “Next year, students at Greenlawn could be gathered around a table in the library reading or broadening their minds.”
  • Compare your topic to something universal to help your reader relate . You might write, “Everyone knows how stressful it is to have a planner full of assignments, so having extra time to work on them during lunch would be a great relief to many students.”
  • Show why the issue is significant. Write, "Giving students more time to spend in the library will help them become more comfortable spending time there, which also helps the library's mission."
  • Predict what would happen if your ideas are implemented . Say, “Next year, students at Greenlawn could increase their academic achievements, but results will only happen if they can use the library during lunch.”
  • End with a compelling quote . For instance, "As author Roald Dahl once said, 'If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.'"

Step 4 Talk to your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.

  • You could also ask your instructor if you can see an example of a well-written conclusion to give you an idea about what they expect you to write.

Step 1 Avoid using introductory phrases like “in conclusion.”

  • If you want to use an introductory phrase, use a stronger one like “based on the evidence” or “ultimately.” You might also begin your first sentence with a word like “although,” “while,” or “since.” [6] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
  • Additionally, avoid “to conclude,” “in summary,” or “in closing.”

Step 2 Model your conclusion based on your introduction.

  • For example, you may have opened your introduction with an anecdote, quote, or image. Bring it back up in your conclusion. Similarly, if you opened with a rhetorical question, you might offer a potential answer in your conclusion.

Step 3 Include all of your points in your summary, rather than focusing on one.

  • For example, you wouldn’t want to end your essay about allowing students to use the library during lunch by stating, “As the evidence shows, using the library at lunch is a great way to improve student performance because they are more likely to do their homework. On a survey, students reported using the library to do research, ask homework questions, and finish their assignments early.” This leaves out your points about students reading more and having a place to spend their lunch period if they don’t like eating in the cafeteria.

Step 4 Make sure you don’t introduce any new information.

  • If you have introduced something you think is really important for your paper, go back through the body paragraphs and look for somewhere to add it. It’s better to leave it out of the paper than to include it in the conclusion.

Step 5 Proofread

  • If something doesn’t make sense or your conclusion seems incomplete, revise your conclusion so that your ideas are clear.
  • It’s helpful to read your entire paper as a whole to make sure it all comes together.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Don’t put any evidence or statistics in your conclusion. This information belongs in the body of your paper. [11] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Make sure you aren’t simply repeating what you’ve written earlier. While you want to restate your ideas, present them in a new way for the reader. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Don’t write your conclusion until you’ve written the entire paper. It’ll be much easier to come up with your concluding thoughts after the body of the paper is written. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

  • Never copy someone else’s words or ideas without giving them credit, as this is plagiarism. If you are caught plagiarizing part of your paper, even just the conclusion, you’ll likely face severe academic penalties. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
  • Don’t express any doubts you may have about your ideas or arguments. Whenever you share your ideas, assume the role of expert. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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End an Essay

  • ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

About This Article

Christopher Taylor, PhD

Writing a conclusion can seem difficult, but it’s easier if you think of it as a place to sum up the point of your paper. Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis, but don’t repeat it word-for-word. Then, use 1-2 sentences to summarize your argument, pulling together all of your points to explain how your evidence supports the thesis. End the paper with a statement that makes the reader think, like evoking a strong image or concluding with a call to action. Keep reading for tips on how to avoid cliches in your conclusion! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Into The Wild — Into The Wild Jon Krakauer Analysis

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Here's what I learned TOTALLY by accident. Personal story sells.

How to write a non-fiction conclusion for your book.

September 23, 2023

I took an essay writing course in grad school back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and discovered that it’s much harder to wrap up a piece than it is to start one. When it comes time to draw a conclusion, just watch yourself blank out.

The same sort of WTF-now? comes up for those writing prescriptive non-fiction books. The intro is locked down, you’ve got 200 or so pages spelling it all out, and now you’ve got to end the show gracefully, without looking like you’ve simply run out of paper.

The beautiful thing is there’s a formula for conclusions, which I’m going to share with you right here.

But let’s start with a clear understanding of the purpose of a conclusion, which is to wrap up your argument or discussion and leave a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your opportunity to summarize key points, restate your thesis or main message, and provide closure.

Here’s what you should include in a non-fiction conclusion:

Restate your thesis or main message: Begin your conclusion by revisiting the main point or argument you made in your introduction. This reminds your readers of the central focus of your piece.
(If you don’t know what I’m referring to, go HERE .)

Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main points and arguments you’ve made throughout your work. This helps readers recall the important information you’ve presented.

If you’ve guided your reader through action steps, we want a reiteration of these steps.

Acknowledge the reader for taking the first step towards solving this problem.

This is a new lifestyle, a new mindset. Simple small habits will win this game.

How can they lock in this new lifestyle? What more should they do? What should they watch out for? How might they set they screw up when first using this stuff? What are the common errors they’ll have to avoid now that they’re making these changes?

How can they set themselves up for continued success?

Put in a slightly different way, describe how your reader can incorporate this information, this philosophy, into his or her life. How does this new way of thinking open the vista, make life better financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually?

Or think….What happens when your reader internalizes this stuff, does the exercises, completes the action items? Can you paint the “after” picture using a client example? What happened when they made these changes, when they finally understood the very information you’ve provided in the book? How does it change things up in unexpected ways?

Give us a reiteration of how much better life can be on this side of the problem.

What programs or services can you offer them that will guarantee continued success? Where can you point them? If you have nothing, is there another book they can read that will deepen their understanding?

Address counterarguments (if applicable): If you’ve discussed opposing viewpoints or counterarguments in your work, briefly acknowledge them in your conclusion. You can explain why your perspective is more compelling or how your research has contributed to the broader discussion.

End with a strong closing statement: Craft a memorable closing sentence that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It could be a thought-provoking quote, a powerful statement, or a call to action.

Things to watch out for:

Maintain the tone and style: Ensure that your conclusion maintains the same tone and style as the rest of your work. Consistency in voice and style is essential for a polished conclusion.

Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new facts, arguments, or evidence. Stick to summarizing and reiterating what you’ve already presented. This is not a dumping ground, people.

Damn, now I have to come up with a pithy closing statement and I’m drawing a blank. How about….Follow this formula, and you won’t go wrong.

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How to write a (prescriptive) non-fiction book introduction

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17 Works of Nonfiction Coming This Spring

Memoirs from Brittney Griner and Salman Rushdie, a look at pioneering Black ballerinas, a new historical account from Erik Larson — and plenty more.

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By Cody Delistraty

The House of Hidden Meanings : A Memoir, by RuPaul

Though this isn’t the drag queen and TV personality’s first memoir, it’s arguably RuPaul’s most revealing. Excavating questions of childhood love, a reckoning with his challenging father and the power found in thinking more expansively about gender (especially as a “feminine Black man, in violation of society’s norms by virtue of just existing,” as he writes), “The House of Hidden Meanings” is a powerful coming-of-age of a prominent queer icon.

Dey Street, March 5

Lessons for Survival: Mothering Against ‘the Apocalypse ,’ by Emily Raboteau

As a mother disturbed by Donald Trump’s presidency and the misogyny and inequalities she sees as endemic to many facets of American life, Raboteau turns a critical eye on a number of contemporary issues, including police relations, pollution and the pandemic. The author is an English professor and also a street photographer, who finds hope in “making private anxieties public concerns,” as she writes, as well as in murals and signage, people and birds, as she seeks refuge for herself and her children.

Holt, March 12

Who’s Afraid of Gender? , by Judith Butler

The philosopher takes aim at the new interpretations and weaponization of “gender” in what might be read as a follow-up to their pioneering 1990 book, “Gender Trouble.” No longer just “a box to be checked,” gender has become a politicized concept — and one at the heart of a number of moral panics among far-right and authoritarian movements, Butler writes. The book offers thoughtful arguments placed within larger sociopolitical movements, showing why the modern conception of gender deserves, in Butler’s view, a rigorous examination.

Farrar, Straus & Giroux, March 19

One Way Back: A Memoir , by Christine Blasey Ford

In her 2018 testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the author, a psychologist and professor, alleged that Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her at a high school party. Full of unforgettable moments and pathos, Ford’s words dominated headlines. Nearly six years later, she provides a behind-the-scenes look at both the lead-up to her testimony and its aftermath.

St. Martin’s, March 19

There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension , by Hanif Abdurraqib

In his ode to his home state, Ohio, and basketball, the National Book Award finalist weaves in insightful reflections about so-called bad neighborhoods, grief and staying put in Columbus even as so many peers chose to leave. Dotted with poetic aphorisms and split into sections reflecting a basketball game — a pregame, quarters and a game clock counting down subsections — basketball becomes a lens through which almost everything else in life might be refracted.

Random House, March 26

All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess , by Becca Rothfeld

The Washington Post’s nonfiction book critic mixes analyses of popular culture with an incisive look at literature, film and sex. Rothfeld pushes several steps beyond the surface to reveal a variety of arguments, like how disgust can be a reprieve from banality, how democratizing culture has done so little for politics and how minimalism depletes us spiritually.

Metropolitan Books, April 2

We Loved It All: A Memory of Life , by Lydia Millet

This “anti-memoir” grapples with being a parent and a child as nature is decimated. The book wastes no time exploring the disturbing, persuasive specifics of how humans harm and slaughter animals, reducing them to objects. Full of personal anecdotes and curious histories, this book suggests a shift in our view of ourselves — one in which we are no longer at the center of the world.

Norton, April 2

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder , by Salman Rushdie

Rushdie was grievously injured in 2022 after being stabbed onstage at a literary event. Now, he tells the harrowing story of his attempted killing and recovery, advancing an argument about the power of art to counter violence.

Random House, April 16

New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West , by David E. Sanger with Mary K. Brooks

Sanger, a New York Times journalist , and Brooks, a foreign policy writer and researcher, offer a deeply-reported account of America’s relations with Russia and China after the Cold War. The questions are timely — Will Xi invade Taiwan? How will cyberwarfare play out? Will the U.S. continue to be a global leader amid its internal political strife? — and anchored by a look at how is global power captured, held and lost.

Crown, April 16

The Age of Grievance , by Frank Bruni

To have a grievance is not inherently bad — it can be a motivator for important change. But as The New York Times contributing columnist and Duke professor lays out in his latest book, certain grievances have been confounded and taken too far. At once an excoriation of Fox News, college speech policing, self-obsession fueled by social media and “oppression Olympics,” this is a book that finds faults and possibilities on both sides of the political aisle. A final “antidote” chapter proposes a reprieve rooted in humility.

Avid Reader Press, April 30

Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees , by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

The daughter of an Indian father and Filipino mother, Nezhukumatathil has crafted 40 short essays, each centered on a different food, from mangoes to waffles. Most include a historical dive and an insightful takeaway, such as how messiness is part of cooking, as it is of life. (And yet, she writes, “you make it anyway.”)

Ecco, April 30

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War , by Erik Larson

Larson, one of today’s pre-eminent nonfiction storytellers, trawls a variety of archives to explore the historically momentous months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the Battle of Fort Sumter — the end of which, in 1861, began the Civil War.

Crown, April 30

The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History , by Karen Valby

Long before Misty Copeland, there was the Dance Theater of Harlem: This account, building on an article for The New York Times , follows Sheila Rohan, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Lydia Abarca-Mitchell, Marcia Sells and Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, pioneering dancers who performed for the likes of the Queen of England and Mick Jagger. Valby dives into the story of the group, including their successes and struggles, and brings their overlooked history to light.

Pantheon, April 30

Coming Home , by Brittney Griner with Michelle Burford

In a season of newsworthy memoirs, this will no doubt be one of the biggest. Griner, a W.N.B.A. star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was detained by the authorities at a Russian airport for carrying hashish oil in her luggage. She was later jailed and eventually freed after nearly 10 months in a prisoner exchange. Her memoir, per her publisher, is about her time in a Russian penal colony, but it’s also about how her family and her love for her wife helped her through some of the most difficult moments.

Knopf, May 7

Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk , by Kathleen Hanna

The front woman of Le Tigre and Bikini Kill, Hanna provides background on her challenging childhood and time at the Evergreen State College, and the excitement and risks of creating a punk “girl band” that became a rallying cry for feminism and a stand against male violence. Told in something of a stream of consciousness style, “Rebel Girl” jumps briskly through stories, including her struggle with Lyme disease and friendships with Kurt Cobain, Joan Jett and other musical legends.

Ecco, May 14

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space , by Adam Higginbotham

The British journalist’s 2019 book, “ Midnight in Chernobyl ,” clarified and retold a history many thought they already knew well. With “Challenger,” Higginbotham unearths new archival information and conducts original reporting to provide a detailed account of the disaster. The book takes a wide lens, exploring the tragedy and its aftermath but also the years leading up to it, including tracing the lives of the seven crew members who died.

Avid Reader Press, May 14

American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous , by Deborah Paredez

A journey into messiness and transcendence, this collection includes 10 essays on iconic divas, and draws on the author’s own experience. Moving from the “Mexican” side of San Antonio to the “white” side as a girl, Paredez, a poet and professor at Columbia University, recounts how “the sound of a diva’s voice” taught her what it meant to be Mexican. She explores the careers of divas — defined broadly — from Tina Turner to Venus and Serena Williams, and places them at the center of American ideas on feminism, the free market and freedom since at least the 1970s.

Norton, May 21

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

A few years ago, Harvard acquired the archive of Candida Royalle, a porn star turned pioneering director. Now, the collection has inspired a new book  challenging the conventional history of the sexual revolution.

Gabriel García Márquez wanted his final novel to be destroyed. Its publication this month  may stir questions about posthumous releases.

Tessa Hulls’s “Feeding Ghosts” chronicles how China’s history shaped her family. But first, she had to tackle some basics: Learn history. Learn Chinese. Learn how to draw comics.

James Baldwin wrote with the kind of clarity that was as comforting as it was chastising. His writing — pointed, critical, angry — is imbued with love. Here’s where to start with his works .

Do you want to be a better reader?   Here’s some helpful advice to show you how to get the most out of your literary endeavor .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

River and South Review

Poetry Summer 2024 Issue

River and South Review seeks to be a home for work that evokes a visceral reaction, encourages continued conversation, captures the adventures of life, and spurs our readers to go find their own adventures to write about.

As writers, we want writing that makes us wish we had written it. We want writing that makes us think and wonder; laugh and cry; sigh and scream; nod our heads yes and no. We want work that stays with us long after we’ve left the page. And, of course, we want all of this in well-crafted pieces that demonstrate skill with form and language.

River & South Review publishes twice each year – a Summer issue in June and a Winter issue in January.

Submissions are open February 15 through March 15 for summer issues. Submissions are open August 30 through September 30 for winter issues.

For those who have previously submitted, please wait one entire submission period before presenting additional creative work.

River & South Review only publishes previously unpublished work. We consider content appearing in print and online journals, anthologies, books, and personal blogs as published.

We do not publish work by anyone with an affiliation to Wilkes University, the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, or the writing workshops that Wilkes University offers.

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how to write a conclusion for a nonfiction essay

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  1. Writing the Perfect Conclusion for your Nonfiction Book

    Conclusion #5: The Combo Method. As you might guess, sometimes just following one of these conclusion approaches won't quite be enough for your book. In these cases, experiment with combining two or more approaches. A "where are they now" structure can be the story that makes up your "artsy cliffhanger" conclusion; a "why should we ...

  2. 7 ways to end a nonfiction essay

    You can use it many ways. The most obvious (and most challenging) approach is you take your piece and write all 7 endings for it. Then you have a large variety to choose from. Or you choose the 3 types that fit your writing the best, you write only those and pick one.

  3. How to Write an Interesting Conclusion for Your Nonfiction Book

    Use a Consistent Tone and Style. The tone and style of the conclusion should be consistent with the rest of the book. If the book is academic, maintain an academic tone; if it's a self-help book, maintain an encouraging and motivational tone. In essence, the purpose of the conclusion in a nonfiction book is to tie together the various ...

  4. How to Conclude Your Nonfiction Chapter or Story

    You want the start of the conclusion to end as brightly as the introduction. Not only does that keep the tone consistent, but it also is a signpost for the reader that the lesson or story is at an end. You could use: In sum, In conclusion, To sum it up, etc., but those are obvious and just a little bit boring.

  5. Writing the Perfect Nonfiction Closing Statement: Tips and Tricks From

    Write an outline for your closing statement. Put some bullet points together - facts and arguments that draw you toward a clear conclusion. Once you have your bullet points, use simple language to summarise your argument, as stated in the body of the text. And then, balance those arguments to draw toward your conclusion.

  6. Writing a conclusion for a non-fiction book

    Here's what you should include in a non-fiction conclusion: Restate your thesis or main message: Begin your conclusion by revisiting the main point or argument you made in your introduction. This reminds your readers of the central focus of your piece. . (If you don't know what I'm referring to, go HERE .)

  7. Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

    Academic writers across all disciplines analyze texts. They summarize and critique published articles, evaluate papers' arguments, and reflect on essays. In order to do these things, they have to read complex texts carefully and understand them clearly. This page is about how you can read and analyze nonfiction texts. When you've read a text well,…

  8. How to Conclude an Essay

    Step 1: Return to your thesis. To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument. Don't just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction. Example: Returning to the thesis.

  9. Conclusions

    The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

  10. Conclusions

    Highlight the "so what". At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what's at stake—why they should care about the argument you're making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put ...

  11. How to Write a Conclusion, With Examples

    Before we dive into the details, here's a basic outline of how to write a conclusion: Restate your thesis: remind readers of your main point. Reiterate your supporting points: remind readers of your evidence or arguments. Wrap everything up by tying it all together. Write a clincher: with the last sentence, leave your reader with something to ...

  12. How to Write a Conclusion: Full Writing Guide with Examples

    These three key elements make up a perfect essay conclusion. Now, to give you an even better idea of how to create a perfect conclusion, let us give you a sample conclusion paragraph outline with examples from an argumentative essay on the topic of "Every Child Should Own a Pet: Sentence 1: Starter.

  13. How To Write a Conclusion In 3 Simple Steps

    Step 3: Remind readers why your topic is important & leave them thinking. One goal of your conclusion should be to keep your readers thinking about your subject or argument. An excellent way to do this is to pose a question or questions about your topic. Remind your readers what the implications of your thesis are.

  14. A Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction

    Creative nonfiction writers often listen to their emotions and allow their feelings to affect the shape and tone of their writing. 4. Incorporate literary techniques. One of the things that separates creative nonfiction and literary journalism from other forms of nonfiction is the use of techniques more often seen in the world of fiction.

  15. How to Write a Conclusion [& End Your Book The Right Way]

    Usually, the easiest and most compelling way to begin the conclusion is by referring back to one (or more) of them. Or you can add another dimension to a story you already told or tie up loose ends. 2. Restate the book's mission/thesis. This is pretty simple, but make sure you restate the book's thesis.

  16. Creative Nonfiction: What It Is and How to Write It

    The lyric essay contains similar subject matter as the personal essay, with one key distinction: lyric essays are much more experimental in form. Poetry and creative nonfiction merge in the lyric essay, challenging the conventional prose format of paragraphs and linear sentences. ... CNF pioneer Lee Gutkind developed a very system called the ...

  17. How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

    Step 3: Form a Personal Connection With the Reader. The final step when writing a conclusion paragraph is to include a small detail about yourself. This information will help you build a more intimate bond with your reader and help them remember you better.

  18. How to Write a Conclusion: Tips and Examples for a Strong Final Word

    1. Synthesize your main points. While your summary should neatly wrap up your paper and tie up any loose ends, you should note the difference between summarizing and synthesizing your main points. It's okay to summarize your main points, but your conclusion shouldn't just be a repetition of what was in your paper.

  19. 199+ Creative Nonfiction Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

    Share your experience with a random act of kindness. 27. Write a narrative creative nonfiction piece about a significant event in your community. 28. Describe a moment when you realized you had grown up. 29. Write about a tradition in your family and its origins. 30. Share a personal essay about a turning point in your life.

  20. How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (Examples Included!)

    Also read: How to Write a Thesis Statement. 2. Tying together the main points. Tying together all the main points of your essay does not mean simply summarizing them in an arbitrary manner. The key is to link each of your main essay points in a coherent structure. One point should follow the other in a logical format.

  21. How To Write a Good Conclusion for an Essay

    Keep these quick tips handy for when you're writing a conclusion: End your essay on a positive note. Keep it concise. Avoid introducing new information. Maintain consistent tone and style. Proofread and revise. Writing a good conclusion might feel daunting, but with a few simple guidelines, you can write them with ease.

  22. How to Write a Conclusion: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

    For example, you may have opened your introduction with an anecdote, quote, or image. Bring it back up in your conclusion. Similarly, if you opened with a rhetorical question, you might offer a potential answer in your conclusion. 3. Include all of your points in your summary, rather than focusing on one.

  23. Into The Wild Jon Krakauer Analysis: [Essay Example], 760 words

    Published: Mar 5, 2024. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a captivating story that follows the journey of Chris McCandless, a young man who decides to abandon his conventional life and embark on a solo adventure into the Alaskan wilderness. Through his exploration of McCandless's motivations, actions, and ultimate demise, Krakauer delves into ...

  24. Nonfiction: Personal Essays

    Nonfiction: Personal Essays. 1. Read top essayists. Don't start in a vacuum, mimic poetry, or copy novelistic techniques. Study the specific format you want to emulate. For an overview, check out Phillip Lopate's The Art of the Personal Essay. Linger over 50 lovelorn stories in Modern Love, edited by Daniel Jones. Memorize Daphne Merkin.

  25. Writing workshop: How to write a great essay conclusion

    In this live lesson with Neil and Neeraj, learn how to write a great essay conclusion for IELTS, Cambridge or other exams. Join the event on Facebook or YouTube at 1pm UK time. Find the time where you are.o. Join our live event to support our learners studying for English writing exams: How to write a great essay conclusion.

  26. How to write a non-fiction conclusion for your book

    Here's what you should include in a non-fiction conclusion: Restate your thesis or main message: Begin your conclusion by revisiting the main point or argument you made in your introduction. This reminds your readers of the central focus of your piece. . (If you don't know what I'm referring to, go HERE .)

  27. The Do's and Don'ts of Using AI to Write Scholarship Essays

    The Do's: Understand the prompt. Make sure you understand exactly what the scholarship essay prompt is asking before diving in. It's best that you provide clear instructions for the AI to properly assist you. Use AI as a writing aid. Think of AI as your support to enhance ideas, check grammar, or improve overall structure.

  28. What Not to Write About in a College Essay

    Tragedies. In and of themselves, tragedies are not necessarily a bad topic for college essays. However, it can be easy to fall into cliched writing as you tell these stories. Hackneyed themes and phrases include "life is short," "time heals all wounds," and "seize the day.". If you write about a tragedy you have known or experienced ...

  29. 17 Works of Nonfiction Coming This Spring

    The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, by Erik Larson. Larson, one of today's pre-eminent nonfiction storytellers, trawls a variety of ...

  30. River and South Review

    Poetry Summer 2024 Issue. Ends on Fri, Mar 15, 2024 9:00 PM (in a day) River and South Review seeks to be a home for work that evokes a visceral reaction, encourages continued conversation, captures the adventures of life, and spurs our readers to go find their own adventures to write about. As writers, we want writing that makes us wish we had ...