Conclusion Adapted from a handout by Diane Matlock Concluding paragraphs summarize and place your argument into a larger context.

What to watch for as you write your conclusion:

Articulate the Significance of the Thesis: You may summarize in your conclusion, but don't simply repeat your thesis. If you restate your thesis, do so in a more expanded way. You don't have to summarize; you may simply end your argument on a strong note.

Stay Focused on What the Paper Argued: Don't introduce a new argument (or new terms) in your last paragraph. If a new argument that supports your thesis occurs to you, put it in the main body of your essay.

Think small: As with introductions, however, you don't need to get too cosmic; an essay about Romeo and Juliet does not have to say something about love in general. Just making an observation about the play in general is enough.

End with a bang: You can end with a quotation, quip or pun, or a striking excerpt or detail from the text you are discussing.

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