How to Write a Conclusion
Authors must learn how to write a conclusion effectively.The ending is a crucial part of your story and makes the final impression on the reader.
Students are often uncertain how to wrap up a story with style and fall into ineffective patterns.
Avoid ending your story with:
- And then I woke up.
- I woke up and realised it was all a dream.
- So I went home and went to bed.
- So that is the end of my story.
- The end.
- In conclusion...
- Conclusion in any form
Examples of a successful story ending are:
- A memory of the main event.
- A decision resulting from the main event.
- An action reflecting an important decision.
- Thoughts and feelings about the events that have taken place.
- A hope or wish
- Sum up the argument which you have made in the essay in one or two sentences. (Do not provide a summary of the essay)
- A call to action.
- Restate the thesis in the first or second sentence.
- An amusing, light-hearted or insightful observation if appropriate.
- End the essay with a quote that sums up or comments on the topic.
Use a combination of the above elements to write an effective conclusion.
Questions to prompt effective story endings:
- What would the main character remember most? (A memory)
- What decisions might be based on events that have taken place? ( A decision)
- What action could the main character do as a result of the events of the story? (An action.)
- Is there any appropriate call to actions that could follow the events of the story? (An action)
- How would the main character feel about the events which have taken place? (A Feeling)
- What could the main character or readers wish for as a result of the events which have taken place? (A wish)
- Keep the conclusion straight and to the point.
- One paragraph (four to five sentences) is sufficient.
- Don’t repeat yourself.
Examples of excellent endings.
How to Write an Introduction
How to improve sentence fluency.
Story Starter Graphic Organizers
Return from How to Write a Conclusion to the Homepage