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)

General tips:

• Keep the conclusion straight and to the point.
• One paragraph (four to five sentences) is sufficient.
• Don’t repeat yourself.

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