What is a Conclusion in Writing?

S2-SA3-0169

Grade Level:

Class 5

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

A conclusion in writing is the final part of your essay, story, or report. It wraps up all the ideas you've presented and leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your main point. Think of it as the 'summary' and 'final thought' of your whole piece.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you're telling your friend about your trip to the local market. You talk about the fresh vegetables, the colourful bangles, and the tasty samosas. Your conclusion would be: 'So, my trip to the market was really fun, and I bought everything I needed!' This sums up your whole story.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say you wrote an essay arguing that 'playing outdoor games is better than playing video games.'

1. **Introduction:** You started by saying physical activity is important.
2. **Body Paragraph 1:** You discussed how outdoor games make you fit and strong.
3. **Body Paragraph 2:** You explained how outdoor games help you make friends and learn teamwork.
4. **Body Paragraph 3:** You mentioned that too much screen time can hurt your eyes and brain.
5. **Conclusion:** Now, you need to bring it all together. You would restate your main idea in new words, like: 'In summary, the many benefits of outdoor games, from physical fitness to social skills, clearly show why they are a much better choice for children than spending hours on video games.' You could add a final thought: 'So, let's all step out and play!'

Why It Matters

Conclusions are vital because they make your writing complete and convincing. In law, a lawyer's concluding argument can win a case; in journalism, a strong conclusion helps readers remember the main news. Good conclusion writing is a skill used by authors, journalists, and even scientists to present their findings clearly.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Introducing completely new information or ideas in the conclusion. | CORRECTION: A conclusion should only summarise and reflect on what you've already discussed, not add new points.

MISTAKE: Simply copying sentences word-for-word from your introduction or body paragraphs. | CORRECTION: Rephrase your main points and thesis statement using different words to show you've thought deeply about the topic.

MISTAKE: Ending abruptly without a sense of closure or a final thought. | CORRECTION: Provide a strong concluding sentence that leaves a lasting impression, perhaps by offering a solution, a call to action, or a thought-provoking idea.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: You wrote an essay about 'The Importance of Cleanliness in Our City'. What is one key thing your conclusion should do? | ANSWER: It should remind the reader why cleanliness is important and perhaps suggest a way forward, like encouraging everyone to participate in keeping the city clean.

QUESTION: Your essay argued that 'mangoes are the best fruit'. Write a short concluding sentence for this essay. | ANSWER: Therefore, with their delicious taste, rich nutrients, and versatility, mangoes truly stand out as the king of fruits.

QUESTION: Read this paragraph: 'Mobile phones are useful for communication. They help us connect with family far away. We can also use them for online learning and paying bills. However, too much screen time can be bad for our eyes.' Write a two-sentence conclusion for this paragraph. | ANSWER: In conclusion, while mobile phones offer many convenient benefits for communication and daily tasks, it's important to use them wisely to avoid potential health issues.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is the main purpose of a conclusion in writing?

To introduce a brand new topic

To summarise the main points and provide a final thought

To only copy sentences from the introduction

To ask the reader questions about the topic

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B is correct because a conclusion's main job is to summarise what was discussed and give a final, memorable thought. Options A, C, and D describe common mistakes or incorrect purposes.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you read news articles on apps like 'InShorts' or 'Dailyhunt', the last paragraph often gives a quick summary and the impact of the news. Similarly, when a cricketer gives a post-match interview, their final statement often concludes their thoughts on the game, like 'We played well as a team and learned from our mistakes.'

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

SUMMARISE: To give a brief statement of the main points | REITERATE: To say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis | THESIS STATEMENT: The main idea or argument of an essay | CLOSURE: A sense of resolution or conclusion | LASTING IMPRESSION: A strong and memorable effect

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand conclusions, you can learn about 'Writing Effective Introductions.' Knowing how to start and end your writing strongly will make your essays and reports much more impactful and clear.