How to Write a Conclusion That Leaves an Impact

Be honest! How many times have you finished an essay, felt relieved, and then stared at the screen thinking, “Now what?” The introduction and body paragraphs were easy enough, but the conclusion? That’s a whole different struggle.

A bad conclusion is like watching a movie that just… stops. No satisfying ending, no emotional payoff, just credits rolling while you sit there, confused. 

You don’t want your reader to feel like that. A strong conclusion makes your writing feel complete, drives your point home, and leaves a lasting impression.

So, how do you write a conclusion that actually works?

 Let’s break it down.

What is a Conclusion and Why Does it Matter?

A conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay, paper, or report. It’s where you wrap things up and leave the reader with something to think about. Think of it like the closing scene of a great movie—it should feel final and meaningful.

Here’s why your conclusion matters:

• It reminds your reader of your main argument. Your conclusion reinforces what you’ve been saying all along.
• It gives your essay a sense of closure. Nobody likes an abrupt ending. Your conclusion should make everything feel complete.
• It makes your writing more memorable. If your conclusion is strong, your reader will actually remember what you wrote.
• It can affect your grade. Teachers pay close attention to conclusions. A weak one can drag down your whole essay.

Now that you know why a conclusion is important, let’s go step by step to write one that stands out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Strong Conclusion

A great conclusion isn’t just a boring summary. It should feel fresh, engaging, and powerful. Here’s how to do it:

Restate Your Thesis in a New Way 

Your first sentence should remind the reader of your main idea—but don’t just copy and paste your thesis from the introduction. Instead, rephrase it to reflect what your essay has proven.

Example:

• Original Thesis: "Social media negatively impacts mental health by increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem."
• Restated Thesis: "The rise of social media has led to growing concerns about mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and self-worth."

Pro Tip: Avoid saying “In conclusion” or “To sum up.” Your reader knows it’s the conclusion—there’s no need to spell it out.

Summarize Your Key Points 

Now, give a quick recap of your main arguments. But don’t just list them—summarize them in a way that connects them back to your thesis.

Example:

• "From the rise of unrealistic beauty standards to the constant comparison on social media, we’ve seen how digital platforms contribute to anxiety and self-doubt."

Pro Tip: Keep this section short and snappy. No one wants to read a rehash of your entire essay.

Explain Why the Topic is Important 

This is where you answer the big question: So what? Why should the reader care?

Example:

• "As social media continues to shape modern life, understanding its effects on mental health is more important than ever. Without awareness, the negative impact will only grow."

Pro Tip: This is your chance to add depth. Show why your argument matters beyond just this essay.

End with a Strong Final Thought or Call to Action 

Depending on your topic, your last sentence should either leave the reader thinking or encourage them to take action.

Example:

• "If we want to protect our mental well-being, we need to rethink how we use social media—before it starts using us."

Pro Tip: Make sure your final sentence hits hard. This is the last thing your reader will remember, so make it count!

How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph for Different Types of Writing (With Examples) 

Not all conclusions are the same! Let’s go over how to tailor your conclusion depending on what you’re writing.

For essays, a strong conclusion should do three things:

• Restate your thesis in a new way
• Summarize the key points from your body paragraphs
• End with a powerful final thought that gives the reader something to consider

A good essay conclusion does not just repeat what has already been said. Instead, it should give the reader a sense of closure and reinforce the main argument.

How to Write a Good Conclusion for an Essay 

The best essay conclusions take the thesis statement from the introduction and rewrite it to reflect what has been discussed. Avoid copying the same sentence. Instead, reword it to show the deeper understanding developed throughout the essay.

Example:

After restating the thesis, briefly summarize the main points. Finally, end with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

How to Write a Strong Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay 

An argumentative essay conclusion should do everything a standard essay conclusion does but with a stronger emphasis on persuasion. Reinforce your stance, address any counterarguments, and leave the reader with a bold final thought.

Example:

Writing a Conclusion for Research Papers & Dissertations 

Research papers require a conclusion that does more than summarize the key points. The conclusion should:

• Highlight the most significant findings
• Explain why the research matters
• Discuss potential real-world applications
• Suggest areas for future research

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Summarize your key findings in a way that emphasizes their importance. Instead of simply listing them, explain their significance and how they contribute to the field of study.

Example: 

How to Write a Dissertation Conclusion

A dissertation conclusion should be more detailed than a research paper conclusion. In addition to summarizing findings and discussing their importance, it should acknowledge any study limitations and offer recommendations for further research.

Example:

Writing a Conclusion for Scientific & Lab Reports

A scientific or lab report conclusion should:

• Restate the purpose of the experiment
• Summarize the results in simple terms
• Explain the significance of the findings
• Suggest further research or improvements

How to Write a Conclusion for a Lab Report 

A lab report conclusion should restate the hypothesis, summarize the results, and explain whether the hypothesis was supported.

Example:

How to Write a Scientific Conclusion 

A scientific conclusion should highlight key findings and suggest practical applications.

Example:

How to Write a Conclusion for a Science Fair Project 

A science fair project conclusion should explain the project’s impact and suggest how it could be expanded in the future.

Example:

Writing a Conclusion for Reports & Projects

A report or project conclusion should summarize key insights, provide recommendations, and discuss future implications. Unlike essays, these conclusions often include suggestions for improvements or further action.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Report 

A report conclusion should restate the main findings and offer solutions or recommendations.

Example:

How to Write a Conclusion for a Project 

A project conclusion should highlight key takeaways and discuss potential next steps.

Example:

What NOT to Include in Your Conclusion

To keep your conclusion strong, avoid these mistakes:

Introducing New Information

Your conclusion is not the place for brand-new ideas, facts, or arguments. If a point is important enough to include, it should be in the body of your essay.

Weak Example:
 "Additionally, social media also affects sleep patterns." (Why is this being mentioned for the first time in the conclusion?)

Stronger Example:
"From increased anxiety to lower self-esteem, social media’s impact on mental health cannot be ignored." (This reinforces existing points without adding new ones.)

Repeating Your Thesis Without Rewording It 

Your thesis should be restated in new words, not copied and pasted from the introduction. A fresh rewording shows a deeper understanding of your topic.

Weak Example:
"Social media negatively affects mental health by increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem." (This is just the original thesis statement.)

Stronger Example:
"With constant exposure to curated content, people today are experiencing more anxiety and self-doubt than ever before." (This keeps the meaning but presents it in a new way.) 

Summarizing Without Purpose 

Yes, your conclusion should summarize your key points, but it should also explain why they matter rather than just listing them.

Weak Example:
"This essay discussed social media’s impact on self-esteem, anxiety, and body image." (This feels robotic and adds nothing new.)

Stronger Example:
"By shaping self-esteem, anxiety, and body image, social media has a powerful influence on mental well-being—one that should not be taken lightly." (This adds depth and significance.)

Using Weak or Generic Closing Lines

Your final sentence should be strong and thought-provoking, not generic or forgettable.

Weak Example:
"That’s why this topic is important." (Too vague and ineffective.)

Stronger Example:
"As social media continues to evolve, we must decide whether we will control it—or let it control us." (This leaves the reader thinking.)

Ending Too Abruptly 

A conclusion should feel complete. If it stops too suddenly, the essay will seem unfinished.

Weak Example:
"That’s my essay. Thanks for reading." (Unprofessional and abrupt.)

Stronger Example:
"Understanding the effects of social media is just the first step. What we do with that knowledge is what truly matters." (This gives a sense of finality and importance.)

Expressing Doubt or Apologizing 

Never undermine your own argument by using phrases that suggest uncertainty. Be confident in your writing.

Weak Example:
"I hope this makes sense and that I explained it well." (This weakens your credibility.)

Stronger Example:
"The evidence is clear—social media’s role in mental health is a growing concern that demands attention." (This is firm and persuasive.)

Using Overused Phrases 

Clichés like “In conclusion” or “To sum it up” do not add value. Skip them and get straight to your point.

Weak Example:
"In conclusion, at the end of the day, everything happens for a reason." (This says nothing meaningful.)

Stronger Example:
"If we want to protect our mental health, we need to rethink how we engage with social media." (This is direct and impactful.)

Final Thoughts!

Writing a good conclusion is like giving your essay the perfect send-off. It ties everything together, reinforces your main point, and leaves your reader thinking. And like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

But hey, if you ever need a little extra help, EssayService.ai has your back. 

Whether it’s conclusions, introductions, or anything in between, our expert essay writing service can help you write essays that stand out. We offer plagiarism-free content, fast delivery, and top-quality writing.

Need help? Reach out today and let us take the stress out of essay writing!