How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (With Examples)

Key takeaways

• A conclusion restates your thesis in new words, synthesizes your main points and explains why they matter.
• It should be about 10% of the essay and contain no new evidence.
• End with a strong final thought: an implication, a recommendation or a look to the future.

Students often rush the conclusion because it comes last. But it's the final impression you leave on your marker, and a strong one can lift the whole essay.

What a conclusion should do

1. Restate the thesis: in fresh wording, not copied from the introduction
2. Synthesize the main points: show how they fit together, rather than listing them again
3. Answer "so what?": explain the wider significance, implications or next steps

Step-by-step: how to write a conclusion

1. Rephrase your thesis

Remind the reader of your argument, now strengthened by the evidence you've presented.

Introduction thesis: "Heavy social media use harms adolescent mental health by disrupting sleep, encouraging social comparison and exposing teenagers to cyberbullying." Conclusion: "The evidence shows that the harms of heavy social media use for teenagers go well beyond wasted time."

2. Pull your points together

Connect your body paragraphs in one or two sentences. Show the relationship between them rather than summarizing each one in turn.

3. Explain why it matters

Answer the "so what?" question. Depending on the assignment, you might:

• Suggest a practical recommendation (policy, practice, business strategy)
• Point to implications for a field or community
• Identify limitations or areas for further research
• Return to the hook from your introduction to create a sense of closure

Example conclusion

The evidence shows that the harms of heavy social media use for teenagers go well beyond wasted time. Lost sleep, constant comparison with curated images and the reach of online bullying reinforce one another, creating conditions in which anxiety and depression can grow. Banning smartphones is neither realistic nor desirable, but schools and parents can make a real difference by teaching digital literacy and encouraging screen-free nights. Helping young people use these platforms on their own terms may be one of the most important public health tasks of the next decade.

Conclusion template

1. [Restated thesis in new words.]
2. [How your main points connect.]
3. [Why it matters: implication, recommendation or future research.]
4. [Memorable closing sentence.]

Useful conclusion starters

Instead of "In conclusion," try:

• "Taken together, these findings show…"
• "Ultimately, …"
• "The evidence suggests that…"
• "As this essay has shown, …"

Mistakes to avoid

• Introducing new evidence or arguments. If it matters, move it into the body.
• Copying the introduction word for word.
• Apologizing or hedging: "This is just my opinion" weakens your argument.
• Over-generalizing: "This proves social media is the worst invention in history."
• Being too short: a single sentence rarely does the job.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a conclusion be?

Around 10% of the word count, similar to the introduction. For most college essays that's one paragraph of 100–200 words.

Can I use "In conclusion" to start?

It isn't wrong, but many instructors find it repetitive. A phrase like "Taken together…" or simply restating your thesis reads more smoothly.

Should a conclusion include citations?

Usually no, because a conclusion shouldn't introduce new evidence. Research papers sometimes cite sources when discussing limitations or future research.

What is the difference between a summary and a conclusion?

A summary repeats what you said. A conclusion interprets it: it shows how the points connect and why the argument matters.