Steps to Writing a Compelling Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay: Grade 6 ELA

📚 What is a Compelling Conclusion?

A compelling conclusion for an argumentative essay is the final paragraph that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis in a new and impactful way. It should leave the reader with a lasting impression and a clear understanding of your argument. Think of it as tying a neat bow on all your hard work!

📜 The History & Importance of Essay Conclusions

The art of crafting effective conclusions has been taught for centuries! From ancient rhetoric to modern composition, the importance of a strong ending has always been recognized. A well-written conclusion reinforces your argument and persuades your audience, showcasing the power of your writing. Without a strong conclusion, your reader might not remember or fully grasp your argument.

✨ Key Principles for Writing a Great Conclusion

• 🔍 Restate Your Thesis: Remind the reader of your main argument, but don't just copy and paste it! Rephrase it in a fresh, interesting way.
• 💡 Summarize Main Points: Briefly recap the key arguments you made in your essay. This helps the reader remember the evidence you presented.
• 📝 Offer a Call to Action (Optional): Encourage the reader to think about the topic further or take some kind of action based on your argument.
• 🤔 Provide a Sense of Closure: Wrap up the essay in a way that feels complete. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the conclusion.
• 🌍 Connect to a Broader Context: Show how your argument relates to bigger issues or real-world situations. This adds depth and significance to your essay.
• 🚀 Leave a Lasting Impression: End with a powerful statement, question, or image that will stick with the reader long after they finish reading.

📝 Real-World Examples

Let's look at a few examples of conclusion sentences based on the thesis: "School uniforms improve student behavior.":

• ✅ Weak: "In conclusion, school uniforms are good." (Too simple and doesn't add anything new.)
• 👍 Better: "By promoting equality and reducing distractions, school uniforms create a more focused learning environment, benefiting all students." (Summarizes key points.)
• 💯 Best: "As schools strive to create environments conducive to learning and personal growth, the adoption of uniform policies offers a practical step toward fostering a more equitable and disciplined academic community." (Connects to a broader context and leaves a lasting impression.)

🎯 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 🛑 Introducing new information: A conclusion should summarize, not introduce.
• 🤦‍♀️ Apologizing or undermining your argument: Confidence is key! Avoid phrases like "I'm not an expert, but..."
• 😴 Being repetitive: Use different words to restate your ideas.
• 📝 Drifting off-topic: Stay focused on the main argument of your essay.

💡 Tips for Writing a Stellar Conclusion

• ✍️ Outline your conclusion: Plan what you want to say before you start writing.
• 🗣️ Read your conclusion aloud: Does it sound smooth and impactful?
• 🤝 Get feedback: Ask a friend or teacher to read your conclusion and give you suggestions.