Crafting Powerful Conclusions: A Guide for 7th Grade Writers

📚 What is a Conclusion?

A conclusion is the final part of your essay or story. Think of it as the last impression you make on your reader. It’s your chance to really drive your main points home and leave them with something to think about. Instead of just repeating what you already said, you want to make a lasting impact!

📜 A Little History of Conclusions in Writing

While formal essay structures have been around for centuries, the emphasis on a strong conclusion has evolved over time. Think back to ancient orators who used powerful closing statements to persuade their audiences. Today, whether in creative writing or academic essays, a well-crafted conclusion signals thoughtfulness and leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

🔑 Key Principles for Powerful Conclusions

• ♻️ Restate the Main Idea: Briefly remind your reader of your thesis statement or main argument, but in a new and interesting way.
• ✨ Summarize Key Points: Highlight the most important ideas you discussed in your essay without just copying and pasting them.
• 🤝 Connect to the Bigger Picture: Explain why your topic matters and how it relates to larger issues in the world.
• 🤔 Offer a New Perspective: Provide a fresh insight or angle on your topic that the reader might not have considered before.
• 📣 Call to Action (Optional): Encourage the reader to think, feel, or act in a certain way based on your essay. This is more common in persuasive writing.
• 🔮 Look to the Future: Suggest what might happen next or what questions still need to be answered.
• 💥 End with a Memorable Statement: Close with a powerful sentence or two that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

✍️ Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples of powerful conclusions:

Example 1: Essay on the Importance of Recycling

Weak Conclusion: In conclusion, recycling is important for the environment.

Strong Conclusion: By embracing recycling, we not only reduce waste and conserve resources but also pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable planet for generations to come. The future of our Earth depends on the choices we make today.

Example 2: Story About Overcoming a Challenge

Weak Conclusion: In the end, I learned a lot from my experience.

Strong Conclusion: The mountain seemed insurmountable at first, but with each step, I discovered a resilience I never knew I possessed. The view from the summit wasn't just of the valley below, but of a stronger, more confident version of myself.

💡 Tips for Writing Great Conclusions

• Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion. Stick to summarizing and expanding on what you've already said.
• Don't apologize for your essay or weaken your argument with phrases like, "I'm not an expert, but..."
• Make sure your conclusion logically follows from your introduction and body paragraphs.

📝 Practice Quiz

Read the following thesis statements and choose the best concluding sentence for each:

Question 1: Thesis: School uniforms should be required because they promote equality and reduce distractions.

1. A. School uniforms are a good idea.
2. B. Therefore, requiring school uniforms can create a more focused and equitable learning environment for all students.
3. C. I think school uniforms are okay.

Question 2: Thesis: Reading regularly improves vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

1. A. Reading is fun.
2. B. In conclusion, reading can make you smarter.
3. C. By making reading a habit, individuals can unlock a world of knowledge and cultivate essential skills for lifelong success.

Question 3: Thesis: Video games can have positive effects on problem-solving skills, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination.

1. A. Video games are a waste of time.
2. B. In conclusion, video games are beneficial.
3. C. While moderation is key, video games offer unique opportunities to enhance cognitive abilities and develop valuable skills relevant in today's digital world.

Question 4: Thesis: Climate change is a serious threat that requires immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

1. A. Climate change is happening.
2. B. In conclusion, we need to do something about climate change.
3. C. The urgency of climate change demands immediate and concerted efforts to mitigate its impacts and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. The time to act is now.

✅ Conclusion

Crafting powerful conclusions is a skill that takes practice. By restating your main idea, summarizing key points, and leaving your reader with something to think about, you can write conclusions that make a lasting impression. Good luck! 👍