Leaves a lasting impression

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 78 views

What is the Purpose of the Conclusion in a Personal Essay?

A well-crafted conclusion is the final impression that readers take away from a personal essay. It's the last chance to leave a lasting impact on the reader and reinforce the essay's main points. In this article, we'll explore the purpose of the conclusion in a personal essay and provide tips on how to write an effective one.

Understanding the Purpose of a Conclusion

A conclusion serves several purposes in a personal essay. It's not just a summary of the introduction and main points, although that's an important part of it. A good conclusion should also:

Reiterate the main points: A conclusion should briefly summarize the main points made in the essay, but avoid repeating the same information verbatim.
Provide a final thought: A conclusion should leave the reader with something to think about, a final thought or reflection that ties everything together.
Offer a call to action: A conclusion can also include a call to action, encouraging the reader to take a specific action or consider a particular perspective.

Why a Conclusion is Important

A conclusion is important because it:

Leaves a lasting impression: A well-written conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the reader, making them more likely to remember the essay.
Reinforces the main points: A conclusion reinforces the main points made in the essay, making them more memorable and impactful.
Provides closure: A conclusion provides closure for the reader, giving them a sense of completion and finality.

How to Write a Conclusion

Writing a conclusion can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you get started:

Start with a summary: Begin your conclusion by summarizing the main points made in the essay.
Use transition words: Use transition words and phrases to connect the summary to the final thought or reflection.
Make it concise: Keep your conclusion concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details.
Use rhetorical devices: Use rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor, and allusion to add depth and complexity to your conclusion.
Edit and revise: Edit and revise your conclusion to ensure it's clear, concise, and effective.

Examples of Effective Conclusions

Here are some examples of effective conclusions:

Example 1: "In conclusion, my experience volunteering at a local animal shelter taught me the importance of compassion and empathy. It's a lesson that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life, and one that I hope to pass on to others."
Example 2: "As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the struggles I faced were not just about me, but about the people around me. It's a reminder that we're all connected, and that our individual struggles are part of a larger narrative."
Example 3: "In the end, my decision to pursue a career in the arts was not just about following my passion, but about making a difference in the world. It's a decision that I'm proud of, and one that I hope will inspire others to follow their dreams."

Conclusion

A conclusion is a crucial part of a personal essay, serving as the final impression that readers take away from the essay. It's a chance to summarize the main points, provide a final thought, and offer a call to action. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion:

Repeating the introduction: Avoid repeating the introduction verbatim, as it can make the conclusion seem like a summary rather than a final thought.
Introducing new information: Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, as it can confuse the reader and make the essay seem disjointed.
Being too vague: Avoid being too vague in the conclusion, as it can leave the reader with a sense of uncertainty and confusion.

Tips for Writing a Conclusion

Here are some additional tips for writing a conclusion:

Use a clear and concise writing style: Use a clear and concise writing style to ensure that your conclusion is easy to understand.
Use rhetorical devices: Use rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor, and allusion to add depth and complexity to your conclusion.
Edit and revise: Edit and revise your conclusion to ensure it's clear, concise, and effective.

Conclusion in Different Types of Essays

A conclusion can vary depending on the type of essay you're writing. Here are some examples:

Narrative essay: A conclusion in a narrative essay should provide a final thought or reflection on the events that occurred.
Argumentative essay: A conclusion in an argumentative essay should summarize the main points and reiterate the thesis statement.
Analytical essay: A conclusion in an analytical essay should summarize the main points and provide a final thought or reflection on the analysis.

Conclusion in Academic Writing

A conclusion in academic writing should:

Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points made in the essay.
Provide a final thought: Provide a final thought or reflection on the topic.
Offer a call to action: Offer a call to action, encouraging the reader to take a specific action or consider a particular perspective.

Conclusion in Business Writing

A conclusion in business writing should:

Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points made in the essay.
Provide a final thought: Provide a final thought or reflection on the topic.
Offer a call to action: Offer a call to action, encouraging the reader to take a specific action or consider a particular perspective.

Conclusion in Creative Writing

A conclusion in creative writing should:

Provide a final thought: Provide a final thought or reflection on the events that occurred.
Offer a call to action: Offer a call to action, encouraging the reader to take a specific action or consider a particular perspective.
Use rhetorical devices: Use rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor, and allusion to add depth and complexity to the conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conclusions in Personal Essays

A conclusion is a crucial part of a personal essay, serving as the final impression that readers take away from the essay. However, many writers struggle to write an effective conclusion. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about conclusions in personal essays.

Q: What is the purpose of a conclusion in a personal essay?

A: The purpose of a conclusion in a personal essay is to summarize the main points, provide a final thought or reflection, and offer a call to action. It's a chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the essay's main points.

Q: How long should a conclusion be?

A: A conclusion should be concise and to the point. Aim for a length of 100-200 words, depending on the length of the essay.

Q: What should I include in a conclusion?

A: A conclusion should include a summary of the main points, a final thought or reflection, and a call to action. You can also include rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor, and allusion to add depth and complexity to the conclusion.

Q: How can I make my conclusion more effective?

A: To make your conclusion more effective, use a clear and concise writing style, use rhetorical devices, and edit and revise your conclusion to ensure it's clear, concise, and effective.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in a conclusion?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid in a conclusion include repeating the introduction verbatim, introducing new information, and being too vague.

Q: How can I use a conclusion to leave a lasting impression on the reader?

A: To leave a lasting impression on the reader, use a conclusion that is memorable, impactful, and thought-provoking. Use rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor, and allusion to add depth and complexity to the conclusion.

Q: Can I use a conclusion to introduce new information?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to introduce new information in a conclusion. A conclusion should summarize the main points and provide a final thought or reflection, not introduce new information.

Q: How can I use a conclusion to provide a final thought or reflection?

A: To provide a final thought or reflection in a conclusion, use a sentence or two to summarize the main points and then offer a final thought or reflection on the topic.

Q: Can I use a conclusion to offer a call to action?

A: Yes, a conclusion can include a call to action, encouraging the reader to take a specific action or consider a particular perspective.

Q: How can I use a conclusion to tie everything together?

A: To tie everything together in a conclusion, use a sentence or two to summarize the main points and then offer a final thought or reflection on the topic.

Q: What are some examples of effective conclusions?

A: Here are some examples of effective conclusions:

Example 1: "In conclusion, my experience volunteering at a local animal shelter taught me the importance of compassion and empathy. It's a lesson that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life, and one that I hope to pass on to others."
Example 2: "As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the struggles I faced were not just about me, but about the people around me. It's a reminder that we're all connected, and that our individual struggles are part of a larger narrative."
Example 3: "In the end, my decision to pursue a career in the arts was not just about following my passion, but about making a difference in the world. It's a decision that I'm proud of, and one that I hope will inspire others to follow their dreams."