In the realm of English writing, crafting a good conclusion is akin to putting the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. It's the last chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader, wrapping up your thesis statement and body paragraphs in a neat package. However, achieving an effective conclusion goes beyond simply repeating what has already been said. Let's delve into the art of writing a good conclusion and explore some essential techniques to elevate your narrative's finale.
1. Revisit the Main Idea
One fundamental aspect of writing a good conclusion revisiting your narrative’s main idea or theme. Think of it as a gentle reminder to your readers, guiding them back to the essence of your story. Whether your tale revolves around love, perseverance, or self-discovery, ensure that your conclusion encapsulates the nature of your narrative journey.
For instance, if your story revolves around the theme of friendship, seize the opportunity to emphasise how the events in the story have strengthened the bond between characters. By reiterating this central theme, you reinforce the narrative's coherence and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Consistency
One of the most important elements when writing a narrative is consistency. For example, if your character is a thrifty person who makes note of every cent be spends, he is unlikely to spend a large amount of money for no good reason by the end of the story. Ask yourself the following:
Is the 'Conclusion' consistent with the "Beginning" and "Middle"?
Is the "Conclusion' consistent with the main character's actions/behaviour so far?
Therefore, when writing conclusions, it is important to check the earlier parts of your story to make sure you have not made any consistent errors.
2. Express Emotions or Reflection
A good conclusion isn't just about tying up loose ends; it's also about evoking emotions and reflections within your reader. Consider delving into your main character’s inner thoughts and feelings as the story draws to a close. Allow your audience to empathise with their journey and experience a sense of catharsis alongside them.
If your character has undergone significant challenges or growth throughout the narrative, seize the opportunity to reflect on these transformative moments. Whether overcoming adversity or embracing newfound strengths, highlighting these changes adds depth and resonance to your conclusion.
3. End with a Lesson or Moral
A compelling conclusion for English writing often culminates in a clear lesson or moral. Consider the broader implications of your story and how it relates to universal truths or values. Whether it's a tale of redemption, forgiveness, or resilience, ensure that your conclusion imparts a sense of wisdom or insight to your audience.
For instance, if your narrative carries a moral about honesty, use the conclusion to underscore the importance of honesty in relationships or personal growth. By anchoring the events of your story to broader ideas or values, you endow your conclusion with a sense of significance and resonance.
Lesson Learnt and Future Events
One important function of the conclusion is to wrap up the events that precise it. Characters may reflect on their actions, and the writer might point out a lesson the character learnt.
Learning from the incident, the main characters would have hopes for the future.
opes can be specific, like "I certainly hope that the mischievous boy had learnt his lesson and would not make a nuisance of himself again"
It can also be a general statement which can be applied to most conclusions.
Example
She fervently/certainly hoped that she would not...
be trapped in such a situation
be caught in the middle of such conflict
experienced such an unpleasant situation
have such a harrowing encounter
be in such a dire predicament/perilous situation
have to go through such a traumatic episode
be caught in such a fix
... ever again
4. Create a Sense of Closure
A good conclusion serves as the final piece of the puzzle, tying up any loose ends or unanswered questions from the plot. Take stock of any unresolved conflicts or mysteries within your narrative and ensure they are addressed satisfactorily. By providing closure on all fronts, you leave your reader feeling fulfilled and content with the resolution of the story.
Besides having a specific hope for the future, the main character may also make a certain decision for the future which is based on his/her experience. This is particularly relevant when the character has made a mistake that resulted in an unpleasant experience.
Here are some suitable action verbs which can be used to express decision-making:
1. Thomaas vowed that he would take his work more seriously from then on.
2. Jackie swore that she would never leave her studying to the last minute ever again.
3. Carrie made a firm decision to turn over a new leaf.
4. Sharon made a decision to give up gambling from that day on.
5. Lisa solemnly promised that she would never lie to her mother ever again.
6. Daniel made a resolution to take better care of his health.
7. Ethan gave his father his assurance that he would never ill-treat his peers again.
8. Paul's father pledged to give up smoking for his family.
Writing a good conclusion is a delicate balance of revisiting key themes, evoking emotions, imparting wisdom, and providing closure. By mastering these essential techniques, you can craft a finale that resonates with your audience long after they've finished reading. So, the next time you find yourself grappling with how to write a good conclusion, remember to infuse your narrative with depth, meaning, and a touch of literary magic.
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