How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay That Doesn't Just Repeat the Intro?

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Reacce80

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I’ve rewritten my conclusion paragraph like five times already and it still feels... boring? I just say the same thing I said in the intro, but with "In conclusion," in front 😅

How do you actually write a strong conclusion for an essay — not just rephrase the intro?
 
Great question. A good conclusion does more than restate your thesis — it helps your reader feel the argument land. Think of it like the final note in a symphony.

Here's a solid breakdown I swear by from UNC’s Writing Center:
🔗 https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/

Key takeaways:

Reconnect to your thesis without repeating it word-for-word

Reflect on “so what?” — why does your argument matter?

Avoid "in conclusion" unless your prof really likes old-school formality
 
I used to just summarize everything like a checklist felt safe but flat. One trick that helped me is thinking of the conclusion as a mirror: it reflects your points, but also shows something deeper, like implications or questions for the future.

This article explains it really well https://papersowl.com/blog/essay-conclusion-paragraph

Especially helpful for argumentative essays, where your conclusion should tie together your logic and show why your stance matters beyond the classroom.
 
+1 to that! Especially for argumentative essays, you don’t just want to say “I’m right.” You want to leave the reader thinking. Something like:

“If we fail to address X now, we risk Y — a consequence that impacts more than just policy, but society as a whole.”

I leaned heavily on the piece at this link while preparing a climate policy paper.
 
Here’s a formula that works if you’re stuck:
  1. Restate your position (briefly, in different words)
  2. Summarize your key points (don’t list — flow them)
  3. Answer “so what?” or offer a final insight
This is especially important when learning how to write a conclusion paragraph for an argumentative essay that "so what" adds power.
Also, quoting someone in the conclusion (if it fits naturally) adds weight. Just don’t introduce new evidence.
 
Wow, okay, this is all actually super helpful. I love the idea of treating it like a final note, not a recap.

Any examples of bad conclusions to avoid? I feel like mine might fall into that trap.
 
Definitely! Avoid these common traps:

Repetition trap: Just copying the intro or topic sentences

Apology trap: “This might not be right but…” (never apologize!)

Overkill trap: Suddenly adding a whole new idea or statistic — it confuses the reader

If you're not sure where to start, there’s a great peer-to-peer thread here that gives practical student advice (real examples, not theory):
🔗 https://customwriting.com/forum/thr...y-i-need-advice-from-those-who-understand.31/
 
Just throwing this in — if your professor is big on classic academic structure, Purdue OWL remains the best baseline guide.

They keep it clear and rule-based, which helps when your head’s spinning.
 
Totally agree. So to summarize this whole thread with a mini checklist:

✅ No new arguments
✅ No lazy “in conclusion” clones
✅ Yes to reflective tone or broader implication
✅ Yes to rephrasing with impact
✅ Yes to linking back to purpose, not just the thesis
 
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