writing a conclusion in a persuasive essay

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How to Write a Concluding Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay

Last Updated: February 13, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 196,893 times.

Giving an Overview

• If it helps, print out a copy of the body of the paper and highlight the main points to be summarized.

• For instance, "Gun laws should be changed to reflect the evolving needs of today's generations.”

• You can, however, create a call to action or end with a creative and engaging hook statement.

• Using the first sentence to restate the hypothesis in your introduction, in different wording
• Writing the next 2-3 sentence to summarize the key arguments made in your paper
• Having the last 1-2 sentences be a grand statement of conclusion, saying what your final findings are

Using Convincing Wording

• For instance, "Regular exercise reduces stress, improves your sleep, and promotes weight loss."

• For instance, instead of writing, "The traditional American Dream is not dead and gone," write, "The American Dream is not dead.”
• However, keep in mind that in some cases, more elaborate wording may be necessary to drive home your point.

Establishing the Relevance of Your Conclusion

• For example,"What will happen to small businesses as different industries continue to go digital?"

• For example, "Being environmentally responsible is a necessary step for all people, in order to save the parts of nature that we have left."

• For example, "If this competitive nature of school work were replaced with a more community-based learning approach, we might see happier, healthier children."

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You Might Also Like

• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-10-persuasion/
• ↑ http://penandthepad.com/write-concluding-paragraph-persuasive-essay-college-1412.html
• ↑ http://examples.yourdictionary.com/parallel-structure-examples.html
• ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html

About This Article

To write a concluding paragraph for your persuasive essay, you’ll need to briefly summarize your main arguments. Use the first sentence to restate your hypothesis from your introduction in different words. Then, spend 2 or 3 sentences reminding the reader of the main arguments you made throughout the essay. Use strong, simple language to emphasize your conclusion. You can also add a call to action or tell the reader what you think should happen as a result of your conclusions. For example, "If this competitive nature of school work were replaced with a more community-based learning approach, we might see happier, healthier children." For more tips from our Teaching co-author, including how to position your arguments within the bigger picture, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Conclusions

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Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper:

In a general way,

• Restate your topic and why it is important,
• Restate your thesis/claim,
• Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
• Call for action or overview future research possibilities.

Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.

The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:

Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).

Tell them (body).

Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

Essay Papers Writing Online

Mastering the art of crafting a compelling conclusion for your persuasive essay – expert tips and strategies.

Every writer understands the importance of leaving a lasting impression on their readers. However, when it comes to persuasive essays, concluding with a strong and compelling final statement becomes even more crucial. The conclusion is the last opportunity to reinforce your main arguments, summarize your key points, and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Effectively concluding a persuasive essay involves a delicate balance of summarizing your main points while leaving room for thought. It is essential to reiterate your thesis statement and remind your readers of the main arguments you presented throughout your essay. However, it is also important to provide a sense of closure and inspire your audience to reflect upon the broader implications of your persuasive essay.

One effective technique to captivate your readers and leave a memorable impression is through the use of rhetorical devices. Employing rhetorical flourishes such as strong metaphors, vivid imagery, or thought-provoking questions can evoke emotions and engage your audience on a deeper level. By stirring curiosity or appealing to their emotions, you can inspire your readers to consider the broader significance of your arguments and their implications in the world beyond your essay.

Restate your thesis statement

One essential element of crafting an effective conclusion for a persuasive essay is to restate your thesis statement. Reiterating your main argument can help reinforce the purpose and importance of your essay while reminding your readers of the central point.

Restating your thesis statement in a persuasive essay involves paraphrasing or summarizing your main argument using different words or sentence structure. This technique helps to reinforce the key message of your essay and leave a strong final impression on your audience.

By restating your thesis statement, you can demonstrate the coherence and clarity of your essay and emphasize the significance of your viewpoint. It gives your readers a final opportunity to grasp the main point you have been advocating throughout the essay, ultimately enhancing the persuasive impact of your writing.

When restating your thesis statement, it is essential to avoid duplicating the exact wording or structure of the original statement. Instead, aim to express the same idea using different vocabulary and phrasing. This approach not only helps to keep your conclusion fresh and engaging but also showcases your ability to articulate your point of view in various ways.

Remember that restating your thesis statement is not merely summarizing the main points of your essay. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of your argument and resurfacing the central theme of your persuasion. By doing so, you can leave a lasting impression on your readers and encourage them to engage further with your ideas.

Summarize your main arguments

In this section, we will review and consolidate the key points of your persuasive essay, drawing together the main arguments you have presented throughout the paper. As we wrap up your essay, it is important to recapitulate the main ideas in a concise and impactful manner, emphasizing their significance to ensure that your message is effectively conveyed to your reader.

First and foremost, we established the fundamental importance of thoroughly researching your topic in order to develop informed arguments. By gathering reliable data and credible sources, you can strengthen the validity and persuasiveness of your claims. Additionally, integrating personal experiences or anecdotal evidence can provide a relatable perspective and further support your arguments.

Furthermore, we discussed the significance of structuring your essay in a logical and coherent manner. By organizing your thoughts and ideas into distinct paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence, you ensure a smooth flow of information and enable your reader to easily follow your line of reasoning.

In addition, we explored the art of appealing to reason and emotion in order to engage and persuade your audience. Utilizing logical reasoning and presenting compelling evidence can appeal to the rational side of your readers, while incorporating emotional appeals can create a stronger connection and evoke empathy.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of addressing counterarguments in your essay. By anticipating and acknowledging alternate viewpoints, you can demonstrate your awareness of the complexity of the issue and present a more balanced and nuanced perspective. This not only strengthens your argument but also shows respect for the differing opinions of your audience.

By summarizing these main arguments, you have effectively reinforced the key points of your persuasive essay. The next section will focus on crafting a powerful concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on your reader, ensuring your persuasive essay reaches its full potential.

Provide a call to action or solution

One important aspect of crafting an effective conclusion for a persuasive essay is to provide a call to action or solution that encourages the reader to take a specific step or consider a particular solution to the issue at hand. This can help to leave a lasting impression on the reader and motivate them to take action or support the writer’s stance.

When crafting a call to action or solution, it is important to clearly communicate what the reader should do and why it is important. Using strong and persuasive language, such as strong verbs and emotional appeals, can help to convey the urgency and importance of the action or solution.

Additionally, it is important to provide specific steps or guidelines for the reader to follow in order to take the desired action or implement the suggested solution. This can help to make the call to action or solution more tangible and achievable for the reader.

Furthermore, it can be effective to highlight the potential benefits or positive outcomes that can result from taking the suggested action or implementing the proposed solution. This can help to create a sense of hope and motivation for the reader, increasing the likelihood that they will be willing to take action.

In conclusion, providing a call to action or solution in the conclusion of a persuasive essay is essential to motivate the reader to take action or support the writer’s stance. By using persuasive language, providing clear steps or guidelines, and highlighting the potential benefits, the writer can effectively encourage the reader to take the desired action or consider the suggested solution.

Address counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments is an essential component of writing a persuasive essay. In this section, we will explore the importance of acknowledging opposing viewpoints and providing a strong rebuttal.

When presenting a persuasive argument, it is crucial to recognize that not everyone will agree with your perspective. By addressing counterarguments, you demonstrate that you have thoroughly considered all sides of the issue and are able to provide a well-rounded argument. This can strengthen your overall position and make your essay more persuasive.

One effective way to address counterarguments is to anticipate them and address them preemptively. By acknowledging potential opposing viewpoints and providing rebuttals, you show that you have thoughtfully considered alternative perspectives. This can help to weaken any potential counterarguments before they are even presented.

Another approach to addressing counterarguments is to refute them directly. This involves presenting the opposing viewpoint, followed by a strong rebuttal that challenges its validity. By providing evidence, examples, or logical reasoning to counter the opposing viewpoint, you can effectively dismantle it and strengthen your own argument.

Furthermore, it is important to approach counterarguments with respect and fairness. Instead of dismissing opposing viewpoints outright, it is important to acknowledge their validity and address them in a respectful manner. By doing so, you demonstrate a willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue and present a more persuasive overall argument.

In conclusion, addressing counterarguments is a crucial element of crafting a persuasive essay. By anticipating and refuting opposing viewpoints, you strengthen your own argument and demonstrate that you have thoroughly considered all perspectives. This can help to persuade your readers and leave a lasting impression.

Create a sense of closure

One important aspect of writing a persuasive essay is crafting a conclusion that creates a sense of closure for the reader. By providing a strong ending to your essay, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience and effectively drive home your main argument.

When creating a sense of closure, it is essential to summarize the main points of your essay without repeating them verbatim. Instead, rephrase and reiterate your key arguments in a concise and impactful way. This will remind your readers of the main points you have made throughout your essay.

In addition to summarizing your main arguments, you can also provide a call to action or a suggestion for further consideration. This can leave your readers with a sense of urgency or prompt them to take action based on the persuasive points you have presented. By offering a suggestion or call to action, you can motivate your audience to think critically about the topic and potentially engage in further research or discussion.

Another effective technique for creating closure in your conclusion is to end with a powerful statement or quote that relates back to your main argument. This can leave a lasting impression on your readers and reinforce the persuasive nature of your essay. By ending with a memorable statement or quote, you can ensure that your message resonates with your audience long after they have finished reading your essay.

Overall, creating a sense of closure in your conclusion is crucial for making your persuasive essay impactful and memorable. By summarizing your main points, providing a call to action, and ending with a powerful statement or quote, you can leave a lasting impression on your readers and effectively drive home your main argument.

Leave a lasting impression on the reader

When it comes to wrapping up your persuasive essay, your conclusion constitutes the final opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your audience. It is your chance to solidify your argument, make a memorable impression, and inspire your readers to take action or consider your viewpoint.

In order to leave a lasting impression on your reader, it is important to recap the main points of your essay and reiterate your most compelling arguments. By restating your thesis statement in different words, you can remind your audience of the central idea or claim that you have been advocating for throughout your essay.

In addition to summarizing your main points, you can also strengthen your conclusion by highlighting the significance of your argument. Use a strong and impactful language to emphasize the importance of your topic and why it matters. By doing so, you can evoke emotions and make your readers truly connect with your message.

One effective technique for leaving a lasting impression on your reader is to utilize a call to action. By concluding your essay with a thought-provoking question, a challenge to your readers, or a suggestion for further research, you can prompt them to engage with your topic on a deeper level. This not only encourages critical thinking but also extends the impact of your essay beyond the final sentence.

In conclusion, the way you conclude your persuasive essay plays a crucial role in leaving a lasting impression on the reader. By recapitulating your main points, emphasizing the significance of your argument, and incorporating a call to action, you can ensure that your essay remains in the minds of your audience long after they have finished reading it.

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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Tips and Tricks

By Allison Bressmer

Most composition classes you’ll take will teach the art of persuasive writing. That’s a good thing.

Knowing where you stand on issues and knowing how to argue for or against something is a skill that will serve you well both inside and outside of the classroom.

Persuasion is the art of using logic to prompt audiences to change their mind or take action , and is generally seen as accomplishing that goal by appealing to emotions and feelings.

A persuasive essay is one that attempts to get a reader to agree with your perspective.

Ready for some tips on how to produce a well-written, well-rounded, well-structured persuasive essay? Just say yes. I don’t want to have to write another essay to convince you!

How Do I Write a Persuasive Essay?

What are some good topics for a persuasive essay, how do i identify an audience for my persuasive essay, how do you create an effective persuasive essay, how should i edit my persuasive essay.

Your persuasive essay needs to have the three components required of any essay: the introduction , body , and conclusion .

That is essay structure. However, there is flexibility in that structure.

There is no rule (unless the assignment has specific rules) for how many paragraphs any of those sections need.

Although the components should be proportional; the body paragraphs will comprise most of your persuasive essay.

How Do I Start a Persuasive Essay?

As with any essay introduction, this paragraph is where you grab your audience’s attention, provide context for the topic of discussion, and present your thesis statement.

TIP 1: Some writers find it easier to write their introductions last. As long as you have your working thesis, this is a perfectly acceptable approach. From that thesis, you can plan your body paragraphs and then go back and write your introduction.

TIP 2: Avoid “announcing” your thesis. Don’t include statements like this:

• “In my essay I will show why extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”
• “The purpose of my essay is to argue that extinct animals should (not) be regenerated.”

Announcements take away from the originality, authority, and sophistication of your writing.

Instead, write a convincing thesis statement that answers the question "so what?" Why is the topic important, what do you think about it, and why do you think that? Be specific.

How Many Paragraphs Should a Persuasive Essay Have?

This body of your persuasive essay is the section in which you develop the arguments that support your thesis. Consider these questions as you plan this section of your essay:

• What arguments support your thesis?
• What is the best order for your arguments?
• What evidence do you have?
• Will you address the opposing argument to your own?
• How can you conclude convincingly?

TIP: Brainstorm and do your research before you decide which arguments you’ll focus on in your discussion. Make a list of possibilities and go with the ones that are strongest, that you can discuss with the most confidence, and that help you balance your rhetorical triangle .

What Should I Put in the Conclusion of a Persuasive Essay?

The conclusion is your “mic-drop” moment. Think about how you can leave your audience with a strong final comment.

And while a conclusion often re-emphasizes the main points of a discussion, it shouldn’t simply repeat them.

TIP 1: Be careful not to introduce a new argument in the conclusion—there’s no time to develop it now that you’ve reached the end of your discussion!

TIP 2 : As with your thesis, avoid announcing your conclusion. Don’t start your conclusion with “in conclusion” or “to conclude” or “to end my essay” type statements. Your audience should be able to see that you are bringing the discussion to a close without those overused, less sophisticated signals.

If your instructor has assigned you a topic, then you’ve already got your issue; you’ll just have to determine where you stand on the issue. Where you stand on your topic is your position on that topic.

Your position will ultimately become the thesis of your persuasive essay: the statement the rest of the essay argues for and supports, intending to convince your audience to consider your point of view.

If you have to choose your own topic, use these guidelines to help you make your selection:

• Choose an issue you truly care about
• Choose an issue that is actually debatable

Simple “tastes” (likes and dislikes) can’t really be argued. No matter how many ways someone tries to convince me that milk chocolate rules, I just won’t agree.

It’s dark chocolate or nothing as far as my tastes are concerned.

Similarly, you can’t convince a person to “like” one film more than another in an essay.

You could argue that one movie has superior qualities than another: cinematography, acting, directing, etc. but you can’t convince a person that the film really appeals to them.

Once you’ve selected your issue, determine your position just as you would for an assigned topic. That position will ultimately become your thesis.

Until you’ve finalized your work, consider your thesis a “working thesis.”

This means that your statement represents your position, but you might change its phrasing or structure for that final version.

When you’re writing an essay for a class, it can seem strange to identify an audience—isn’t the audience the instructor?

Your instructor will read and evaluate your essay, and may be part of your greater audience, but you shouldn’t just write for your teacher.

Think about who your intended audience is.

For an argument essay, think of your audience as the people who disagree with you—the people who need convincing.

That population could be quite broad, for example, if you’re arguing a political issue, or narrow, if you’re trying to convince your parents to extend your curfew.

Once you’ve got a sense of your audience, it’s time to consult with Aristotle. Aristotle’s teaching on persuasion has shaped communication since about 330 BC. Apparently, it works.

Aristotle taught that in order to convince an audience of something, the communicator needs to balance the three elements of the rhetorical triangle to achieve the best results.

Those three elements are ethos , logos , and pathos .

Ethos relates to credibility and trustworthiness. How can you, as the writer, demonstrate your credibility as a source of information to your audience?

How will you show them you are worthy of their trust?

• You show you’ve done your research: you understand the issue, both sides
• You show respect for the opposing side: if you disrespect your audience, they won’t respect you or your ideas

Logos relates to logic. How will you convince your audience that your arguments and ideas are reasonable?

You provide facts or other supporting evidence to support your claims.

That evidence may take the form of studies or expert input or reasonable examples or a combination of all of those things, depending on the specific requirements of your assignment.

Remember: if you use someone else’s ideas or words in your essay, you need to give them credit.

ProWritingAid's Plagiarism Checker checks your work against over a billion web-pages, published works, and academic papers so you can be sure of its originality.

Find out more about ProWritingAid’s Plagiarism checks.

Pathos relates to emotion. Audiences are people and people are emotional beings. We respond to emotional prompts. How will you engage your audience with your arguments on an emotional level?

• You make strategic word choices : words have denotations (dictionary meanings) and also connotations, or emotional values. Use words whose connotations will help prompt the feelings you want your audience to experience.
• You use emotionally engaging examples to support your claims or make a point, prompting your audience to be moved by your discussion.

Be mindful as you lean into elements of the triangle. Too much pathos and your audience might end up feeling manipulated, roll their eyes and move on.

An “all logos” approach will leave your essay dry and without a sense of voice; it will probably bore your audience rather than make them care.

Once you’ve got your essay planned, start writing! Don’t worry about perfection, just get your ideas out of your head and off your list and into a rough essay format.

After you’ve written your draft, evaluate your work. What works and what doesn’t? For help with evaluating and revising your work, check out this ProWritingAid post on manuscript revision .

After you’ve evaluated your draft, revise it. Repeat that process as many times as you need to make your work the best it can be.

When you’re satisfied with the content and structure of the essay, take it through the editing process .

Grammatical or sentence-level errors can distract your audience or even detract from the ethos—the authority—of your work.

You don’t have to edit alone! ProWritingAid’s Realtime Report will find errors and make suggestions for improvements.

You can even use it on emails to your professors:

Try ProWritingAid with a free account.

How Can I Improve My Persuasion Skills?

You can develop your powers of persuasion every day just by observing what’s around you.

• How is that advertisement working to convince you to buy a product?
• How is a political candidate arguing for you to vote for them?
• How do you “argue” with friends about what to do over the weekend, or convince your boss to give you a raise?
• How are your parents working to convince you to follow a certain academic or career path?

As you observe these arguments in action, evaluate them. Why are they effective or why do they fail?

How could an argument be strengthened with more (or less) emphasis on ethos, logos, and pathos?

Every argument is an opportunity to learn! Observe them, evaluate them, and use them to perfect your own powers of persuasion.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Allison Bressmer

Allison Bressmer is a professor of freshman composition and critical reading at a community college and a freelance writer. If she isn’t writing or teaching, you’ll likely find her reading a book or listening to a podcast while happily sipping a semi-sweet iced tea or happy-houring with friends. She lives in New York with her family. Connect at linkedin.com/in/allisonbressmer.

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