Writing a conclusion

This page looks at an example conclusion, points out features and links to a further writing resource

Writing a good conclusion is not easy. Do not simply repeat your main points, because the reader has read them already. One of the most important things to do is to think about the message that you want to leave the reader with and write a conclusion that leaves the reader with this message. After all your hard work – so what? What did you discover? What was the point of the essay?

Think about the essay for this title:

“Is the present level of immigration in the United Kingdom beneficial to the country?”

(see Writing your introduction and Writing your main paragraphs for more articles about this essay.)

Here is a possible conclusion for the essay:

In conclusion, it does seem that there are some very real economic and social benefits to be enjoyed from the number of migrant workers that have come to the UK recently. The strain on public services has been blamed on immigration, however it is the government that has failed to put extra money into these services whilst reaping the rewards of economic growth and greater tax revenues. It is not sustainable to follow an ‘open door’ policy towards European workers without supporting communities to cope with a bigger population. The current level of immigration can only continue to be beneficial if the national and local government respond to the needs of a bigger and more diverse population.

This conclusion is a strong one because:

1. It briefly mentions the main points of the arguments made earlier in the essay.

2. It has a message.

3. It suggests a course of action to take in the future

Recommended further reading:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/01/