How to Write Conclusions That Get Higher Marks
A strong conclusion can elevate your entire assignment, essay, or research paper. It shows your professor that you understand the topic, can synthesize ideas, and can communicate insights clearly. If you often struggle to write better conclusions, this guide will help you create impactful final paragraphs that leave a lasting impression.
Before working on your conclusion, make sure your paper’s argument is strong and cohesive. If you're still refining your central claim, you may find it useful to revisit how to write a thesis statement to ensure the core idea is clear.
According to the UNC Writing Center, a conclusion should answer the “So what?” question—showing the relevance and broader implications of your work. Similarly, the Harvard College Writing Center recommends avoiding new information and focusing on synthesizing the paper’s main points.
Let’s break down the steps to help you write conclusions that earn higher marks.
What Is a Conclusion in Academic Writing?
A conclusion is the final section of your essay or paper. Its purpose is to:
Restate your thesis
Summarize key points
Show the significance of your findings
Leave the reader with a strong closing thought
If you need help improving the flow of your final paragraphs, you can strengthen transitions by using curated transition words to start a paragraph.
Why Strong Conclusions Matter
Professors pay special attention to conclusions because they reveal:
Your understanding of the topic
Your ability to think critically
Whether your arguments were meaningful
How well you can synthesize information
If your essay compares ideas or discusses similarities and differences, you may also look at how to write a compare and contrast essay to align your conclusion with the overall structure.
How to Write Better Conclusions (Step-by-Step)
Below is a clear, simple process you can follow for any academic paper.
Step 1: Restate Your Thesis in a New Way
Don’t repeat your thesis word-for-word. Rephrase it to show a deeper understanding.
Weak: “In conclusion, social media affects students.”
Strong: “This research shows that social media influences students’ learning patterns and academic behaviors.”
If you’re unsure how to strengthen your thesis before restating it, review best phrases for essay writing to improve your expression.
Step 2: Summarize Your Main Points Briefly
Write 2–3 sentences that capture the essence of your argument without repeating your entire essay.
Example:
“This study highlighted how structured routines, clear goals, and reduced distractions contribute to improved academic outcomes.”
If your paper analyzes rhetorical strategies or persuasive techniques, you can explore examples in how to write a rhetorical analysis essay.
Step 3: Explain the Broader Significance
Help the reader understand why your analysis, findings, or argument matters.
You can answer questions like:
What should readers learn from this?
Why are your findings relevant?
What are the real-world implications?
This approach is especially helpful if you're working with research-heavy papers that build up toward a discussion section. In such cases, refer to how to write a discussion section for better coherence between body paragraphs and the conclusion.
Step 4: End With a Strong Closing Statement
This can be:
A reflective insight
A recommendation
A future research direction
A meaningful final sentence
Example:
“Understanding these learning behaviors helps educators design more supportive environments for student growth.”
If your class involves narrative writing, explore 101 thesis statements for a narrative essay to practice crafting strong closing ideas.
Strategies to Write Conclusions That Earn Higher Marks
Use these practical tips:
1. Avoid Introducing New Information
New arguments or evidence weaken your conclusion.
2. Connect Your Final Thoughts to the Introduction
This brings your paper full circle and strengthens cohesion.
3. Use Conclusive and Academic Language
Phrases like:
“This analysis demonstrates…”
“These findings suggest…”
“This study highlights…”
To improve your language, check out our list of the best phrases for essay writing.
4. Keep Your Conclusion Concise
A strong conclusion is usually 10–15% of the total essay length.
5. Maintain a Confident Tone
Don’t use uncertain phrases like:
“I think…”
“Maybe…”
“It seems…”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Repeating the introduction word-for-word
Adding new stats or research
Making claims you didn’t support in the body
Ending abruptly
Using overly emotional or informal language
If your conclusion feels disconnected from your introduction, review formatting basics in Abstract vs. Introduction to understand how different sections should align.
Sample Conclusion Paragraph
Here’s a simple template you can adapt:
“This essay has examined the impact of digital distractions on student productivity. The analysis shows that structured study habits, time-blocking strategies, and mindful device use significantly enhance learning outcomes. These insights can guide students toward healthier study routines and help educators design better support systems for academic success.”
FAQs
1. How long should a conclusion be?
Around 3–6 sentences, depending on your essay or paper length.
2. What tense should I use in my conclusion?
Use present tense for general statements and past tense for research-based findings.
3. Can a conclusion include quotes?
It’s best to avoid quotes. A conclusion should reflect your own insights.
4. Should I rewrite my thesis or copy it?
Rewrite it in a fresh way—do not copy the same sentence.
Conclusion
Writing a strong conclusion doesn’t require difficult vocabulary or complex statements. All you need is clarity, structure, and a compelling final message. By summarizing your main points, highlighting the significance of your work, and ending with a confident closing sentence, you can write better conclusions that help you earn higher marks in 2026 and beyond.
