Concluding Sentence

Concluding Sentence of Body Paragraphs in an Essay

1. A concluding sentence of a body paragraph serves as a summary and closure for the ideas or arguments presented in that specific paragraph.
2. It reiterates the main points discussed, wraps up the discussion, and prepares the reader for the next paragraph or the conclusion.
3. The concluding sentence is tied back to the thesis statement or topic sentence, provide a sense of completion, and offer final thoughts or implications related to the content of the paragraph.
4. It connects the paragraph to the next paragraph or the conclusion.

Features of Concluding Sentence of Body Paragraphs in an Essay

Feature	Short Detail	Example with Feature
Summary of Main Points	Succinctly summarize key ideas or arguments	In short, the evidence presented demonstrates the detrimental effects of climate change on biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and innovative solutions to mitigate its impacts and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Connection to Thesis or Topic Sentence	Tie back to the main thesis statement or topic sentence	Therefore, it is evident that the protagonist’s quest for self-discovery aligns with the central theme of identity explored throughout the novel, highlighting the author’s intention to emphasize the importance of self-reflection in one’s personal growth.
Transition to the next paragraph or conclusion	Smoothly transition to the next body paragraph or prepare for the essay’s conclusion	Moving forward, the subsequent section will delve into the economic implications of globalization, shedding light on the interconnectedness of international markets and the potential benefits and drawbacks of increased global trade.
Closing thoughts or implications	Offer final thoughts, insights, or implications	Ultimately, this study underscores the significance of early childhood education in fostering long-term academic success, emphasizing the need for policymakers and educators to prioritize and invest in quality early learning programs.
Sense of completion	Give the reader a sense of closure for the ideas discussed	To conclude, the analysis of historical events and primary sources has shed light on the complex factors that contributed to the outbreak of World War II, offering a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political climate of the time and its profound impact on global history.

Remember that the specific features of a concluding sentence vary depending on the topic, purpose, and overall structure of your essay. These guidelines serve as a general framework for writing an effective concluding sentence.

Main Parts of Concluding Sentence of Body Paragraphs in an Essay

1. “The findings demonstrate the impact of exercise on mental health, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity in improving mood, reducing stress levels, and enhancing overall well-being (Summary of main points), thereby underscoring the need for individuals to prioritize their physical fitness and incorporate exercise into their daily routines (Closing thoughts or implications), leading to a healthier mind and a fulfilling life (Sense of completion).”
2. “The imagery in the novel not only captivates the readers imagination but also serves as a powerful tool to convey emotions, enhance the setting, and deepen the thematic exploration of love, loss, and redemption (Summary of main points), highlighting the author’s ability to evoke emotional response in the readers (Closing thoughts or implications), establishing the novel a masterpiece that continues to impact generations (Sense of completion).”

Examples of Concluding Sentences of Body Paragraphs in an Essay

1. Showcasing the destructive power of ambition and the tragic downfall of Macbeth, Shakespeare has presented a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature.
2. Through its haunting portrayal of a man’s descent into madness, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” explores the themes of guilt, too.
3. Capturing the deferred dreams of African Americans in the 1950s, “Harlem” serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations.

NOTE: However, it is interesting to note that writing a concluding sentence of a body paragraph depends on the placement of that specific body paragraph.

For example, if that body paragraph connects with the next body paragraph, you must indicate the main idea of the next paragraph in this concluding paragraph. For example;

1. Showcasing the destructive power of ambition of Macbeth, Shakespeare has presented a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature.

If the next paragraph is about the causes of corruption, you can add “and indicate its causes.”

However, in case it is the last body paragraph and next is the Conclusion of the essay, then the concluding sentence is correct. It does not need any such indicator.

Suggested Readings

1. Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
2. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
3. Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
4. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.