How to Conclude an Essay: The Ultimate Guide (With Templates You Can Copy)

You've written a killer introduction. Your body paragraphs are packed with evidence. But now you're staring at a blinking cursor, wondering: how do I actually end this thing?

You're not alone. The conclusion is where most essays fall apart—or come together brilliantly.

This guide breaks down exactly how to write a conclusion that leaves your professor nodding, not yawning. We'll cover the proven frameworks from Harvard and UNC, show you what to avoid, and give you copy-paste templates for every essay type.

What Makes a Good Essay Conclusion?

A conclusion isn't just a summary. It's your last chance to make an impression.

According to the Harvard Writing Center, a strong conclusion does three things:

• Restates the "what" — Briefly revisit your main argument
• Highlights the "so what" — Show why your argument matters
• Leaves readers with the "now what" — Point toward broader implications

Your conclusion should be about 10-15% of your total essay length. For a 1,500-word essay, that's roughly 150-225 words.

The 3-Step Framework for Writing Conclusions

Here's the simplest structure that works for any essay type, from Scribbr's academic writing guide:

Step 1: Return to Your Thesis

Don't just copy-paste your thesis from the introduction. Reframe it to show how your argument has developed.

Step 2: Synthesize Your Main Points

Notice the word: synthesize, not summarize.

Don't just list what you said. Show how your points connect to form a cohesive argument. The UNC Writing Center calls this "playing the 'So What' game"—keep asking yourself why your points matter until you hit something meaningful.

Step 3: End with Significance

Zoom out. What are the broader implications of your argument?

• Does this suggest a need for action?
• Does it open new questions for research?
• Can it apply to other contexts?

6 Strategies for Powerful Conclusions

The University of North Carolina Writing Center outlines these proven strategies:

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

According to Simon Fraser University's Writing Guide, these are the most common conclusion killers:

Copy-Paste Conclusion Templates

For Argumentative Essays

"The arguments presented in this essay demonstrate the significant importance of [your topic]. While there are strong counterarguments, such as [main opposing view], the evidence overwhelmingly supports [your position]. Moving forward, [action or implication] should be a priority for [relevant stakeholders]."

For Expository Essays

"Overall, this essay has examined the key aspects of [topic]. Through analysis of [main points], it becomes clear that [central insight]. As research in this area continues to develop, [future direction or significance]."

For Compare and Contrast Essays

"While both [subject A] and [subject B] share similarities in [common ground], their differences in [key distinction] reveal [insight]. The choice between them depends on [context or criteria]."

For Persuasive Essays

"On the balance of evidence, there is a compelling case for [your position]. The counterarguments, while worth considering, do not outweigh the benefits of [your solution]. It is therefore essential that [call to action]."

Conclusion Checklist

Before you submit, run through this quick check:

• Does it restate your thesis in fresh words?
• Does it synthesize (not summarize) your main points?
• Does it answer "so what?"
• Is it free of new evidence or arguments?
• Does it avoid "In conclusion" and similar clichés?
• Does it end with a strong, confident sentence?
• Is it roughly 10-15% of your total word count?