Writing conclusions

The conclusion is the final paragraph in an essay. It has three purposes.
1. It signals the end of the essay. To do so, begin your conclusion with a clear signal, such as To sum up, In conclusion, To conclude.
2. It reminds your reader of your main points, which you can do in one of two ways: You can
. • summarize your main ideas. • rewrite your thesis statement in other words.
3. It leaves your reader with your final thoughts on the topic. This is your opportunity to give a strong, effective message that your reader will remember.

How to write a strong conclusion

Thesis: The cost of higher education is increasing and financial support for students is decreasing.

1. Make a prediction

In summary, the costs of attending college have been rising while, at the same time, sources of financial aid for students have been disappearing. If this trend continues, fewer and fewer families will be able to send their children through four years of college. This will seriously affect the future of many young people’s lives.

2. Suggest results or consequences

To sum up, the costs of attending college are up and financial aid for students is down. Fewer and fewer future members of the workforce are able to educate themselves beyond high school. As a result, the nation will waste the intelligence, imagination, and energy of a large segment of the present college-age generation.

3. Suggest a solution, make a recommendation, or call for action

In short, it is clear that the present system of higher education is in trouble. For many students, four years of college is no longer possible because of increasing costs and decreasing financial aid. To reverse this trend, we must demand that government increase its financial support of colleges and universities and restore financial aid programs. Our future depends on it.

Task
1. First read the following essay plans on the next page (Only the introductory paragraph and ideas for the body paragraphs are given.)

2. Next write a concluding paragraph for each essay.

# 1 Controlling Stress
Introduction
The busy schedules that most adults face every day have created a growing health problem in the modern world. Stress affects almost everyone, from the highly pressured executive to the busy homemaker or student. It can cause a variety of physical problems ranging from headaches to stomach ulcers and even alcoholism. Stress, like the common cold, is a problem that cannot be cured; however, it can be controlled. A person can learn to control stress in four ways.

Ideas for Body Paragraphs
A. Set realistic goals
B. Take up a hobby
C. Exercise regularly
D. Maintain close relationships with family and friends

Conclusion
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# 2 Studying in Great Britain
Introduction
People come from all over the world to the United Kingdom for their education. Some come for a year, while others may stay four years or longer to complete a university degree. Of course, the first few weeks in a new country are always a little stressful, but knowledge of a few British characteristics and customs can make life easier for new arrivals.

Ideas for Body Paragraphs
A. It takes time to get to know British people.
B. British people are very polite, so remember to say “please” and “thank you” a lot.
C. The weather is no joke-it rains a lot.
D. Cars drive on the left side of the road, so the traffic can be dangerous if you look to the left instead of to the right.

Conclusion
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