Concluding Paragraphs
Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
Warm Down Sentence:
In this sentence, simply remind me of what you have argued in your brilliant essay.
Please use different language than you used in your thesis. One sentence is all you
need here.
Three Points:
In one sentence for each of your three points, remind me of the big idea that you argued
in the essay. I know this feels repetitive - it is. Itʼs what the Essay Gods want though so
make sure you do it - three sentences.
Final Thoughts:
This is the part of the writing where you leave me with something profound to think
about. Make a connection between the topic of your essay and people in the real world.
What can we learn from reading this piece of literature. Why was it important for you to
examine THIS particular topic about THIS particular piece of literature? Two to three
sentences should be sufficient. You may use personal pronouns here (I, you, we).
Concluding Paragraphs
Essay Question:
In Diary of a Young Girl, the reader meets several characters, who become isolated from the rest of the
world. In a formal essay, select three of the characters and argue how their experience of isolation
affects them.
Thesis:
Clearly, in the text, Diary of a Young Girl, Mr. Dussel, Mrs. Van Daan and Peter Van Daan are each
impacted significantly by the isolation and cramped living conditions of the secret annex.
Concluding Paragraph:
Certainly, in the text, Diary of a Young Girl, Mr. Dussel, Mrs. Van Daan and Peter Van Daan are
each influenced by the isolation and confinement of the secret annex. First, Mr. Dussel becomes
protective of his space and his routines, regardless of how that affects the other seven people. Next, Mrs.
Van Daan becomes narrow-minded and refuses to see anyone else's side of a situation. Finally, Peter Van
Daan demonstrates that the longer he is in isolation from the rest of the world, the more self-assured he
becomes. Given their situation, the responses of these three characters are quite understandable. People
are not designed to live in confinement. When faced with less than desirable circumstances, people often
come to learn something about themselves. Depending on their coping skills that learning, however, may
be as unpleasant as the surroundings in which they find themselves.