key term - Concluding sentence

Definition

A concluding sentence is a statement that wraps up the main idea of a paragraph, providing a sense of closure and summarizing the key points discussed. It helps to reinforce the overall message and prepares the reader for what follows next in the text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Concluding sentences often restate the main idea in a new way to reinforce the message without being repetitive.
2. They can also include a final thought or call to action that encourages the reader to think further about the topic.
3. A strong concluding sentence not only summarizes but also links back to the essay's overall thesis, creating coherence.
4. Effective concluding sentences help prevent abrupt endings by smoothly signaling to readers that a section is coming to an end.
5. In longer essays, each paragraph's concluding sentence contributes to the overall flow and structure, guiding readers through the arguments presented.

Review Questions

• How does a concluding sentence contribute to the overall coherence of an essay?
  • A concluding sentence plays a vital role in maintaining coherence by summarizing the main idea of a paragraph while linking back to the overall thesis of the essay. It ensures that readers understand how each paragraph fits into the larger argument being made. By providing closure for individual paragraphs, it helps create a smooth transition into subsequent ideas or sections, enhancing readability.
• What techniques can be used in crafting an effective concluding sentence?
  • Crafting an effective concluding sentence can involve techniques such as restating the main idea in different words, summarizing key points, or providing a final insight related to the topic. Writers might also use questions or calls to action that engage readers' thoughts beyond just the paragraph. These techniques help reinforce the message while also encouraging further reflection on the subject matter.
• Evaluate how well-constructed concluding sentences influence reader engagement and understanding in an essay.
  • Well-constructed concluding sentences significantly enhance reader engagement and understanding by providing clarity and closure. They summarize essential points, tying them back to the thesis, which helps readers recall critical arguments. When concluding sentences are effective, they not only wrap up ideas neatly but also encourage readers to contemplate broader implications or applications of what they've just read, fostering deeper connections with the material.

Related terms

Topic Sentence: The topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, setting the stage for the supporting details that will follow.

Transition Sentence: A transition sentence links ideas between paragraphs or sections, guiding the reader smoothly from one thought to another.

Thesis Statement:

A thesis statement presents the main argument or claim of an essay, typically found in the introduction, which is supported throughout the text.