Steps in writing the essay: Conclusion.

Conclusion is the final part that summarizes your main points. You should not face any difficulties in this part, especially if you have clear understanding of your thesis all way through. If you experience some difficulties in summing up your main points, then apparently you have not developed your thesis.

Your final part, conclusion, should correspond to your first part - introduction. The main idea should be restated again (it should not be repeated or paraphrased in the same words). Conclusion should emphasize the issue of your discourse. Pay close attention to the main idea presented in the introduction of essay writing. If the main idea has been changed or modified during the process of writing the essay, you should reformulate your thesis in the introduction.

You may open your summary by reminding your thesis to the reader. First, you must look trough the different components of your essay and emphasize your thesis to convince the reader that you have made true and right assertions. In the introduction after you have acquainted the reader with your idea, you should restate it throughout the text and since the last paragraph is conclusive you should present your thesis in its conclusive and most compelling form.

One of the best ways to present the effective conclusion for your essay is to explain how people can apply your solution to the bigger picture. The conclusion imbedded with platitudes and generalities may weaken the final part of your essay.

This conclusion of the essay "The Efficiency of the US Aid to AIDS in Africa" is an example how the thesis can be improved:

"Rather than use the AIDS epidemic as an opportunity to redress the under financing of African health services, USAID would seem to be pursuing its long-desired program goal of population control. The agency is insisting on the nature of AIDS as an STD, the heterosexual transmission of AIDS in Africa, and the importance of condom use to prevent HIV transmission. Of course condoms also prevent conception. Although USAID projects a 30 to 50 percent increase in child mortality as a result of the epidemic, it expects the population growth rate to decline by only I percent, because total fertility is so high in Africa (Harris 1990). USAID concludes, "Not only is this not the time to diminish family planning efforts, but instead such efforts could be redoubled . . ." (Merritt, Lyerly, and Thomas 1988: 127)"

The broadening of your conclusion does not mean that you should present new facts and materials you have not mentioned before. Your conclusion is your last say. So, develop a strong conclusion to make a lasting impression on the reader with your essay writing.