Creating A Conclusion For A Problem Solution Essay In 6 Steps

Essay writing is a formulaic procedure, much like solving math problems. In math, the formulas you use are always the same. You simply plug in the numbers to get the solution. When you write an essay, you follow the same formula. Instead of plugging in numbers, you use words that related to your topic. Every essay needs to have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In each of those sections, there are formulas, too. Most instruction focuses on writing the introduction or conclusion which leaves the process of writing the conclusion a mystery to students. Here are six steps to get your problem-solution conclusion written successfully:

1. Put the conclusion in correct place. Your concluding paragraph should always be at the end of the paper. While this might seem obvious, there are plenty of students who simply neglect the paragraph and leave their readers hanging at the end of their papers.
2. Begin with a restated thesis. The easiest thing to remember about the conclusion is that it is basically the introduction in reverse. The first sentence should resemble the thesis statement, so your reader is reminded of what you were trying to solve. So, your first sentence should include the problem and your ideal solution.
3. Include sentences that restate the main points of your body paragraphs. There should be at least one sentence for each body paragraph. Think of those sentences as mini summaries for the body paragraphs. The sentences should not just be restated topic sentences.
4. Refer back to the hook, if possible. One successful way to close an essay of any sort is to put some closure on the hook. If you asked a question, you can answer the question. If you used an anecdote, finish it or share what was learned from it. You could even end with a famous quote that compliments the one you used to start the introduction. When you refer back to the hook, you bring your essay full-circle, especially a problem solution essay.
5. Avoid using obvious closures. Many students will use the words "in conclusion" at some point in their conclusions. This weakens your paper, because the conclusion paragraph is already obvious, since it is the last one of your paper.
6. Edit and revise. Before you submit your paper for grading, double check that the conclusion does what you want it to do. Read it aloud and make sure that it sounds like it is the end of your paper and that it does show the solution to the problem, one last time.