So, you did it. You poured your heart out, wrestled with every sentence, and crafted an essay you’re proud of. But now you’re at the end, and you’re wondering… how do I wrap this thing up? A great conclusion is your final handshake, your last chance to leave a real impression. Let’s talk about how to make it count.

Why Your Ending Matters So Much

Think of your conclusion as the last note of a song. It’s what lingers in the air after the music stops. This is your final opportunity to tie everything together and remind the admissions officer what you’re all about. A powerful ending can take a good essay and make it truly memorable.

For example, if you wrote about your passion for solving environmental problems, your ending isn’t just a summary. It’s a final, heartfelt plea—a call to action that shows you’re not just talking the talk.

So, How Do You Write a Great Conclusion?

1. Bring it Full Circle. Think back to the idea you started with. Your conclusion is the perfect place to echo that main point, but with a new perspective. Show the reader how the journey of your essay has deepened your understanding. For instance, you could say, “I started this project thinking I was just building a robot, but in the end, I realized I was building a new version of myself.”

2. Connect the Dots. Briefly touch on the main experiences or points you made. Don’t just list them; show how they all weave together to support your central theme. It’s like saying, “From that disastrous first batch of cookies to the award-winning recipe, I learned that the secret ingredient was always perseverance.”

Look at the Bigger Picture. Leave your reader with something to think about. This is your chance to “zoom out” and connect your personal story to a bigger idea, a question, or a future aspiration. Something like, “If a simple conversation could change my mind, imagine what could happen if we all started listening to each other?”

Tell One Last, Tiny Story. Sometimes, a brief, powerful anecdote or a meaningful quote can be the perfect way to sign off. If there’s a saying that has guided you or a tiny moment that captures everything, share it. As my grandmother always said, “The work is what matters.” That summer, I finally understood what she meant.

3. Don’t Open a New Door. This is a big one. Your conclusion is for wrapping things up, not for introducing brand-new arguments or ideas. Stick to the story you’ve already told and give it the satisfying ending it deserves.

A Few Common Traps to Sidestep

• Sounding Like a Broken Record: It’s tempting to just copy and paste your thesis, but resist! Find a fresh, new way to say it. The reader just read your whole essay; trust that they remember your main point.
• Using the Cliché Wind-Up: Phrases like “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” or “In closing” are like verbal speed bumps. They’re unnecessary and a little clunky. Your conclusion should feel like a natural end, not a formal announcement.
• The Abrupt Stop: Don’t just drop the mic and walk away. A conclusion should feel like a gentle landing, not a sudden stop. Give your reader a sense of closure.

In the end, your conclusion is the last piece of you the reader gets. By tying your thoughts together and offering a final, reflective insight, you can leave them with a clear and compelling picture of who you are.

You’ve Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers.

What’s the real purpose of a conclusion in a college essay? It’s your final chance to reinforce your main message, provide a sense of closure, and leave a lasting, personal impression. It’s the bow on top.

How long should my conclusion be? A good rule of thumb is about 5-7% of your total word count. For a 500-word essay, that’s about 25-35 words, or a few strong sentences. It can be a little longer if your essay is more complex, but short and punchy is usually best.

How can I make my ending more engaging? Try asking a thought-provoking question or issuing a quiet call to action. A memorable, relevant quote or a final, brief anecdote can also make your conclusion really stand out from the pile.

Is it okay to use a quote in my conclusion? Absolutely! As long as it’s relevant and adds real value, a quote can be a powerful way to end. Just make sure it enhances your own voice, rather than replacing it.

What should I definitely avoid in my conclusion? Steer clear of introducing new ideas, being overly repetitive, leaning on clichés, and ending too suddenly. The goal is to reinforce your points in a way that feels fresh and final.

There is a common, and quite dangerous, misconception among students that the short essay is the “easy” essay. Because the word count is low, they treat it as a task to be dispatched quickly, with little thought. This, I must tell you, is a profound miscalculation.

In my two decades at the writing center, I have seen more students stumble over a 500-word essay than a 15-page research paper. Why? Because the short essay is not a test of endurance; it is a test of precision. It is the literary equivalent of a miniature painting or a perfectly cut gem. In a small space, every detail is magnified, and every flaw is immediately apparent.

To master the short essay is to master the discipline of economy—the art of making a powerful argument without a single wasted word. Let’s explore how you can cultivate this essential skill.

On Form and Function

When we speak of a “short essay,” we are generally referring to a piece of writing between 300 and 500 words. That’s roughly one to two double-spaced pages. The length is not arbitrary. It is designed to force you, the writer, to distill a complex idea to its absolute essence. You cannot wander, you cannot digress, you cannot afford to “find your argument as you go.” You must arrive on the page with a clear, focused point and a precise plan for proving it.

The structure, therefore, must be a model of efficiency:

• The Invitation (Introduction): In a short essay, your introduction is typically a single, potent paragraph. It must accomplish two things with swiftness and grace: engage the reader and present your thesis statement. There is no room for a long, meandering wind-up. Get to the point, and make that point compelling.
• The Pillars (Body): With only two or three paragraphs to build your case, each one must be a load-bearing pillar. Each paragraph must tackle a single, distinct point that directly supports your thesis. You must begin with a clear topic sentence, provide a specific piece of evidence or a well-chosen example, and then analyze how it proves your point. There can be no filler. Every sentence must do work.
• The Lasting Impression (Conclusion): Your conclusion cannot be a lengthy restatement of what you’ve already said. It must be a final, resonant chord. Briefly synthesize your main points, reaffirm your thesis in a new light, and leave your reader with a clear and powerful final thought. It is your last chance to underscore the significance of your argument.

On Craft and Execution

Knowing the structure is one thing; executing it well is another. Here are the practices that separate a masterful short essay from a rushed and flimsy one.

• Your Blueprint is Non-Negotiable: In a long paper, you might have room to discover new ideas as you write. In a short essay, you must be the architect before you become the builder. You must begin with an outline. Know your thesis, know the point of each of your body paragraphs, and know how they will connect before you write the first sentence.
• Embrace the Power of the Specific: Vague generalizations are the death of a short essay. You do not have the space to speak broadly. Instead, you must rely on the power of a single, perfectly chosen example. One vivid anecdote or one startling statistic will be far more persuasive than a paragraph of fuzzy, abstract language.
• Every Word Must Work: Scrutinize your language. This is not about using complex vocabulary; it is about using precise vocabulary. If a word is not adding meaning, delete it. If a sentence is convoluted, simplify it. Think of yourself as a shipbuilder: every plank must be essential, perfectly placed, and watertight.

On Studying the Masters

To truly appreciate the power of this form, I encourage you to read the work of its masters. Do not just read them for their content, but study them for their technique.

• Read George Orwell’s “A Hanging.” Notice how he uses concrete, sensory details—not abstract moral arguments—to build a devastatingly powerful case against capital punishment in just a few pages.
• Read Virginia Woolf’s “Street Haunting.” Observe how she weaves profound reflections on society, identity, and consciousness from the simple act of walking through London.
• Read James Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son.” See how he masterfully synthesizes personal experience and political analysis, making the grand sweep of history feel immediate and deeply personal.

In each of these works, you will find not a single wasted word. You will see writers who understand that brevity, when paired with precision, is not a limitation but a source of incredible power. The short essay teaches you to be ruthless in your editing, clear in your thinking, and impactful in your delivery—skills that will elevate every other piece of writing you ever undertake.

In our scholarly conversations, clarity and precision are paramount. When we weave the work of others into our own—whether quoting a poet, citing a study, or analyzing a film—we have a responsibility to be clear about what is our voice and what belongs to the work we are examining.

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A well-written thesis statement sets the tone for your essay, outlines the main points of comparison, and provides a clear roadmap for your readers.

Understanding the Compare and Contrast Essay

Defining the Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that analyzes the similarities and differences between two subjects. These subjects are typically related in some way, such as two historical events, literary works, or scientific concepts.

Purpose of a Compare and Contrast Essay

The primary goal of a compare and contrast essay is to evaluate the similarities and differences between two subjects, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of both topics. This type of essay fosters critical thinking and helps develop analytical skills.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Importance of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a vital component of any essay, as it presents the central argument or claim you will explore throughout your paper. In a compare and contrast essay, the thesis statement should clearly state the subjects being compared and the basis for comparison.

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement

An effective thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay should possess the following qualities:

1. Clarity: It should be clear and easy to understand.
2. Specificity: It should focus on the main points of comparison between the two subjects.
3. Arguable: It should present a claim that can be debated or discussed.
4. Concise: It should be brief and to the point.

Steps to Develop a Thesis Statement

1. Choose your subjects: Select two subjects that are related in some way and have enough similarities and differences to warrant a comparison.
2. Identify the basis for comparison: Determine the specific aspects of each subject that you will compare and contrast.
3. Craft a clear and concise statement: Combine the subjects and the basis for comparison into a single sentence that encapsulates the main argument of your essay.

Examples of Thesis Statements

Literature

In “The Great Gatsby” and “Death of a Salesman,” both protagonists, Jay Gatsby and Willy Loman, pursue the American Dream, but their contrasting motivations and personal values ultimately lead to their tragic downfalls.

Science

While solar power and wind power are both popular forms of renewable energy, their differences in reliability, efficiency, and environmental impact make them suitable for different applications.

History

The American Revolution and the French Revolution share common themes of social inequality and the pursuit of liberty, but their outcomes diverge due to differences in leadership and historical context.

Organizing Your Compare and Contrast Essay

Block Method

The block method involves discussing one subject in its entirety before moving on to the other subject. This approach is suitable when comparing and contrasting subjects with many differences or when the subjects are complex.

Example Outline

I. Introduction

II. Subject A

A. Point of Comparison 1

B. Point of Comparison 2

C. Point of Comparison 3

III. Subject B

A. Point of Comparison 1

B. Point of Comparison 2

C. Point of Comparison 3

IV. Conclusion

Point-by-Point Method

The point-by-point method involves discussing each point of comparison in turn, alternating between the two subjects. This approach is more suitable for subjects with fewer differences or when the subjects are simpler.

Example Outline

I. Introduction

II. Point of Comparison 1

A. Subject A

B. Subject B

III. Point of Comparison 2

A. Subject A

B. Subject B

IV. Point of Comparison 3

A. Subject A

B. Subject B

V. Conclusion

Writing the Compare and Contrast Essay

Introduction

Begin your compare and contrast essay with an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides context for your thesis statement. Include background information on the subjects and introduce the main points of comparison.

Body Paragraphs

Develop your body paragraphs by presenting the points of comparison, providing evidence and examples to support your claims. Make sure to use appropriate transitions to maintain a smooth flow and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single point of comparison.

Conclusion

Conclude your compare and contrast essay by summarizing the main points of comparison and restating your thesis statement. Offer insight into the significance of the similarities and differences, and discuss the broader implications of your analysis.

Revising and Editing Your Essay

Review for Clarity and Coherence

After completing your first draft, read through your essay to ensure that your thesis statement is clear and your points of comparison are logically organized. Make sure your essay flows smoothly and your arguments are well-supported with evidence and examples.

Proofread for Grammar and Punctuation

Carefully proofread your essay, checking for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and typos. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a compare and contrast essay?

A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that analyzes the similarities and differences between two related subjects.

2. What is the purpose of a thesis statement in a compare and contrast essay?

A thesis statement in a compare and contrast essay presents the central argument, establishes the subjects being compared, and outlines the basis for comparison.

3. What are the characteristics of an effective thesis statement?

An effective thesis statement should be clear, specific, arguable, and concise.

4. What are the two methods for organizing a compare and contrast essay?

The two methods for organizing a compare and contrast essay are the block method and the point-by-point method.

5. What should be included in the conclusion of a compare and contrast essay?

The conclusion of a compare and contrast essay should summarize the main points of comparison, restate the thesis statement, and discuss the significance and broader implications of the analysis.