How to Write a Persuasive Essay Conclusion

A persuasive essay conclusion is the final paragraph or section of an essay that aims to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the writer’s main argument. It is a crucial component of the essay as it provides closure and summarizes the key points discussed throughout the paper. The persuasive essay conclusion serves as the writer’s last opportunity to persuade the audience and leave them with a strong and memorable takeaway.

This article will guide you on how to write a persuasive essay conclusion. Let’s dive in.

Components of a Persuasive Essay

What Makes a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. The writer presents arguments and supporting evidence to persuade the audience of the validity of their position. A persuasive essay should employ various persuasive techniques and appeal to the reader’s logic, emotions, and ethics to be effective.

1. Clear thesis statement: A persuasive essay starts with a clear and concise thesis statement that presents the writer’s main argument or position. The thesis statement sets the tone for the entire essay and provides a roadmap for the arguments that will be presented.
2. Well-researched evidence: A persuasive essay relies on credible and relevant evidence to support the writer’s arguments. This evidence can come in the form of facts, statistics, expert opinions, examples, or anecdotes. The use of strong evidence enhances the persuasiveness of the essay and adds credibility to the writer’s claims.
3. Logical reasoning: Persuasive essays should employ logical reasoning to connect the evidence to the main argument. The writer should present a clear and coherent line of reasoning that leads the reader to understand and accept the validity of their position. Logical fallacies should be avoided to maintain the strength of the argument.
4. Counterarguments and rebuttals: A persuasive essay acknowledges and addresses counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. By anticipating and refuting potential objections, the writer demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the essay topic and strengthens their own argument.
5. Persuasive techniques: Persuasive essays employ various techniques to appeal to the reader’s emotions, ethics, and logic. These techniques may include the use of rhetorical questions, vivid imagery, powerful language, appeals to authority, and appeals to the reader’s values or beliefs. By appealing to these different aspects, the writer aims to sway the reader’s opinion in their favor.

The Structure of a Persuasive Essay

The structure of a persuasive essay is designed to lead the reader through a logical progression of your argument, ultimately convincing them of your point of view. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the structure:

1. Introduction: The introduction of a persuasive essay should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should also include a clear thesis statement that presents the writer’s main argument.
2. Body paragraphs: The essay’s body consists of one or more paragraphs presenting the main arguments and supporting evidence. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or idea and provide sufficient evidence to support it. The writer should use logical transitions to smoothly connect the paragraphs and maintain a coherent flow of ideas.
3. Counterarguments: In some cases, it may be necessary to dedicate a paragraph or section of the essay to address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. This allows the writer to demonstrate their ability to consider different perspectives and strengthen their own argument by refuting opposing claims.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion of a persuasive essay should summarize the main points discussed in the essay and restate the thesis statement. It should provide a strong and memorable closing statement that reinforces the writer’s argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay Conclusion

The Conclusion in a Persuasive Essay

The conclusion of a persuasive essay plays a crucial role in reinforcing the writer’s argument and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It serves as the final opportunity for the writer to persuade the audience and solidify their stance.

Re-emphasizing the argument

The conclusion should restate the main argument or thesis statement of the essay. However, it should go beyond mere repetition and reiterate the significance and validity of the argument. By restating the main argument in a persuasive and compelling manner, the writer reminds the reader of the essay’s purpose and strengthens their position.

Leaving a lasting impression

The conclusion should aim to leave a strong and memorable impression on the reader. It is the last chance for the writer to make their case and influence the reader’s perspective. This can be achieved by using powerful language, invoking emotions, or providing a thought-provoking statement. By leaving a lasting impact, the writer ensures that their essay remains in the reader’s mind even after they have finished reading.

Providing closure

The conclusion provides closure to the essay. It ties together the main arguments, summarizes the key points, and brings the discussion to a satisfying end. By providing a sense of finality, the conclusion gives the reader a sense of completion and reinforces the essay’s overall effectiveness.

Common Mistakes in Writing Persuasive Essay Conclusions

When writing a persuasive speech or essay conclusion, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes that can weaken the impact of the conclusion. Here are some of these mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Listing the errors: A common mistake is simply listing the errors or weaknesses of the opposing viewpoint without addressing them meaningfully. Instead, focus on addressing counterarguments and providing strong rebuttals to demonstrate the superiority of your own argument.
2. Ignoring counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge and address counterarguments can undermine the credibility of the writer’s position. It is important to anticipate and refute opposing viewpoints in order to strengthen the overall argument.
3. Introducing new arguments: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence. This can confuse the reader and weaken the coherence of the essay. Stick to summarizing and reinforcing the main arguments presented in the body paragraphs.
4. Using weak language: Avoid using weak language in the conclusion. Instead, use strong and assertive language to emphasize the validity of your argument. This helps create a persuasive tone and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
5. Lack of closure: The conclusion should provide closure to the essay. It should bring the discussion to a satisfying end by summarizing the main points and reiterating the thesis statement. Make sure the conclusion provides a sense of completion to the essay.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay Conclusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recapping Your Thesis Statement

Restating the thesis statement in a persuasive essay conclusion is essential to remind the reader of your main argument. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively restate the thesis:

1. Paraphrase the thesis: Begin by rephrasing your thesis statement using different words and sentence structures. This helps avoid monotony and adds freshness to your restatement.
2. Maintain the core idea: While rephrasing, ensure that the essence of your thesis statement remains intact. Focus on capturing the main argument and the position you have taken.
3. Emphasize key points: Highlight the supporting points or evidence you presented in your essay while restating the thesis. This reinforces the credibility of your argument and reminds the reader of the strong foundation on which your thesis is based.
4. Use language that conveys conviction: Use persuasive language in your restatement to communicate confidence and conviction in your thesis. This helps leave a lasting impact on the reader and strengthens your overall argument.

Summarizing Main Points

Summarizing the main points discussed in your persuasive essay conclusion is crucial to reinforce your argument and provide a sense of closure. Follow these steps to summarize effectively:

1. Select the key points: Identify the most important supporting arguments or evidence presented in your essay. These should be the main pillars that have helped build your persuasive case.
2. Be concise: Summarize each key point in a concise manner. Avoid going into excessive detail or introducing new information. The aim is to remind the reader of the main ideas, not to rehash the entire essay.
3. Use transitional phrases: Utilize transitional phrases such as “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” or “in summary” to indicate that you are providing a summary. This helps the reader understand that you are moving towards the conclusion.
4. Maintain coherence: Ensure that the summary maintains a logical flow and coherence. Connect the key points smoothly to create a cohesive summary that encapsulates the essence of your essay.

Presenting a Final Plea

In a persuasive essay conclusion, presenting a final plea involves making a final appeal to the reader, urging them to take action or reconsider their perspective. Follow these tips to craft a compelling final plea:

1. Define a final plea: A final plea is a persuasive appeal made at the end of your essay to prompt the reader to align with your viewpoint or take a specific action. It should be compelling, concise, and memorable.
2. Appeal to emotions: Use emotional language or vivid imagery to evoke strong emotions in the reader. This can create a sense of urgency or empathy, making them more receptive to your plea.
3. Highlight the consequences: Emphasize the potential positive outcomes or negative consequences associated with accepting or rejecting your argument. This helps illustrate the significance of your viewpoint and motivates the reader to act.
4. Call to action: End your essay with a clear call to action that directs the reader towards a specific course of action. This could involve encouraging further research, promoting a particular solution, or urging them to reconsider their stance on the issue.
5. Use persuasive language: Use persuasive language techniques such as rhetorical questions, appeals to logic, or shared values to make your final plea more convincing.

Example of a Persuasive Essay Conclusion

It is clear that nurses play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Through their expertise, compassion, and dedication, they have the power to impact individuals, families, and communities positively. However, it is essential to recognize the challenges they face, such as staffing shortages and burnout, which hinder their ability to provide optimal care.

To support nurses and ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare, it is crucial for healthcare organizations and policymakers to invest in nurse education, improve working conditions, and provide adequate resources. By valuing and empowering nurses, we can create a healthcare system that benefits patients and nurtures the growth and well-being of these invaluable healthcare professionals.

Tips for Writing a Winning Persuasive Essay Conclusion

In a persuasive essay, the conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers and reinforce your argument. A well-crafted conclusion can make all the difference in persuading your audience to adopt your viewpoint. Here are some advanced tips to help you create a winning persuasive essay conclusion:

1. Summarize your main points: Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points you have made throughout your essay. However, avoid simply restating them verbatim. Instead, rephrase and synthesize your arguments to highlight their significance and reinforce their impact.
2. Use a powerful closing statement: End your essay with a strong and memorable closing statement. This can be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, a vivid analogy, or a compelling quote. The goal is to leave your readers with a lasting impression and a sense of urgency to consider your perspective.
3. Appeal to emotions: Persuasion is not solely based on logic and reasoning; it also involves connecting with your audience on an emotional level. In your conclusion, evoke emotions that resonate with your readers and make them more receptive to your ideas. Use vivid language, personal anecdotes, or powerful imagery to create an emotional impact.
4. Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments in your conclusion. You strengthen your overall argument by demonstrating that you have considered alternative viewpoints and refuting them effectively. This shows your audience that you have thoroughly examined the topic and are confident in your stance.
5. Provide a vision for the future: Inspire your readers by painting a picture of the potential future that aligns with your argument. Help them envision the positive outcomes or benefits that could arise if they embrace your perspective. By presenting a compelling vision, you motivate your audience to take action and support your ideas.

Utilizing the Art of Persuasion

Rhetoric and persuasive techniques play a crucial role in crafting a convincing persuasive essay. Here are some techniques you can employ to enhance the effectiveness of your arguments:

1. Ethos: Establish your credibility by presenting yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source. Use evidence from reputable sources, cite experts in the field, and showcase your understanding of the topic to earn the trust and respect of your audience.
2. Pathos: Appeal to your audience’s emotions to create a connection and elicit empathy. Use personal stories, vivid descriptions, and relatable examples to evoke feelings of sympathy, joy, anger, or any other emotion that supports your argument.
3. Logos: Employ logical reasoning and evidence to support your claims. Use facts, statistics, expert opinions, and logical deductions to strengthen your argument’s validity. Organize your points in a logical and coherent manner to facilitate comprehension and make your argument more compelling.
4. Rhetorical questions: Pose thought-provoking questions throughout your essay to engage your audience and encourage critical thinking. By guiding your readers towards your intended conclusions through strategic questioning, you can enhance the persuasive impact of your essay.
5. Repetition and parallelism: Utilize repetition and parallelism to emphasize key points and make them more memorable. By repeating certain phrases or structures, you create a rhythm that captures your audience’s attention and reinforces the importance of your message.

Considering Your Audience

When crafting a persuasive essay conclusion, it is essential to consider your audience and tailor your approach accordingly. Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Analyze your audience: Understand the demographics, values, beliefs, and knowledge level of your intended audience. Consider their potential biases, interests, and concerns to shape your conclusion effectively.
2. Adapt your tone and language: Modify your tone and language to resonate with your audience. You can use technical terms and sophisticated language if your readers are experts in the field. On the other hand, if your audience consists of laypersons, simplify complex concepts and explain jargon to ensure comprehension.
3. Address potential objections: Anticipate your audience’s objections or concerns and address them in your conclusion. By acknowledging their doubts and providing convincing responses, you demonstrate that you have considered alternative viewpoints, making your argument more persuasive.
4. Highlight shared values: Find common ground with your audience by emphasizing shared values or goals. Connect your argument to principles or beliefs that your audience holds dear to create a sense of alignment and increase their receptiveness to your ideas.

Editing and Revising

The editing and revising process is crucial for creating a polished and effective persuasive essay conclusion. Here are some tips to help you perfect your conclusion:

• Before focusing on the conclusion, read through your entire essay to ensure coherence and logical flow. Check if your conclusion aligns with your essay’s main body and reflects your overall argument.
• Eliminate any redundant or irrelevant information from your conclusion. Keep it concise and focused, emphasizing only the most essential points reinforcing your argument.
• Use strong and persuasive language in your conclusion. Choose powerful verbs, impactful adjectives, and precise terminology to convey your ideas more effectively. Avoid vague or weak phrases that can dilute the impact of your conclusion.
• Share your conclusion with trusted peers, teachers, or mentors and ask for their feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement, helping you identify any weak areas or missed opportunities in your conclusion.
• Ensure that your conclusion flows smoothly from the main body of your essay. The transition should be seamless, allowing your readers to follow your thought process effortlessly. Use transitional phrases and logical connections to create a cohesive and coherent conclusion.

Conclusion on How to Write a Persuasive Essay Conclusion

Writing a persuasive essay conclusion that truly resonates requires understanding the essay’s core structure, the art of persuasion, and the needs of your specific audience. With practice and adherence to these principles, your skills in writing a persuasive essay conclusion can certainly improve, enabling you to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Remember, the conclusion is your final interaction with your reader – make it count!

How to Write a Persuasive Essay Conclusion – FAQs

What is the best way to restate a thesis statement?

The best way to restate a thesis statement is to paraphrase it while maintaining your essay’s core idea and main arguments.

How can I ensure my conclusion leaves a strong impression?

To ensure your conclusion leaves a strong impression, use a powerful closing statement, appeal to emotions, address counterarguments, provide a vision for the future, and make sure your conclusion is coherent with the rest of your essay.

What are some effective persuasive techniques I can use in my conclusion?

Some effective persuasive techniques to use in your conclusion include appealing to ethos (establishing credibility), pathos (appealing to emotions), logos (using logical reasoning and evidence), employing rhetorical questions, and utilizing repetition and parallelism.

How can I adapt my conclusion for a different audience?

To adapt your conclusion for a different audience, analyze their demographics, values, beliefs, and knowledge level. Modify your tone and language to resonate with the audience, address their potential objections, and highlight shared values or goals.

How do I revise my conclusion to make it more impactful?

To revise your conclusion and make it more impactful, review your entire essay for coherence, trim unnecessary content, strengthen your language, seek feedback from others, and ensure a smooth transition from the main body of your essay.