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How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

By the time you get to the final paragraph of your paper, you have already done so much work on your essay, so all you want to do is to wrap it up as quickly as possible. You’ve already made a stunning introduction, proven your argument, and structured the whole piece as supposed – who cares about making a good conclusion paragraph?

The only thing you need to remember is that the conclusion of an essay is not just the last paragraph of an academic paper where you restate your thesis and key arguments. A concluding paragraph is also your opportunity to have a final impact on your audience. 

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How to write a conclusion paragraph that leaves a lasting impression – In this guide, the team at EssayPro is going to walk you through the process of writing a perfect conclusion step by step. Additionally, we will share valuable tips and tricks to help students of all ages impress their readers at the last moment.

Instead of Intro: What Is a Conclusion?

Before we can move on, let’s take a moment here to define the conclusion itself. According to the standard conclusion definition, it is pretty much the last part of something, its result, or end. However, this term is rather broad and superficial.

When it comes to writing academic papers, a concluding statement refers to an opinion, judgment, suggestion, or position arrived at by logical reasoning (through the arguments provided in the body of the text). Therefore, if you are wondering “what is a good closing sentence like?” – keep on reading.

What Does a Good Conclusion Mean?

Writing a good conclusion for a paper isn’t easy. However, we are going to walk you through this process step by step. Although there are generally no strict rules on how to formulate one, there are some basic principles that everyone should keep in mind. In this section, we will share some core ideas for writing a good conclusion, and, later in the article, we will also provide you with more practical advice and examples.

Here are the core goals a good conclusion should complete:

• “Wrap up” the entire paper;
• Demonstrate to readers that the author accomplished what he/she set out to do;
• Show how you the author has proved their thesis statement;
• Give a sense of completeness and closure on the topic;
• Leave something extra for your reader to think about;
• Leave a powerful final impact on a reader.

Another key thing to remember is that you should not introduce any new ideas or arguments to your paper's conclusion. It should only sum up what you have already written, revisit your thesis statement, and end with a powerful final impression.

When considering how to write a conclusion that works, here are the key points to keep in mind:

• A concluding sentence should only revisit the thesis statement, not restate it;
• It should summarize the main ideas from the body of the paper;
• It should demonstrate the significance and relevance of your work;
• An essay’s conclusion should include a call for action and leave space for further study or development of the topic (if necessary).

How Long Should a Conclusion Be? 

Although there are no strict universal rules regarding the length of an essay’s final clause, both teachers and experienced writers recommend keeping it clear, concise, and straight to the point. There is an unspoken rule that the introduction and conclusion of an academic paper should both be about 10% of the overall paper’s volume. For example, if you were assigned a 1500 word essay, both the introductory and final clauses should be approximately 150 words long (300 together).

Why You Need to Know How to End an Essay:

A conclusion is what drives a paper to its logical end. It also drives the main points of your piece one last time. It is your last opportunity to impact and impress your audience. And, most importantly, it is your chance to demonstrate to readers why your work matters. Simply put, the final paragraph of your essay should answer the last important question a reader will have – “So what?”

If you do a concluding paragraph right, it can give your readers a sense of logical completeness. On the other hand, if you do not make it powerful enough, it can leave them hanging, and diminish the effect of the entire piece.

Strategies to Crafting a Proper Conclusion

Although there are no strict rules for what style to use to write your conclusion, there are several strategies that have been proven to be effective. In the list below, you can find some of the most effective strategies with some good conclusion paragraph examples to help you grasp the idea.

One effective way to emphasize the significance of your essay and give the audience some thought to ponder about is by taking a look into the future. The “When and If” technique is quite powerful when it comes to supporting your points in the essay’s conclusion.

Prediction essay conclusion example: “Taking care of a pet is quite hard, which is the reason why most parents refuse their children’s requests to get a pet. However, the refusal should be the last choice of parents. If we want to inculcate a deep sense of responsibility and organization in our kids, and, at the same time, sprout compassion in them, we must let our children take care of pets.”

Another effective strategy is to link your conclusion to your introductory paragraph. This will create a full-circle narration for your readers, create a better understanding of your topic, and emphasize your key point.

Echo conclusion paragraph example: Introduction: “I believe that all children should grow up with a pet. I still remember the exact day my parents brought my first puppy to our house. This was one of the happiest moments in my life and, at the same time, one of the most life-changing ones. Growing up with a pet taught me a lot, and most importantly, it taught me to be responsible.” Conclusion:. “I remember when I picked up my first puppy and how happy I was at that time. Growing up with a pet, I learned what it means to take care of someone, make sure that he always has water and food, teach him, and constantly keep an eye on my little companion. Having a child grow up with a pet teaches them responsibility and helps them acquire a variety of other life skills like leadership, love, compassion, and empathy. This is why I believe that every kid should grow up with a pet!”

Finally, one more trick that will help you create a flawless conclusion is to amplify your main idea or to present it in another perspective of a larger context. This technique will help your readers to look at the problem discussed from a different angle.

Step-up argumentative essay conclusion example: “Despite the obvious advantages of owning a pet in childhood, I feel that we cannot generalize whether all children should have a pet. Whereas some kids may benefit from such experiences, namely, by becoming more compassionate, organized, and responsible, it really depends on the situation, motivation, and enthusiasm of a particular child for owning a pet.”

What is a clincher in an essay? – The final part of an essay’s conclusion is often referred to as a clincher sentence. According to the clincher definition, it is a final sentence that reinforces the main idea or leaves the audience with an intriguing thought to ponder upon. In a nutshell, the clincher is very similar to the hook you would use in an introductory paragraph. Its core mission is to seize the audience’s attention until the end of the paper. At the same time, this statement is what creates a sense of completeness and helps the author leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Now, since you now know what a clincher is, you are probably wondering how to use one in your own paper. First of all, keep in mind that a good clincher should be intriguing, memorable, smooth, and straightforward.

Generally, there are several different tricks you can use for your clincher statement; it can be:

• A short, but memorable and attention-grabbing conclusion;
• A relevant and memorable quote (only if it brings actual value);
• A call to action;
• A rhetorical question;
• An illustrative story or provocative example;
• A warning against a possibility or suggestion about the consequences of a discussed problem;
• A joke (however, be careful with this as it may not always be deemed appropriate).

Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure that your clincher is memorable and aligns with your introduction and thesis.

Clincher examples: - While New York may not be the only place with the breathtaking views, it is definitely among my personal to 3… and that’s what definitely makes it worth visiting. - “Thence we came forth to rebehold the stars”, Divine Comedy - Don’t you think all these advantages sound like almost life-saving benefits of owning a pet? “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”, The Great Gatsby

Conclusion Writing Don'ts 

Now, when you know what tricks and techniques you should use to create a perfect conclusion, let’s look at some of the things you should not do with our online paper writing service :

• Starting with some cliché concluding sentence starters. Many students find common phrases like “In conclusion,” “Therefore,” “In summary,” or similar statements to be pretty good conclusion starters. However, though such conclusion sentence starters may work in certain cases – for example, in speeches – they are overused, so it is recommended not to use them in writing to introduce your conclusion.
• Putting the first mention of your thesis statement in the conclusion – it has to be presented in your introduction first.
• Providing new arguments, subtopics, or ideas in the conclusion paragraph.
• Including a slightly changed or unchanged thesis statement.
• Providing arguments and evidence that belong in the body of the work.
• Writing too long, hard to read, or confusing sentences.

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Conclusion Paragraph Outline

The total number of sentences in your final paragraph may vary depending on the number of points you discussed in your essay, as well as on the overall word count of your paper. However, the overall conclusion paragraph outline will remain the same and consists of the following elements:

• A conclusion starter:

The first part of your paragraph should drive readers back to your thesis statement. Thus, if you were wondering how to start a conclusion, the best way to do it is by rephrasing your thesis statement.

• Summary of the body paragraphs:

Right after revisiting your thesis, you should include several sentences that wrap up the key highlights and points from your body paragraphs. This part of your conclusion can consist of 2-3 sentences—depending on the number of arguments you’ve made. If necessary, you can also explain to the readers how your main points fit together.

• A concluding sentence:

Finally, you should end your paragraph with a last, powerful sentence that leaves a lasting impression, gives a sense of logical completeness, and connects readers back to the introduction of the paper.

These three key elements make up a perfect essay conclusion. Now, to give you an even better idea of how to create a perfect conclusion, let us give you a sample conclusion paragraph outline with examples from an argumentative essay on the topic of “Every Child Should Own a Pet:

• Sentence 1: Starter
• ~ Thesis: "Though taking care of a pet may be a bit challenging for small children. Parents should not restrict their kids from having a pet as it helps them grow into more responsible and compassionate people."
• ~ Restated thesis for a conclusion: "I can say that taking care of a pet is good for every child."
• Sentences 2-4: Summary
• ~ "Studies have shown that pet owners generally have fewer health problems."
• ~ "Owning a pet teaches a child to be more responsible."
• ~ "Spending time with a pet reduces stress, feelings of loneliness, and anxiety."
• Sentence 5: A concluding sentence
• ~ "Pets can really change a child life for the better, so don't hesitate to endorse your kid's desire to own a pet."

This is a clear example of how you can shape your conclusion paragraph.

How to Conclude Various Types of Essays

Depending on the type of academic essay you are working on, your concluding paragraph's style, tone, and length may vary. In this part of our guide, we will tell you how to end different types of essays and other works.

How to End an Argumentative Essay

Persuasive or argumentative essays always have the single goal of convincing readers of something (an idea, stance, or viewpoint) by appealing to arguments, facts, logic, and even emotions. The conclusion for such an essay has to be persuasive as well. A good trick you can use is to illustrate a real-life scenario that proves your stance or encourages readers to take action. More about persuasive essay outline you can read in our article.

Here are a few more tips for making a perfect conclusion for an argumentative essay:

• Carefully read the whole essay before you begin;
• Re-emphasize your ideas;
• Discuss possible implications;
• Don’t be afraid to appeal to the reader’s emotions.

How to End a Compare and Contrast Essay

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to emphasize the differences or similarities between two or more objects, people, phenomena, etc. Therefore, a logical conclusion should highlight how the reviewed objects are different or similar. Basically, in such a paper, your conclusion should recall all of the key common and distinctive features discussed in the body of your essay and also give readers some food for thought after they finish reading it.

How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay

The key idea of a descriptive essay is to showcase your creativity and writing skills by painting a vivid picture with the help of words. This is one of the most creative types of essays as it requires you to show a story, not tell it. This kind of essay implies using a lot of vivid details. Respectively, the conclusion of such a paper should also use descriptive imagery and, at the same time, sum up the main ideas. A good strategy for ending a descriptive essay would be to begin with a short explanation of why you wrote the essay. Then, you should reflect on how your topic affects you. In the middle of the conclusion, you should cover the most critical moments of the story to smoothly lead the reader into a logical closing statement. The “clincher”, in this case, should be a thought-provoking final sentence that leaves a good and lasting impression on the audience. Do not lead the reader into the essay and then leave them with dwindling memories of it.

How to Conclude an Essay About Yourself

If you find yourself writing an essay about yourself, you need to tell a personal story. As a rule, such essays talk about the author’s experiences, which is why a conclusion should create a feeling of narrative closure. A good strategy is to end your story with a logical finale and the lessons you have learned, while, at the same time, linking it to the introductory paragraph and recalling key moments from the story.

How to End an Informative Essay

Unlike other types of papers, informative or expository essays load readers with a lot of information and facts. In this case, “Synthesize, don’t summarize” is the best technique you can use to end your paper. Simply put, instead of recalling all of the major facts, you should approach your conclusion from the “So what?” position by highlighting the significance of the information provided.

How to Conclude a Narrative Essay

In a nutshell, a narrative essay is based on simple storytelling. The purpose of this paper is to share a particular story in detail. Therefore, the conclusion for such a paper should wrap up the story and avoid finishing on an abrupt cliffhanger. It is vital to include the key takeaways and the lessons learned from the story.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Lab Report

Unlike an essay, a lab report is based on an experiment. This type of paper describes the flow of a particular experiment conducted by a student and its conclusion should reflect on the outcomes of this experiment.

In thinking of how to write a conclusion for a lab, here are the key things you should do to get it right:

• Restate the goals of your experiment
• Describe the methods you used
• Include the results of the experiment and analyze the final data
• End your conclusion with a clear statement on whether or not the experiment was successful (Did you reach the expected results?)

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Writing a paper is probably the hardest task of all, even for experienced dissertation writer . Unlike an essay or even a lab report, a research paper is a much longer piece of work that requires a deeper investigation of the problem. Therefore, a conclusion for such a paper should be even more sophisticated and powerful. If you're feeling difficulty writing an essay, you can buy essay on our service.

However, given that a research paper is the second most popular kind of academic paper (after an essay), it is important to know how to conclude a research paper. Even if you have not yet been assigned to do this task, be sure that you will face it soon. So, here are the steps you should follow to create a great conclusion for a research paper:

• Restate the Topic

Start your final paragraph with a quick reminder of what the topic of the piece is about. Keep it one sentence long.

• Revisit the Thesis

Next, you should remind your readers what your thesis statement was. However, do not just copy and paste it from the introductory clause: paraphrase your thesis so that you deliver the same idea but with different words. Keep your paraphrased thesis narrow, specific, and topic-oriented.

• Summarise Your Key Ideas

Just like the case of a regular essay’s conclusion, a research paper’s final paragraph should also include a short summary of all of the key points stated in the body sections. We recommend reading the entire body part a few times to define all of your main arguments and ideas.

• Showcase the Significance of Your Work

In the research paper conclusion, it is vital to highlight the significance of your research problem and state how your solution could be helpful.

• Make Suggestions for Future Studies

Finally, at the end of your conclusion, you should define how your findings will contribute to the development of its particular field of science. Outline the perspectives of further research and, if necessary, explain what is yet to be discovered on the topic.

Then, end your conclusion with a powerful concluding sentence – it can be a rhetorical question, call to action, or another hook that will help you have a strong impact on the audience.

• Answer the Right Questions

To create a top-notch research paper conclusion, be sure to answer the following questions:

• What is the goal of a research paper?
• What are the possible solutions to the research question(s)?
• How can your results be implemented in real life? (Is your research paper helpful to the community?)
• Why is this study important and relevant?

Additionally, here are a few more handy tips to follow:

• Provide clear examples from real life to help readers better understand the further implementation of the stated solutions;
• Keep your conclusion fresh, original, and creative.

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So, What Is a Good Closing Sentence? See The Difference

One of the best ways to learn how to write a good conclusion is to look at several professional essay conclusion examples. In this section of our guide, we are going to look at two different final paragraphs shaped on the basis of the same template, but even so, they are very different – where one is weak and the other is strong. Below, we are going to compare them to help you understand the difference between a good and a bad conclusion.

Here is the template we used: College degrees are in decline. The price of receiving an education does not correlate with the quality of the education received. As a result, graduated students face underemployment, and the worth of college degrees appears to be in serious doubt. However, the potential social and economic benefits of educated students balance out the equation.

Strong Conclusion ‍

People either see college as an opportunity or an inconvenience; therefore, a degree can only hold as much value as its owner’s skillset. The underemployment of graduate students puts the worth of college degrees in serious doubt. Yet, with the multitude of benefits that educated students bring to society and the economy, the equation remains in balance. Perhaps the ordinary person should consider college as a wise financial investment, but only if they stay determined to study and do the hard work.

Why is this example good? There are several key points that prove its effectiveness:

• There is a bold opening statement that encompasses the two contrasting types of students we can see today.
• There are two sentences that recall the thesis statement and cover the key arguments from the body of the essay.
• Finally, the last sentence sums up the key message of the essay and leaves readers with something to think about.

Weak Conclusion

In conclusion, with the poor preparation of students in college and the subsequent underemployment after graduation from college, the worth associated with the college degree appears to be in serious doubt. However, these issues alone may not reasonably conclude beyond a doubt that investing in a college degree is a rewarding venture. When the full benefits that come with education are carefully put into consideration and evaluated, college education for children in any country still has good advantages, and society should continue to advocate for a college education. The ordinary person should consider this a wise financial decision that holds rewards in the end. Apart from the monetary gains associated with a college education, society will greatly benefit from students when they finish college. Their minds are going to be expanded, and their reasoning and decision making will be enhanced.

What makes this example bad? Here are a few points to consider:

• Unlike the first example, this paragraph is long and not specific enough. The author provides plenty of generalized phrases that are not backed up by actual arguments.
• This piece is hard to read and understand and sentences have a confusing structure. Also, there are lots of repetitions and too many uses of the word “college”.
• There is no summary of the key benefits.
• The last two sentences that highlight the value of education contradict with the initial statement.
• Finally, the last sentence doesn’t offer a strong conclusion and gives no thought to ponder upon.
• In the body of your essay, you have hopefully already provided your reader(s) with plenty of information. Therefore, it is not wise to present new arguments or ideas in your conclusion.
• To end your final paragraph right, find a clear and straightforward message that will have the most powerful impact on your audience.
• Don’t use more than one quote in the final clause of your paper – the information from external sources (including quotes) belongs in the body of a paper.
• Be authoritative when writing a conclusion. You should sound confident and convincing to leave a good impression. Sentences like “I’m not an expert, but…” will most likely make you seem less knowledgeable and/or credible.

Good Conclusion Examples

Now that we've learned what a conclusion is and how to write one let's take a look at some essay conclusion examples to strengthen our knowledge.

The ending ironically reveals that all was for nothing. (A short explanation of the thematic effect of the book’s end) Tom says that Miss Watson freed Jim in her final will.Jim told Huck that the dead man on the Island was pap. The entire adventure seemingly evaporated into nothingness. (How this effect was manifested into the minds of thereaders).

All in all, international schools hold the key to building a full future that students can achieve. (Thesis statement simplified) They help students develop their own character by learning from their mistakes, without having to face a dreadful penalty for failure. (Thesis statement elaborated)Although some say that kids emerged “spoiled” with this mentality, the results prove the contrary. (Possible counter-arguments are noted)

In conclusion, public workers should be allowed to strike since it will give them a chance to air their grievances. (Thesis statement) Public workers should be allowed to strike when their rights, safety, and regulations are compromised. The workers will get motivated when they strike, and their demands are met.

In summary, studies reveal some similarities in the nutrient contents between the organic and non-organic food substances. (Starts with similarities) However, others have revealed many considerable differences in the amounts of antioxidants as well as other minerals present in organic and non-organic foods. Generally, organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic foods and therefore are more important in the prevention of chronic illnesses.

As time went by, my obsession grew into something bigger than art; (‘As time went by’ signals maturation) it grew into a dream of developing myself for the world. (Showing student’s interest of developing himself for the community) It is a dream of not only seeing the world from a different perspective but also changing the perspective of people who see my work. (Showing student’s determination to create moving pieces of art)

In conclusion, it is evident that technology is an integral part of our lives and without it, we become “lost” since we have increasingly become dependent on its use. (Thesis with main point)

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How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay?

How to write a good conclusion, how to write a conclusion for a college essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

How to Write a Conclusion: End Your Writing With a Bang

In this article, we explain how to write a conclusion or a strong ending that leaves the reader wanting more.

Whether you’re writing a thesis paper or a non-fiction book, you are going to need an effective conclusion. A conclusion should summarize the main points of the work, so the reader walks away with a basic idea of what you have written.

Yet the conclusion should not simply repeat everything you said in your body paragraphs. In fact, for some writers, the concluding paragraphs are the hardest to write, because they want to say something else about the work without simply restating everything they already wrote.

Learning how to write a conclusion is an important part of becoming a good writer, and this guide will help.

Step 1. Tie in Your Thesis Statement

Step 2. restate your main points, step 3. connect to your opening statements, step 4. add additional insight, what to avoid in your conclusion, basic outline of a conclusion, common types of conclusions, a final word on how to write a conclusion, how to write a conclusion for an essay, how to write a conclusion in a research paper, how to write a conclusion paragraph.

So when you come to the end of your piece of writing, you need to create a conclusion paragraph. This paragraph answers the reader’s question of “so what?” about what you have written. It gives a “why” to what you have already stated.

So how can you write one? Here are some steps to follow that will make your conclusion strong.

Tie your conclusion back to your original thesis statement. While you do not want to copy it word-for-word, you can restate it in a different way.

Doing this shows the reader why you spent the time writing your piece to support your original idea.

Next, restate your main points. Summarize the ideas differently than you originally discussed.

The reader should come away from the conclusion with a thorough review of everything you said in your writing.

Connect your conclusion to the introduction in some way. Since the introduction likely had your thesis statement, this is one way to do so, but you can also tie in the two by stating similar concepts or reviewing the story you opened the piece using.

A good conclusion to a research paper or essay will add a bit of insight to the piece. This is where you tell people why they should care about what you wrote. 

Your additional insight can create a sense of closure as well. The reader should come away from the closing sentence with a feeling that the piece is complete and they have all of the information they need.

When writing a conclusion, you need to avoid some common mistakes . Remember, this is where you want to bring your ideas full circle and leave the reader with a final impression of your writing. As such, avoid these problems:

• Do not introduce a new idea or thesis in the conclusion. If you have something further to say on the topic, it needs to be placed elsewhere in the piece.
• Do not use words like “in summary” or “in conclusion”. The reader should know that you are writing the conclusion and does not need you to state this.
• Avoid changing the tone of your piece. This should stay constant from the first sentence to the final word of your writing. 

There is a basic outline you can follow when writing a  conclusion paragraph . Here is the template to follow:

• Topic Sentence: Repeat your thesis statement in a new way to be the topic sentence of your paragraph. Don’t restate it exactly. While this isn’t plagiarism, it is boring to read.
• Supporting Sentences: Restate your main arguments and points in the next sentences. Connect the ideas to one another.
• Closing Sentence: this is your final statement, call-to-action or concluding thought. It finishes the entire piece.

There are three main types of conclusions you can make in a piece of writing. These include:

• Summarizing: These conclusions rehash the main points of the essay or report. They show the importance of your ideas and cover the key points so the reader remembers what you spoke on. A summary conclusion does not give opinions or feelings.
• Editorializing: These conclusions are part of argumentative essays, and they state the implications of your argument. They may also include a call-to-action on the topic or try to create a personal connection with the reader. This is the type of conclusion that talks about feelings and beliefs.
• Externalizing: These conclusions transition from your essay or paper to further study or some future research on the topic. This is particularly helpful in papers on complex subject matter.

If you follow the basic outline and void common mistakes , you can learn how to write a conclusion that works. Your conclusion gives you the chance to have the last word on your topic and make a restatement of your main ideas. It rounds out the body of the paper and makes your work look finished.

A strong conclusion also has a major impact on the reader. If you have done your job right, it leaves the reader with a new understanding on the topic you have written about and draws the reader to your main conclusion. 

FAQs on How to Write a Conclusion

When you are writing an essay , you will use a basic structure of introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion. The conclusion paragraph will restate your thesis and your supporting paragraphs in a concise, simple format.

A conclusion in a research paper will restate your thesis statement and your main outline points. You may not have room in one paragraph for all of the points of your paper, but the main points get restated in the conclusion.

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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How to write a Conclusion

What is a Conclusion?

Before we learn how to write a conclusion, we need to determine what a conclusion is.

A conclusion is the final sentences or paragraph in a piece of writing that signifies the end of a text, event or process.

We can find conclusions everywhere, from narratives, letters and reports to persuasive essays and speeches.

Conclusions perform many functions, which we will examine throughout this article. Fundamentally, they wrap everything up and finish a piece of writing or a presentation.

Unfortunately, conclusions are often the most challenging section of a paper to write. They are the final words of the writer on the topic and, as a result, play a crucial part in the lasting impression the writing leaves on the reader.

For this reason, our students must take time to understand clearly the functions of a conclusion and how they work. Time spent mastering the art of conclusion writing will be time well spent.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON HOW TO WRITE A CONCLUSION

Teach your students to write  POWERFUL   CONCLUSIONS  that put a bow on a great piece of writing. All too often, students struggle to conclude their writing. Stumbling, repeating themselves, or missing the opportunity to make a lasting impression.

This  COMPLETE UNIT OF WORK  will take your students from zero to hero over  FIVE STRATEGIC LESSONS  covered.

What is the Purpose of a Concluding Paragraph

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all formula we can teach our students that they can use to write any conclusion. Conclusions perform several functions, varying widely from paper to paper. Some of these functions include:

• Restates a paper’s thesis and explains why it’s important
• Synthesizes the essay’s arguments
• It opens up new questions
• Addresses limitations
• Makes a call to action.

Not all conclusions will perform each of these functions. How our students approach writing their conclusions will depend on several factors, including:

• The conventions of the writing genre
• The intended audience and their motivations
• The formality or informality of the paper
• The tone of the writing.

 Now, let’s look at each of the functions of a conclusion one by one, along with a practice activity for each to give our students some hands-on practice.

1. A Concluding Paragraph Restates the Thesis and Explains Why

One of the most common errors in writing a conclusion is to use it to simply restate the thesis. Though this is widely taught, it isn’t enough.

The student should also explain why the argument made in their thesis is important. This involves considering the more widespread impact of the thesis and its supporting arguments.

  The conclusion should inform the reader why the thesis matters by answering questions similar to the following:

• What are the wider societal implications of the thesis?
• Does the thesis challenge a widely accepted idea or belief?
• Does the thesis have significance for how things could be done in the future?

To write a conclusion in this vein, it is helpful for students to compose similar type questions relevant to their thesis, which they can then set out to answer.

These questions will vary widely according to the subject being written about and the genre being written in. Still, regardless, the conclusion should highlight the thesis’s significance to the wider world. This will bring context to the writing as a whole.

Example: In conclusion, this paper has argued that increasing access to education is essential for reducing poverty and promoting economic development. We have presented evidence from various studies showing the positive correlation between education and income and the role of education in fostering other developmental goals, such as improved health and reduced inequality. Restating the thesis, we can say that access to education is a fundamental human right and should be prioritized as a key development strategy to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth. The evidence presented in this paper supports this argument, making a case for the importance of increasing access to education for the well-being of individuals and societies.

2. A CONCLUSION SYNTHESIZES THE PAPER’S ARGUMENTS

This is another very common function performed by the conclusion. While each body paragraph in the paper may correspond to a single specific argument in support of the central thesis, in the conclusion, the various strands of supporting arguments are woven into a coherent whole.

The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or to simply list the arguments made in the body paragraphs. Instead, it provides a final opportunity for your students to drive home their main arguments one last time and make connections between them to reveal a coherent whole.

Often, a conclusion will combine functions of functions 1 and 2 by restating the thesis, synthesizing the arguments, and explaining the wider significance of the thesis.

When considering how to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay, remember to synthesize it.

Example: In conclusion, this paper has presented a thorough examination of the current state of renewable energy sources and their potential to combat climate change. Through an analysis of the economic and technical feasibility of various renewable energy options, we have shown that renewable energy is a viable and necessary solution to reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, we have highlighted the importance of government policies and investment in research and development to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Overall, this paper argues that renewable energy is a crucial step in the fight against climate change and must be prioritized to secure a sustainable future.

3. A CONCLUSION CAN OPEN UP NEW QUESTIONS

We often think of conclusions as drawing things to a close. But there’s another way of looking at things. Often, through the process of making various arguments in a piece of writing, new questions will emerge naturally.

This method is commonly encountered when exploring how to write a conclusion for a thesis.

This often occurs when the central thesis is set in a broader context. We can think of the progression of an essay as moving from a thesis statement through evermore specific arguments that support that initial thesis statement.

To open up new questions in the conclusion, the student should move from the specific to the more general, generating further possible lines of inquiry on the topic as they go. The effect of this type of conclusion is to spark the reader’s curiosity and further interest in the subject.

Example: In conclusion, our research has provided an in-depth examination of the effects of climate change on biodiversity. Our findings indicate that climate change is having a significant impact on the distribution and abundance of species. However, our research has also revealed that there are still many unanswered questions about the mechanisms driving these changes. For example, more research is needed to understand the role of different species interactions and the effects of climate change on specific ecosystem functions. We hope our research will serve as a foundation for further studies and inspire other researchers to continue investigating the complex relationship between climate change and biodiversity.

4. A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH ADDRESSES THE LIMITATIONS

This method is often used in academic or scientific writing when considering how to write a conclusion for a report. In it, the student writer directly explores the weaknesses of their arguments.

It’s perhaps the bravest type of conclusion there is! Students need to be careful not to destroy their own thesis in the process. A sentence mentioning the limitation, quickly followed by a sentence or two addressing the problem, should be enough.

When done well, this strategy strengthens the impact of a paper by dealing head-on with potential criticisms and making strong counter-arguments in the process.

Example: In conclusion, our research provides valuable insights into the relationship between environmental factors and academic performance. However, it is important to note that our study has limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and our results may not be generalizable to a larger population. Additionally, our study only considered one specific type of environmental factor and did not take into account other factors that may impact academic performance. Despite these limitations, our research provides a starting point for future studies in this area.

5. A CONCLUSION CAN OFFER A CALL TO ACTION

In a call-to-action type conclusion, the writer compels the reader to take a desired action or perform a particular task. This type of conclusion aims to persuade the reader or listener to do something.

Call-to-action conclusions work in various genres, including presentations, speeches, advertisements, and persuasive essays .

There are various techniques students can use to inspire action in their conclusions, such as appeals to emotions, the use of strong imperatives, or appeals to the reader’s or the listener’s self-interest.

Example: In conclusion, our research highlights the importance of access to clean drinking water in developing countries. Our findings show that a lack of access to clean water can lead to serious health issues and negatively impact the economy. However, it is not enough to simply acknowledge this problem – action must be taken. We call on governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals to take action by investing in infrastructure and providing education on sanitation and hygiene. Together, we can work towards providing access to clean water for all, and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for people living in developing countries.

Tips for Writing a Strong Conclusion

As young writers, crafting a solid conclusion for your essay is essential to communicate your ideas effectively. A well-written conclusion can help to summarize your main points, provide closure to your argument, and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Here are ten tips for writing a strong conclusion to an essay for high school students:

• Restate the main idea of your essay. A good conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and reiterate the main idea or thesis statement.
• Provide closure to your argument. Your conclusion should provide a sense of closure to your argument and tie up any loose ends.
• Emphasize the importance of your topic. Your conclusion should also emphasize the importance of the topic you have discussed and why it matters to your reader.
• Offer a call to action. Encourage your reader to take action or think more deeply about the issues you have discussed in your essay.
• Avoid introducing new information. Your conclusion should be a summary of your main points, not a place to introduce new information or ideas.
• Keep it simple. Avoid using complex phrases or convoluted language in your conclusion.
• Use a strong concluding sentence. Your last sentence should be a powerful statement that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.
• Avoid summarizing every point. You don’t have to summarize every point you made in the essay; pick the main and most important ones.
• Reflect on your essay’s meaning. Take a step back and reflect on the overall meaning of your essay and the message you want to convey to your reader.
• Revise and proofread . Revise and proofread your conclusion carefully to ensure it is clear, concise, and error-free.

By following these tips, you can write a strong conclusion that effectively communicates your ideas and leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

What shouldn’t a conclusion do?

So far, we’ve discussed some conclusion writing strategies by discussing things a good conclusion should do. Now, it’s time to look at some things a conclusion shouldn’t do.

The following list contains some of the most common mistakes students must avoid making in their conclusions. This list can help students troubleshoot their conclusions when they get stuck or run into problems.

1. Uses a Vague Thesis Statement

If the student struggles to make a powerful impact in their conclusion, it may be because their thesis statement is too vague.

If this is the case, they messed up long ago.

The first time the reader sees the thesis statement should be in the introduction. Because all arguments stem from that statement, a comprehensive rewrite of the entire paper will most likely be needed.

2. Opens with a Clichéd Phrase

When students begin to learn to write conclusions, they often learn some stock phrases to help kickstart their writing. Phrases such as ‘in conclusion’ or ‘to conclude’ can be useful as prompts to get students quickly into the meat of their writing. However, overuse of such stock phrases can leave the writing feeling mechanical.

Ultimately, we want more for our students. If one of the purposes of a conclusion is to make a powerful impact on the reader, we must encourage our students to be creative and bold in their writing.

3. Doubts the Thesis

In the first part of this article, we briefly discussed the idea of addressing the limitations of the thesis and supporting arguments. This can be an effective strategy for students, but it can also be risky. The student needs to ensure they don’t undermine their stance.

When students use this strategy, ensure they understand that addressing limitations is not the same thing as apologizing for the position held. A good conclusion is impossible without the writer actually concluding something; conclusions should end with a strong statement.

4. Contains Irrelevancies

Students must ensure that every piece of information in their essay or article is relevant to the topic and thesis.

One of the most common mistakes students make is failing to ‘kill their babies’. That is, they go off on a tangent in their writing but are reluctant to remove the offending sentences in the editing process.

Often this happens because the student doesn’t want to throw out something they spent time writing, even if it’s utterly irrelevant to the topic they’re writing about.

At other times, students fail to be merciless in their editing because they’re waffling to reach an assigned word count.

In this case, it’s important to remind students that to the seasoned eye of a teacher or examiner, any puff and padding in their writing is obvious.

5. Fails to Address the Why?

As an article or a paper draws to a close, it’s essential that the reader feels the time they spent reading was time well invested. To achieve this, the student must answer the why? question satisfactorily. Students should make sure their readers leave their writing feeling like they have learned something of value, are inspired to take action or have new questions to research and answer.

Drawing the Curtains on Our Work on Conclusions

We’ve covered a lot of ground in our article on conclusions. We’ve looked at strategies and techniques our students can use to hone their conclusion-writing skills.

Now, it’s up to us as teachers to create opportunities for our students to perfect their understanding and ability to use these strategies and techniques in their writing.

While the ideas above will go a long way to ensuring your students are capable of composing well-written conclusions, with time and practice, they’ll develop their own style and approach to the conclusion conundrum – and surely there can be no more fitting conclusion than that!

Conclusion Writing Teaching Strategies and Activities

Practice Activity: Connect to the Wider World : To practice this, provide the students with a copy of a well-written essay suited to their level but with the concluding paragraph snipped out. Challenge the students to first identify the thesis statement, it should be in the essay’s introduction, and then to write a conclusion that connects that thesis to the wider world by explaining why it matters.

Practice Activity: Write the Conclusion First : Sometimes, it’s helpful for students to think of the conclusion as the destination their writing is headed for. The next time your students have completed an outline for an essay , instruct them to write the conclusion first. In it, they should explore the reasons for their thesis and its wider significance and synthesize their arguments. This gives the students a clear focus for the preceding introduction and body paragraphs and gives their writing a clear direction to work towards.

Practice Activity: Shift Perspective : For many students, writing this style of conclusion will require a shift in their understanding of the purpose of a conclusion. One good way to begin to shift that perspective is to encourage students to rewrite conclusions they’ve written previously in old essays. For example, they might shift the focus of a conclusion from a local significance to global significance or from historical significance to contemporary significance.

Practice Activity: Poke the Weak Points

Students take a conclusion they have written already, such as one written for a previous activity. Then, set the students the task of rewriting the conclusion to address any limitations of the supporting arguments. To do this, students need to ask themselves:

• What aspects of my arguments are open to contradiction?
• How can I address those contradictions?

Practice Activity: Blog It! : Blogs often use calls to action in the conclusions of their informational articles. Set your students the task of identifying several blogs on subjects that interest them. Students may benefit from doing this activity in groups.

Once they’ve identified some suitable websites, instruct the students to look at the conclusion of some of the articles.

• Can they identify any calls to action there?
• How do the writers introduce their calls to action?
• What techniques does the writer use to motivate the reader?

Challenge students to identify as many different motivational techniques and strategies as possible and then make a list that they can then share with the class.

When students have become good at identifying calls to action and the various motivational techniques and strategies, they can then write a blog article on a subject that interests them, making sure to include a call to action in their conclusion.

A COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON PERSUASIVE WRITING SKILLS

Teach your students to produce writing that  PERSUADES  and  INFLUENCES  thinking with this  HUGE  writing guide bundle covering: ⭐ Persuasive Texts / Essays ⭐ Expository Essays⭐ Argumentative Essays⭐ Discussions.

A complete 140 PAGE unit of work on persuasive texts for teachers and students. No preparation is required.

CONCLUSION WRITING VIDEO TUTORIAL

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How to Write a Conclusion

Last Updated: July 15, 2023

Template and Sample Conclusion

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been viewed 480,045 times.

Writing the introduction and body of a paper is a big accomplishment. Now you need to write your conclusion. Writing a conclusion can feel difficult, but it's easier if you plan ahead. First, format your conclusion by revisiting your thesis, summarizing your arguments, and making a final statement. Then, re-read and revise your conclusion to make it effective.

• Let’s say your thesis reads, “Allowing students to visit the library during lunch improves campus life and supports academic achievement because it encourages reading, allows students to start assignments early, and provides a refuge for students who eat alone.”
• You might restate it as, “Evidence shows students who have access to their school’s library during lunch check out more books and are more likely to complete their homework; additionally, students aren’t forced to eat alone.”

• You might write, “According to data, students checked out more books when they were allowed to visit their library during lunch, used that time to do research and ask for help with homework, and reported feeling less alone at lunch time. This shows that opening up the library during lunch can improve student life and academic performance."
• If you’re writing an argument essay, address the opposing argument, as well. You might write, “Although administrators worry that students will walk the halls instead of going to the library, schools that allow students into the library during lunch reported less behavioral issues during lunch than schools that don’t allow students in the library. Data show that students were spending that time checking out more books and working on homework assignments.” [3] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

• Call your reader to action . For example, “By working with school administrators, Greenlawn ISD can increase academic achievement by letting students use the library during lunch.”
• End with a warning . You might write, “If students aren’t allowed to use the library during lunch, they are missing out on a valuable learning opportunity they’ll never get back.”
• Evoke an image . Write, “Next year, students at Greenlawn could be gathered around a table in the library reading or broadening their minds.”
• Compare your topic to something universal to help your reader relate . You might write, “Everyone knows how stressful it is to have a planner full of assignments, so having extra time to work on them during lunch would be a great relief to many students.”
• Show why the issue is significant. Write, "Giving students more time to spend in the library will help them become more comfortable spending time there, which also helps the library's mission."
• Predict what would happen if your ideas are implemented . Say, “Next year, students at Greenlawn could increase their academic achievements, but results will only happen if they can use the library during lunch.”
• End with a compelling quote . For instance, "As author Roald Dahl once said, 'If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.'"

• You could also ask your instructor if you can see an example of a well-written conclusion to give you an idea about what they expect you to write.

• If you want to use an introductory phrase, use a stronger one like “based on the evidence” or “ultimately.” You might also begin your first sentence with a word like “although,” “while,” or “since.” [6] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• Additionally, avoid “to conclude,” “in summary,” or “in closing.”

• For example, you may have opened your introduction with an anecdote, quote, or image. Bring it back up in your conclusion. Similarly, if you opened with a rhetorical question, you might offer a potential answer in your conclusion.

• For example, you wouldn’t want to end your essay about allowing students to use the library during lunch by stating, “As the evidence shows, using the library at lunch is a great way to improve student performance because they are more likely to do their homework. On a survey, students reported using the library to do research, ask homework questions, and finish their assignments early.” This leaves out your points about students reading more and having a place to spend their lunch period if they don’t like eating in the cafeteria.

• If you have introduced something you think is really important for your paper, go back through the body paragraphs and look for somewhere to add it. It’s better to leave it out of the paper than to include it in the conclusion.

• If something doesn’t make sense or your conclusion seems incomplete, revise your conclusion so that your ideas are clear.
• It’s helpful to read your entire paper as a whole to make sure it all comes together.

Community Q&A

• Don’t put any evidence or statistics in your conclusion. This information belongs in the body of your paper. [11] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure you aren’t simply repeating what you’ve written earlier. While you want to restate your ideas, present them in a new way for the reader. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don’t write your conclusion until you’ve written the entire paper. It’ll be much easier to come up with your concluding thoughts after the body of the paper is written. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Never copy someone else’s words or ideas without giving them credit, as this is plagiarism. If you are caught plagiarizing part of your paper, even just the conclusion, you’ll likely face severe academic penalties. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
• Don’t express any doubts you may have about your ideas or arguments. Whenever you share your ideas, assume the role of expert. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

About This Article

Writing a conclusion can seem difficult, but it’s easier if you think of it as a place to sum up the point of your paper. Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis, but don’t repeat it word-for-word. Then, use 1-2 sentences to summarize your argument, pulling together all of your points to explain how your evidence supports the thesis. End the paper with a statement that makes the reader think, like evoking a strong image or concluding with a call to action. Keep reading for tips on how to avoid cliches in your conclusion! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Jul 27, 2020

How to Write a Better Conclusion (YouTube Script)

All in all, these three principles will help you to write better conclusions. Writing good endings? Well, that’s a-whole-nother thing.

If you’re anything like me, the hardest parts of writing any paper are the introduction and the conclusion. That’s because, unlike the rest of the paper, where you just write what you have to say: the introduction and conclusion have to influence the way your readers think and feel about what you’re saying.

Good introductions will make your audience want to read what you have to say. Good conclusions will make your audience feel like glad that they read what you had to say.

We’ve already talked about introductions here on the show, so take a look at that video if you’re looking to sharpen the beginning of your paper. If you want to write a stronger conclusion, though, here are three things that you should accomplish.

1: Deliver What You Promised

When you write an introduction, you promise your readers a certain kind of experience. When you write the paper, you do your best to create that kind of experience. And, when you write a conclusion, you make sure that you delivered the kind of experience that you promised. A conclusion is an opportunity to affirm that you really did what you said you were going to do.

We can all recognize the problem with clickbait—those videos and articles that promise one thing and deliver something different. When your reader finishes reading your paper, you don’t want them to call it clickbait. So if you start out proposing a solution to a particular problem, you had better make sure by the conclusion that you have outlined a feasible solution.

The conclusion is the point in your paper where you and your audience come to the same page and agree that your paper was, in fact, the kind of paper you said it was going to be. That means you should avoid introducing new evidence, making new claims, or raising new questions. If they’re really important, include them earlier in your paper.

Tie up loose ends if you have them—or explain why they can’t be resolved.

And leave the cliffhangers, twists, and post-credits scenes for your successful drama series. When it comes to academic writing, your conclusion really should conclude things. If can show that you’ve done what you said you were going to do, that’s all anyone can ask.

2: Show Your Readers Why Your Paper Matters

When we talked about introductions, we said that it was important for you to show your reader why your topic mattered. If you are going to get a reader to start reading and keep reading, they have to feel like the topic you’re addressing is important to them.

We also said that a good introduction will outline your unique contribution to the topic you’re discussing. An introduction is a chance to set your paper apart from all the other papers your reader could be reading.

By the time you get to the end of the paper, though, it’s important to leave your reader with a lasting impression that your paper mattered. That is, your reader already gets why the topic is important, and they already agreed that your paper was unique—now make sure that they see why your unique contribution is valuable.

This can be the difference between ending with a boom and ending with a whimper. If all you’ve done is repeat what other people have said or say random things about a topic without really making a point, you haven’t made a valuable contribution. If, however, you say something that nobody else could say and delivered a meaningful argument with positive consequences, then you can be sure that you’re making a valuable contribution.

The conclusion is your chance to make it clear to your readers that what you said really mattered.

3: Show Your Reader the Next Step

This third component of a successful conclusion may sound like it contradicts the first a little, but, of course, it doesn’t. That wouldn’t be very helpful.

When I say show your reader the next step, I mean, now that they’ve read your paper, help them to understand what they should do with whatever you’ve presented.

Think of it like this:

Our first principle is like saying, If you’re going to build a table for someone—build them a table. When you write a conclusion, you should be able to say, Here’s your table. Not, Here’s most of a table, but what if it had four legs instead of three? Maybe I’ll send you that last leg soon.

For our last principle, the table is built—and now you help you readers to understand what they can do with that table. Is it for eating? For displaying coffee table books? You promised them a table; they can see that it’s a good table—now how should they use that table?

If you write a paper and your reader finishes it and says, “Huh, that was interesting. Neat,” and then sets it aside and moves on with their life—you’ve missed a critical opportunity to make a difference in the world with your writing.

If, however, your reader finishes and then changes some aspect of how they think or feel or act in the world, then you’ve done something more powerful. Don’t just write something interesting—write something that makes a difference. Show your reader what to do next with what you’ve told them.

In a lot of science writing, for example, readers are other researchers—so conclusions often include descriptions of more research that needs to be done based on the findings of the paper. In political writing, the conclusion might tell people how to vote or what to say to their senators. The conclusion of a recipe might tell readers how to serve the food and what other foods would go well with it.

When you tell your readers how to apply the things you have to say about your topic, then you can be more confident that they will go on to change something about their lives or the world after reading your paper. That’s the difference between writing that is just interesting and writing that matters, and that is also a strong conclusion is so important.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Concluding Sentences

Concluding Sentences 

Ah! It’s finally Friday night! You grab your favorite snack, pour yourself a glass of water (or wine!), sit back on your comfy couch and start looking through TV shows to watch! You pick the perfect one and are enjoying it thoroughly. Right at the climax of the show, it ends!

How do you feel? Do you feel as though you received no conclusion and it was incomplete? I’m usually left feeling confused, unsatisfied, and quite frankly, annoyed. 

The same can be said about writing. You can write an amazing, detailed-oriented paragraph; but,  if you forget your concluding sentence, your reader is left unsatisfied and wondering what it was all about.  

Conclusion sentences can be a challenge for students to learn.  As an educator, you may even feel as though you have to go over concluding sentences every writing unit.  That is why, in this blog, we will be looking at what a conclusion sentence is and the steps the students should take to find the concluding sentence.  By teaching this foundational skill, you won’t have to continue to be a broken record!  

What is a Concluding Sentence?

When we teach students about concluding sentences, we make sure they have a basic definition of the concept. 

We teach them that  a concluding sentence is usually the last sentence of the paragraph that summarizes the main idea of the paragraph . Concluding sentences are so important in writing. They provide an opportunity for the author to tie the topic sentence and the supporting details together.

In other words, it  allows the author to recap the main idea of the paragraph .  The conclusion sentence should not include any new information but rather summarize what the paragraph was about.

How to Find Concluding Sentences

Concluding sentences can be a challenge for students to grasp, but that does not mean it needs to be a challenge to teach! During our 12+ years of teaching, we’ve had many trials and tribulations when getting our students to grasp this concept.

But we finally figured it out!  Here are our tried and true steps to teach students how to find concluding sentences in a text. 

• Read the paragraph .
• This will help students more easily identify the concluding sentence.
• Find the supporting details  that give new and on-topic information about the main idea.
• All things considered
• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To Conclude
•   Determine the concluding sentence . Do this by reading the rest of the sentence connected to the transition word. If this sentence restates or summarizes the topic sentence, then you likely found it!

When you download our no-prep concluding sentences resource, you’ll have many pages of practice activities at your fingertips. Since these activities are differentiated, ALL OF YOUR STUDENTS can practice!  

Get your  Concluding Sentences  resource.

Types of Concluding Sentences 

Once we’ve taught what a concluding sentence is and how to find it, we take some time to explain the different types of concluding sentences. These are the four different types we teach first.

• 📣 “Which sentence has the same meaning as the topic sentence but uses different words?”
• 📣 “Which sentence in the paragraph asks a question about the topic?”   
• 📣 “Which sentence has a strong emotion about the topic
• 📣 “Which sentence gives you a suggestion about the topic?”   

Why focus on the foundations of Concluding Sentences?

Throughout our years of teaching, we have found that  taking the time to focus on   the   foundations of concluding sentences has led to greater success across all areas of literacy- reading comprehension and writing.  

We notice that  when our students can explain the definition, purpose and types of concluding sentences, they are better able to understand the paragraphs they have read.

Also, understanding the concept of concluding sentences  helps our students when they are writing.  They are more likely to add a concluding sentence into their own writing, leaving readers satisfied and informed.

There is More! 

GRASPhopper wants to make sure everyone understands concluding sentences so we’ve created a  video lesson!

Watch GRASPhopper’s step-by-step teaching video as a guide.  The video will not only increase your knowledge of how to effectively teach concluding sentences but was created to be used directly with your students too!

We hope you found this blog post informative and helpful! Do not forget to sign up for our  newsletter  and follow us on social media! 

Excuse our digital dust! We’re busy renovating this website to make it even more fabulous. Stay tuned!

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How to Write a YouTube Script: A Complete Guide

One of the biggest advantages of writing a YouTube script is that it can save you time and resources in the long run. By having a well-written script, you can avoid unnecessary re-shoots and edits. With a clear plan in place, you'll know exactly what you want to say and how to say it, reducing the need for multiple takes or improvisation. This means less time spent in the editing room and more time focusing on creating new content.

Writing a script also allows you to practice and refine your delivery, which in turn improves your confidence and clarity as a speaker. When you know exactly what you're going to say, you can focus on delivering your message with conviction and authenticity. This not only helps you come across as more professional and knowledgeable but also builds trust with your audience.

And a well-written script can elevate your storytelling abilities and enhance audience engagement. By carefully crafting your narrative, you can create a compelling storyline that captivates your viewers from start to finish. A script also allows you to incorporate storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, humor, or emotional hooks, making your videos more memorable and shareable.

The last one, but most important one, writing a good YouTube script can also have a positive impact on your search engine optimization efforts and improve your ranking on YouTube. By including relevant keywords and phrases in your script, you can increase the visibility of your videos in search results. This means more people will discover your content, leading to higher views, engagement, and ultimately, a larger subscriber base.

Part 1. What is a Well-Written YouTube Script

Now that we understand the benefits of writing a YouTube script, let's explore the essential components that make up a good script. Incorporating these elements into your scripts will help you create engaging and effective videos that resonate with your audience.

1. Catchy Title and Thumbnail

Your title and thumbnail are the first things viewers see when coming across your video. A catchy and intriguing title, paired with an eye-catching thumbnail, can significantly increase the click-through rate. Take the time to brainstorm creative and descriptive titles that accurately represent the content of your video.

2. Strong Introduction and Conclusion

A strong introduction sets the tone for your video and grabs the viewer's attention from the start. Use a hook or a summary to capture their interest and let them know what they can expect from the rest of the video. Similarly, a well-crafted conclusion wraps up your video and reinforces your main message. End with a call to action, such as subscribing, liking, commenting, sharing, or visiting your website.

3. Clear and Logical Structure

Organize your script in a clear and logical manner to guide your viewers through your content. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and transitions to break up your video into digestible chunks. This helps viewers navigate through your video and find the information they're looking for quickly.

4. Consistent Tone and Voice

Choose a tone and voice that aligns with your brand personality and resonates with your target audience. Whether you prefer a formal or casual tone, make sure to maintain consistency throughout your video. This helps build familiarity and trust with your viewers.

5. Call to Action

Always include a call to action in your script to encourage viewers to take the next step. Whether it's subscribing to your channel, leaving a comment, or visiting your website, guide your audience towards the desired action. This helps to build engagement and foster a loyal community of viewers.

By incorporating these elements into your YouTube scripts, you'll be well on your way to creating engaging and impactful videos that resonate with your audience.

But more importantly, how do we make it, right? No worries, in the following contents, we will talk about it in detail. Keep reading.

How to Write a YouTube Script

Step 1: research your topic and audience.

Before you start writing your YouTube script, it's important to do some research. This will help you understand your target audience and create content that resonates with them. Here are a few ways to gather insights:

1. Use online tools and sources: Take advantage of tools like Google Trends, YouTube Analytics, Quora, Reddit, and VidIQ. These platforms can provide valuable information about what your audience is searching for, watching, and asking about your topic.

2. Seek inspiration from others: Check out successful YouTube videos and articles related to your topic. By analyzing their scripts, you can gain inspiration and ideas for your own content. Remember, though, to put your unique spin on things and avoid simply copying someone else's work.

3. Understand your audience's pain points and preferences: Put yourself in your viewers' shoes. What challenges do they face? What are their goals and aspirations? Tailor your content to address their needs and interests.

4. Keep an eye on competitors and influencers: Take a look at what your competitors or influencers in your niche are doing on YouTube. This will help you identify gaps in the market and find ways to differentiate yourself.

5. Engage with your audience: Don't be afraid to ask your viewers for feedback or suggestions. This can give you valuable insights into what they want to see from you and help you create content that truly resonates.

Once you have a clear understanding of your audience and topic, it's time to decide on the format for your YouTube video. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Choose a video type: Consider the purpose of your video and choose a format that aligns with it. Some popular video types include tutorials, reviews, interviews, vlogs, and storytelling videos. Pick the one that best suits your topic, audience, and goals.

2. Consider the length, style, and tone: Depending on your niche and platform, you'll want to adjust the length, style, and tone of your video. For example, if you're creating educational content, a longer video might be appropriate. If you're targeting a younger audience, a more casual and energetic tone might work best.

3. Plan the visuals, audio, and editing elements: Think about the visual and audio elements that will enhance your video. Consider camera angles, lighting, music, transitions, and any other editing techniques that will make your video engaging and professional.

Step 2: Outline Your Main Points and Subpoints

Before you start writing your script, the second important thing is to outline your main points and subpoints. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your video flows smoothly. You can use a mind map, a spreadsheet, or a word document to brainstorm and organize your ideas. Start by identifying the key topics you want to cover in your video. Then, break down each topic into subpoints that support your main message.

Once you have your main points and subpoints outlined, it's time to structure them using headings and subheadings. This will make it easy for you to navigate your script and for your viewers to follow along. Use H2, H3, and H4 headings to clearly distinguish each section. Indented bullet points can be used to further break down your ideas and provide additional details.

Here we recommend you use a simple formula to structure your points: AIDA. AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. Let's break it down:

1. Attention: Grab the viewer's attention right from the start with a catchy title, thumbnail, and intro. Spark curiosity and interest by addressing a problem or posing a question that your video will address.

2. Interest: Once you have their attention, build their interest by providing relevant and valuable information. Answer their questions, solve their problems, and keep them engaged throughout the video.

3. Desire: Create desire by appealing to the viewer's emotions. Use storytelling, social proof, or incentives to make them want to take action. Show them how your video can improve their lives or provide a solution to their pain points.

4. Action: Finally, prompt the viewer to take action. End your video with a clear and compelling call to action. Tell them what they should do next, whether it's subscribing to your channel, liking the video, or visiting your website for more information.

Step 3: Write YouTube Script Using Your Outline

Writing a YouTube script is not just about putting words on a page. It's about crafting content that captivates your audience, keeps them engaged, and ultimately convinces them to take action. In this section, we'll explore some techniques and best practices to help you write a YouTube script that achieves these goals.

1. Tell a Compelling Story

One of the most effective ways to engage your viewers is through storytelling. People relate to stories, and they remember them long after the video ends. So, when writing your YouTube script, incorporate storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, metaphors, and humor. These elements make your content more relatable, memorable, and enjoyable to watch.

For example, let's say you're creating a video about a new cooking gadget. Instead of simply listing its features, share a personal story about how the gadget transformed your cooking experience. This not only adds authenticity to your content but also hooks your viewers by making them feel connected to the story.

2. Use Rhetorical Devices for Impact

Another way to make your YouTube script more impactful and persuasive is by using rhetorical devices. These devices help you emphasize key points and create a sense of urgency or importance. Some common rhetorical devices include repetition, contrast, and asking thought-provoking questions.

To illustrate, let's say you're making a video about the benefits of exercise. Instead of just stating the benefits, use repetition to drive the point home. Say something like, "Exercise boosts your mood. Exercise improves your health. Exercise enhances your productivity." This repetition not only reinforces your message but also creates a rhythmic flow that captures your viewers' attention.

3. Write in a Conversational Tone

To make your YouTube script more friendly and natural, use conversational language. This means using contractions, slang, idioms, and other colloquial expressions. Writing in a conversational tone helps you build a connection with your viewers and makes your content more relatable.

For instance, instead of saying, "You should try this new skincare product," say, "You gotta check out this amazing skincare product!" This small change in language instantly makes your script more engaging and appealing to your audience.

4. Keep it Simple and Clear

When writing a YouTube script, simplicity and clarity are key. Use short and clear sentences and paragraphs that are easy to read and understand. Avoid complex words or jargon that might confuse your viewers.

Remember, your goal is to provide clear and relevant information to your audience. Use examples, case studies, tutorials, and more to illustrate your points and offer value. This helps your viewers grasp the information easily and keeps them interested in watching till the end.

5. Inject Humor, Emotion, and Storytelling

To truly connect with your audience and keep them interested, don't be afraid to inject humor, emotion, and storytelling into your YouTube script. Humor can lighten the mood and make your content more enjoyable to watch. Emotion evokes a response from your viewers, making your content more impactful and memorable. And storytelling, as we mentioned earlier, helps create a personal connection with your audience.

Tips and Best Practices for Writing a YouTube Script

Now that we've covered some techniques for writing an engaging YouTube script, let's dive into some tips and best practices to help you craft content that resonates with your viewers:

1. Know your target audience: Understand the needs, preferences, and expectations of your target audience. Tailor your script to address their specific pain points and interests.

2. Keep it short and simple: Write in short and simple sentences and paragraphs. This makes your script easy to read and understand, especially for viewers who may be watching on mobile devices.

3. Use an active and confident voice: Write in an active voice that shows your authority and credibility. Use strong verbs and confident language to convey your message effectively.

Step 4: Edit and Revise Your YouTube Script

So now, you've written your YouTube script. You've poured your heart and soul into it, making sure it's informative, engaging, and entertaining. But before you hit that record button, there's one crucial step you can't afford to skip: editing and revising. This step will not only ensure that your script is error-free, but it will also help you optimize it for search engines and viewers. And here, we'll walk you through the process of editing and revising your YouTube script to make it the best it can be.

1. Use Online Tools and Apps

First things first, let's polish your script for grammar, spelling, punctuation, readability, and style. There are several online tools and apps that can help you with this task. Grammarly, Hemingway, Wordtune, to name a few, are excellent options to check and improve the quality of your script. These tools will catch any errors or inconsistencies you may have missed and provide suggestions for improvement.

2. Read It Aloud

Reading your script aloud or recording yourself reading it can do wonders for its flow and overall quality. When you read your script aloud, you get a sense of how it sounds to the ears of your viewers. This allows you to identify any awkward or clunky sentences that need reworking. Additionally, recording yourself reading the script can help you gauge the pacing and tone of your delivery.

3. Seek Feedback

It's always a good idea to get a fresh pair of eyes on your script. Ask a friend, a colleague, or a professional editor to give you feedback on your script. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Listen to their feedback with an open mind and make changes accordingly. Remember, constructive criticism is your friend and will only make your script better.

4. Trim the Fat

Once you've received feedback and made the necessary revisions, it's time to trim the fat. Eliminate any unnecessary or redundant words or sentences that don't add value or clarity to your content. Keep your script concise and to the point. This will not only make it easier for your viewers to follow along but also help improve engagement.

5.Optimizing Your YouTube Script for Search Engines and Viewers

Now that you've edited and revised your script, it's time to optimize it for search engines and viewers. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Use Relevant Keywords and Phrases: Research and incorporate keywords and phrases that are relevant to your topic and align with your audience's intent. This will improve your script's chances of ranking high in search engine results.
• Organize with Headings and Subheadings: Break your script into sections using headings and subheadings. This not only helps you stay organized but also makes your content scannable for viewers.
• Highlight Key Points with Bullet Points and Lists: Use bullet points and numbered lists to emphasize key points and make them stand out. This helps viewers quickly grasp the main ideas of your script.

6. Creating Captions and Transcripts for Your YouTube Video

In addition to editing and revising your script, you should also consider creating captions and transcripts for your YouTube video. This enhances accessibility and improves user experience. Here's how you can do it:

• Use YouTube Studio: YouTube Studio offers a built-in captioning tool that can automatically generate captions for your video. You can then edit and refine the captions to ensure accuracy and readability.
• Explore Captioning Tools: If you're looking for more advanced captioning options, you can try third-party tools such as Flixier or Vmaker. These tools provide additional features and flexibility for editing and customizing your captions.
• Pay Attention to Accuracy: When creating captions and transcripts, make sure to use proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Accuracy is key to ensuring a seamless viewing experience for all viewers, including those who rely on captions.
• Convey Visual and Sound Effects: In your transcripts, be sure to include descriptive text and audio that convey any visual or sound effects that are relevant to the content. This helps viewers understand and engage with your video on a deeper level.

Writing a YouTube script is an essential step in creating engaging and effective videos. By understanding your target audience, defining your video's goal, and following a structured approach, you can craft scripts that captivate your viewers and help you achieve your desired outcomes. So, start implementing these tips and get ready to create YouTube videos that leave a lasting impression. 

About The Author

Cecilia Hwung is the editor-in-chief of Digiarty VideoProc. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in delivering insightful content on AI trends, video/audio editing, conversion, troubleshooting, and software reviews. Her expertise makes her a trusted ally in enhancing users' digital experiences.

VideoProc is a primary branch of Digiarty Software that is a leading multimedia software company founded in 2006. It endeavors to provide easier hardware-accelerated video audio editing and conversion solutions. The installed base of the VideoProc product has reached 4.6 million units from 180 countries since its release 5 years ago.

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Watch CBS News

Karen Read murder trial witness says she saw "black blob" on Brian Albert's Canton lawn

By Matt Schooley

Updated on: May 14, 2024 / 6:12 PM EDT / CBS Boston

DEDHAM – Karen Read's high-profile Massachusetts murder trial resumed Tuesday as defense attorneys questioned Caitlin Albert about her connections to a previous witness who they say gave misleading testimony. 

Several witnesses who were inside Brian Albert's Canton home the night of John O'Keefe's death were also questioned, including one who said she saw a "black blob" on the ground.

Read is facing several charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of O'Keefe outside a Canton home in 2022. O'Keefe, a Boston police officer, was dating Read at the time of his death.

Prosecutors say Read hit and killed O'Keefe with her SUV outside Brian Albert's home on Fairview Road. Defense attorneys argue Read is being framed as part of a coverup involving several people, including law enforcement. 

Friends of Brian Albert Jr.

Several of Brian Albert Jr.'s friends took the stand on Tuesday. They were in the home the night O'Keefe died celebrating Brian Jr.'s birthday.

On direct testimony, Sarah Levinson talked about what she and her friends were doing that night, saying they were listening to music, singing, and dancing.

Levinson testified that she left some time from 1:30 to 2 a.m. on January 29, 2022 with Julie Nagel, Jennifer McCabe and her husband, Matt McCabe.

Under cross-examination, Yannetti highlighted that Levinson did not see O'Keefe's body or anything suspicious when she left the home. Levinson said she was looking in a different direction when the car drove by where O'Keefe was found.

Witness saw "a black blob" while leaving home

Nagel was the next witness called after Levinson stepped down. She said at one point she saw a black SUV outside the home, something that Brian Albert Jr. also testified Monday that he saw.

Karen Read was driving a black Lexus SUV at the time O'Keefe died.

"Looking out the window I noticed the SUV in front of the mailbox. Then it pulled up a little in front of the yard. Then it pulled up a little in front of the flagpole," Nagel testified, adding that she never saw anyone get out of the SUV.

Nagel said she noticed something on the ground near the flagpole in the front yard of the house while the group drove away. That is the area where O'Keefe's body was found.

"I noticed something out of the ordinary … like a black blob on the ground," Nagel testified. She said that she was intoxicated, and it was too quick to determine what exactly she had seen. She said what she saw was "five or six feet long."

On cross-examination, Nagel says the first time she told anyone this observation in an official capacity was in an interview with Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor in October 2022. 

"You've never mentioned that this black object was five or six feet long until the last hour or so when Mr. Lally questioned you about it, correct?" Yannetti asked. Nagel answered yes. 

Prosecutors have previously accused Proctor of being compromised because of personal ties in the case. Proctor is currently under internal investigation by state police after they said they are looking into "a potential violation of department policy." Proctor denied any wrongdoing and remains on full duty during the investigation.

"You did not think that you saw a person that was in trouble, correct?" Yannetti asked. Nagel said she did not. 

"You did not see a body on that lawn did you?" Yannetti later asked. "I don't know what I saw, but I saw an object," Nagel responded.

Testimony concluded for the day Tuesday and will resume with Nagel on the stand Wednesday morning.  

Read's attorneys also said they expect a DNA expert to testify before some more witnesses from 34 Fairview on Wednesday. 

Defense attorney calls testimony "a made-up story"

While leaving court for the day, defense attorney Alan Jackson was asked about Nagel's testimony.

"Her credibility is completely shot. She was apparently completely under the control of Jennifer McCabe. That's interesting isn't it?" Jackson said. 

Jackson asked if he believed Nagel seeing an object in the lawn was a made-up story.

"Yeah, I think it's a made-up story," Jackson said. "Their case is falling down around their feet. Every day it seems to crumble that much more."

Caitlin Albert's relationship with Canton EMT Katie McLaughlin

Caitlin Albert is the daughter of Brian Albert, a retired Boston police officer who owned the home on Fairview Road. Read's attorneys argue that O'Keefe was killed during a fight inside the home and dragged outside.

Earlier in the trial, Canton firefighter-paramedic Katie McLaughlin testified that she heard Read say "I hit him" after O'Keefe was found in the snow. Several other first responders have offered similar accounts.

McLaughlin testified that she is an acquaintance of Caitlin Albert's. Read's attorneys have zeroed in on photos they say show that McLaughlin committed perjury, arguing that the photos prove the two are friends.

"I can't think of a time possibly ever where her and I ever hung out one on one or individually," Caitlin Albert said Monday.  

Caitlin Albert returned to the stand on Tuesday. Defense attorney David Yannetti cross-examined her about her relationship with McLaughlin. 

Before jurors were in the room, Judge Beverly Cannone said "my view has not changed," appearing to indicate that she does not agree that McLaughlin committed perjury.

She told attorneys she would allow some photographs, but with limitations. During the start of Caitlin Albert's testimony, Yannetti showed her several photos that included herself and McLaughlin.

He asked to enter the photos into evidence, but the judge denied the request. 

Caitlin Albert completes testimony

Caitlin Albert's testimony concluded after she was asked what she heard in the early morning hours of January 29, 2022, at her parents' home on 34 Fairview Road in Canton.

She said she never heard any yelling or screaming, and did not hear any revving of tires. 

"Did you see 45 pieces of red taillight?" Yannetti asked, to which Caitlin Albert said she did not. "Did you see a 6'2" man on your parents' lawn?" Yannetti continued. Albert said she did not.

Tristan Morris, Caitlin Albert's boyfriend, was next on the stand. Morris picked her up in the early morning hours of January 29, 2022.

Morris was at the Waterfall Bar & Grill with the group that included Read, O'Keefe, and members of the Albert family the night of January 28, 2022. He left earlier than the others, saying he was going home to Easton because he was planning to operate a plow starting around 3 a.m.

During cross-examination, Yannetti asked why that changed and he instead picked up his girlfriend from her parents' home.

"Why did you go back to 34 Fairview that night to pick your girlfriend up?" Yannetti asked. "She's high maintenance," Morris said, prompting laughter from the courtroom.    

Yannetti also questioned Morris about what time he arrived at the home, but Morris said he was unsure.

Morris also testified that he did not see anything out of the ordinary in the yard.

What happened Monday in the Karen Read case?

Brian Albert was on the stand Monday for tense cross-examination. 

Defense attorneys questioned him about why he got rid of his cellphone the day before receiving a preservation notice for his data.

Brian Albert testified that Read and O'Keefe never entered his home.

Who is Karen Read?

Read, a 45-year-old Massachusetts woman, is charged with second-degree manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.

She has  pleaded not guilty  to all of the charges. 

Read's case has drawn national attention. "Free Karen Read" supporters have been present outside Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham throughout proceedings in the case. Cannone earlier ruled rupporters from either side must be at least 200 feet away from the courthouse in an effort to maintain an unbiased jury.

Matt Schooley is a digital producer at CBS Boston. He has been a member of the WBZ news team for the last decade.

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ChatGPT 4 Review: A Smarter AI Chatbot, but It'll Cost You

The paid version of ChatGPT is clearly smarter than the free one, but the subscription cost is probably too high for the average user.

Our Experts

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

ChatGPT 4.0

• More thorough answers
• Can parse data more effectively
• Answers difficult and complex questions with satisfying answers
• Answers can take some time to generate
• Still makes mistakes

Editors' note: This review was written before the announcement of GPT-4o , which will upgrade the capabilities of both the free and paid versions of ChatGPT. CNET stands by the conclusions behind our testing, but we'll continue to update our coverage as updates roll out. 

Basic info:

• Price: $20 per month
• Availability: Web or mobile app
• Features: Voice recognition; memory retention; multiple GPTs to choose from
• Image generation: Yes

I wondered whether ChatGPT 4 was really worth the $20 upgrade, considering Microsoft Copilot is free and also uses OpenAI's faster and more efficient GPT-4 Turbo model . Turns out, just because two companies are using similar versions of GPT-4 doesn't mean they're using it equally.

ChatGPT 4, OpenAI's most advanced publicly available model, differs from the free ChatGPT 3.5 in a few ways. OpenAI says it has better comprehension and can create more nuanced answers with less bias. After testing, I feel 4.0 ups the cognition, upgrading answers from rote summarizations to scholarly level proficiency. Answers do take longer to generate, but the output is worth the wait. Its ability to juggle dense topics and spit out well thought-out answers puts it ahead of the GPT-4 Turbo model used by the free version of Copilot, which prioritizes speed and efficiency. 

But as impressive as ChatGPT 4 is, it still runs into the same issue as 3.5: no internet connection. While the training data is more recent, up to August 2023 as opposed to September 2021, it's still not possible to get answers to the day's most pressing and topical questions. So for things like shopping recommendations between the latest Samsung and Apple phones, ChatGPT 4 can only prognosticate on which phone reigns supreme.

Even with this restriction, ChatGPT 4 is noticeably smarter than its free counterpart. And for those who strive for accuracy and ask questions requiring greater computational dexterity, it's a worthy upgrade. 

How CNET tests AI chatbots

CNET takes a practical approach to reviewing AI chatbots. By prompting AI chatbots with real-world scenarios, like finding and modifying recipes, researching travel and writing emails, my fellow reviewers and I aim to simulate what the average person might use them for. The goal isn't to break AI chatbots with bizarre riddles or logic problems. Instead, we look to see if real questions prompt useful and accurate answers. However, as more advanced models are released, it'll require more advanced-level questioning to see how AI chatbots can reason with complex and multilayered topics. See our page on how we test AI for more.

When using ChatGPT, keep in mind that the service automatically collects the information you put into its system, so be mindful of giving the service any personal information. For more information, see OpenAI's privacy policy .

If it has the data, ChatGPT 4 will give excellent shopping recommendations. However, for items released after August 2023, like the iPhone 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, ChatGPT will use noncommittal language like "might" and "should." The data gap diminishes its overall effectiveness as a shopping guide, unfortunately.

When I asked it to compare the LG OLEDs G3 and G4, ChatGPT 4 said things like, "the G4 might feature enhanced processing" and "If the G4 has upgraded speakers or audio processing capabilities, it could offer a better auditory experience." This type of prognostication makes sense if the product hasn't been officially unveiled. But the G4 TV is on the market now. 

At the very least, for less timely inquiries, ChatGPT excels at synthesizing multiple data points and giving accurate and reliable answers. For example, when trying to find a proper uninterrupted power supply for my gaming PC or TV setup, ChatGPT 4 was able to cross-reference the power requirements of my electronics and recommend the appropriate supply. It even explained why buying a sinewave supply would be beneficial as I'd be using sensitive electronics. 

As a shopping tool, overall, it's probably better to reference AI chatbots that do have a direct line to the internet, like Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Perplexity . But as a general product research tool, as long as the items you're referencing are from before August 2023, ChatGPT really does feel like you're talking to a knowledgeable sales representative at a store. 

Any AI chatbot can spit out a recipe. That's not hard. But very few can actually make a good recipe, and ChatGPT 4 is no exception. Like Google Gemini and  Claude , when I asked ChatGPT 4 to give a chicken tikka masala marinade, it only touched on the basics. It didn't include more exotic ingredients like kasuri methi (dried fenugreek), chaat masala and amchur (dried mango powder). While these ingredients aren't necessary, they should at least be listed as an option.

When it came to making more unique fusion recipes, like a Thai-inspired tres leches cake with a spicy kick, ChatGPT 4 totally understood the assignment. It created a cake infused with coconut milk and lemongrass flavors and combined it with some Thai chili peppers. So when it comes to creating a more authentic recipe, ChatGPT 4 deflates the souffle, so to speak. But for anything that requires fusing foods from different parts of the world, ChatGPT 4 excels. 

Summarizing articles

The freely available AI chatbots have struggled with article summarization. Most did a decent job of getting the overarching points, but failed to capture the main thesis or crux of the piece. 

I asked ChatGPT 4 to summarize an article I wrote earlier this year about how AI was dominating CES 2024 . Where chatbots like Gemini and Claude did nothing more than state the popularity of AI at the show and how many gadgets were unveiled with AI integrations, none did a good job of taking into account the experts I spoke to and some of the skepticisms they raised. ChatGPT 4, however, did. 

It was able to look beyond the shiny veneer at the top of the AI boom and see how companies were pushing out AI products too quickly, some of which might simply have been a rebranding of "smart" tech from a few years back.

And, unlike with ChatGPT 3.5, I didn't run into a character limit when pasting my article into the chatbot. 

While the free chatbots can get you some basic talking points, ChatGPT 4 gives you the entire analysis.  

When it comes to travel recommendations, ChatGPT 4 gets things right, mostly. Where some of the free chatbots hallucinated or struggled to give varying recommendations, ChatGPT consistently gave solid tips and sights worth seeing, all of which actually existed.

Like in past reviews, I asked ChatGPT 4 to create a three-day travel itinerary to Columbus, Ohio. I then cross-referenced it with CNET's Bella Czajkowski, who hails from the Arch City.

According to Czajkowski, ChatGPT 4's recommendations were varied and included a solid list of restaurants worth visiting, like Fox in the Snow Cafe or The Pearl. It also included attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a destination often missing from the free AI chatbot lists. 

That doesn't mean ChatGPT 4 always gets it right. When asking it to make a travel itinerary for the neighborhood of Bushwick in New York, ChatGPT 4 recommended cafes in the neighborhood of Greenpoint. While Greenpoint is only 30 minutes by train, it wouldn't be considered a walkable destination. 

Super synthesis

With the paid AI chatbots, we're putting a greater emphasis on informational synthesis. Given that you're paying $20 per month, premium AI chatbots have to push beyond recipe and restaurant recommendations. That means parsing through the complexities of the human condition to answer the conundrums of life. 

For this test, we thought of an obtuse philosophy question and asked ChatGPT 4 to consider theories from disparate philosophers from different time periods and to then relate it to the problems of today. The wording of the question was also needlessly dense, aiming to simulate what might be asked of philosophy students. 

We don't want to put the exact question here, as other AI chatbots might glean it for future training. 

Given the general density and unreadability of the question, ChatGPT 4 performed remarkably. It was able to acknowledge the multidimensionality of the question, breaking it down point by point, similarly to how a tutor would. It started off by defining the different philosophies present to establish a baseline, then aimed to answer each element before finally combining all the information for one final answer. 

Compared to ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4 flew higher and further than its free counterpart. The informational processing really did mimic how a person would think the question through, showing how the increase in parameters helps AI chatbots to perform with greater cognitive ability. 

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are everything machines, so it can be hard to fully evaluate them without cross-referencing experts in coding, architecture or any other highly skilled field. 

Even so, it's obvious that ChatGPT 4 is smarter than the other AI chatbots. Its answers are more thoughtful, and it can synthesize complex bits of information to produce useful sentences, even if it takes a bit of time to process. It's also less prone to hallucinate. 

Is it worth the $20 per month subscription cost? That's situationally dependent. If you plan on only asking AI chatbots to write emails or give summaries of historical events, then the free versions will likely suffice. Seriously, as an email-writing machine, ChatGPT 4 performed well, but so did all the other AI chatbots. However, if you start finding answers to your multilayered questions to be unsatisfying, it might be worth dropping the $20 to give ChatGPT 4 a try. 

The value comes in instances where a general overview won't suffice and specifics will be necessary, like asking for the types of hardware needed for your specific setup or the furniture to consider in an awkwardly colored and shaped room. ChatGPT 4 really impresses when you need more specialized answers to specific questions (like college-level philosophy questions). 

At the very least, you'll have a better sense of what the capabilities of an uncapped AI chatbot are. Because when ChatGPT can run, it can go far, albeit not fast. 

Editor's note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create a handful of stories. Reviews of AI products like this, just like  CNET's other hands-on reviews , are written by our human team of in-house experts. For more, see  CNET's AI policy  and  how we test AI .

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Copy-on-Write performance and debugging

Erik Mavrinac

May 14th, 2024 0 0

This is a follow-up to our previous coverage of Dev Drive and copy-on-write (CoW) linking. See our previous articles from May 24, 2023 , October 13, 2023 , and November 2, 2023 .

Dev Drive was released in Windows 11 in October, 2023, and will be part of Windows Server 2025 this fall, along with an enhancement to automatically use copy-on-write linking (CoW-in-Win32). Here, we’ll cover the results of several months of repo build performance testing for several large internal codebases, provide some information on determining whether a file is a CoW link, and share a few tips we found from adding Dev Drive to thousands of Dev Box VMs for daily developer use.

Repo build performance

Let’s start with the chart:

The highest win of 43% did not replicate for all the repos under test. However, many repos did get a reduction of 10% or more. Several patterns stand out when comparing to the underlying repo code:

• Repos containing C# with deep project-to-project dependencies cause MSBuild to copy assemblies many times. These can get a significant benefit from CoW linking.
• Repos that perform lots of additional copying to create microservice layouts as part of the build output also get a strong benefit.
• Repos heavy in C++ showed only a small win except where they were copying files for microservice layouts. C++ builds in MSBuild do not by default copy output files over and over again, and MSVC tends to generate fewer, larger files, where Dev Drive’s reduced file I/O overhead is less effective.
• Two repos with low benefit had a project dependency graph with a lot of initial parallelism that was noticeably faster but with a near-linear chain of large projects at the end that reduced the effect of speeding up I/O in each project. 1

Test methodology notes: Tests for reach repo were run on NTFS and Dev Drive partitions on the same Dev Box VM. NuGet and other package caches were placed in the same partition as the source code. All repos used the Microsoft.Build.CopyOnWrite SDK and, where applicable, an upgraded Microsoft.Build.Artifacts SDK. CoW-in-Win32 was not available at the time of testing, and may produce different results when released this fall. Five or more iterations were run per test case, with the first one dropped to avoid measuring a cold disk cache. Measurements were of the build phase only, with package restore and inline tests separated out. All builds were run with clean repo and output directories to ensure a full build. Typical build times per iteration were selected to be about 20 minutes, which for large repos usually meant building a specific subdirectory.

How to determine whether a file is a CoW link

CoW links are also known as block clones , where blocks of data on disk are referred-to from multiple file entries. fsutil contains subcommands that let us view files from a block clone point of view. Let’s take a look at a block clone of an assembly copied from a package to my MSBuild output directory:

This shows that there are 97 clusters corresponding to the main 400K body of the assembly. Note the Ref: 0x4 meaning the underlying block at Logical Cluster Number 0x1297cf7 has 4 block clones on the disk volume, of which this is one. The last cluster with one reference holds the block clone reference metadata, which means for every cloned file there is one cluster actually used for tracking purposes.

Using ProcMon with Dev Drive

ProcMon uses an included filter driver whose name, e.g. ProcMon24 , changes over time. Attach the filter driver like:

You can generally leave ProcMon24 in the allow list, as it is only attached to the volume when ProcMon is in use. Our internal Dev Box images are generated with the filter always added.

Using Microsoft Performance Recorder (Xperf) with Dev Drive

Attach the FileInfo filter driver:

Then measure. After measurement, it’s important to disable FileInfo as it is always attached to the Dev Drive when allowed, slowing performance.

Finding and fixing leaked CoW references

Dev Drive, which is based on ReFS, allows only 8176 clones of a data block. If you have a file that fails to copy because of an error related to too many clones, e.g. MaxCloneFileLinksExceededException from the CoW library used in the Microsoft.Build.CopyOnWrite and Microsoft.Build.Artifacts SDKs, winerror ERROR_BLOCK_TOO_MANY_REFERENCES = 347, or NTSTATUS STATUS_BLOCK_TOO_MANY_REFERENCES = 0xC000048C, you might have too many actual references, or you might need to clean up orphaned references. We ran into this problem on one machine that had run continuous CoW builds for weeks under a prerelease CoW-in-Win32 implementation, so we don’t expect this to appear in the wild very often.

In an elevated console or PowerShell run the following, where x: is the drive letter of your Dev Drive.

This will scan and fix dangling references. You can add the /d parameter to detect but not fix these references.

Example output from a volume with a significant number of orphaned references:

Copy-on-write will be on by default for Dev Drive in the 24H2 Windows operating system release wave. Dev Drive and CoW will be available in the Server SKU for the first time starting in Server 2025 later this year. These releases will make many builds on Windows notably faster, particularly C# builds. CoW-in-Win32 will avoid the need to integrate the CoW SDKs or modify other build engines or tools.

In the intervening months, consider integrating the CopyOnWrite SDK into your MSBuild repo and creating a Dev Drive partition on your development machine.

We hope you find your build performance notably faster!

We recommended that the repo owners try ReferenceTrimmer to see if any parallelism could be recovered by removing unneeded project dependencies.  ↩

Erik Mavrinac Principal Software Engineer, 1ES Engineering

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Help! I Rescued a Man Who Fell Off a Cliff. I Never Imagined It Would Change My Life In This Way.

I’ve healed in all ways but one..

Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column.  Submit questions here .

Dear Prudence,

While trail running in a remote part of a national park a few years ago, I came across a man who fell off a cliff and sustained multiple serious injuries. I ended up coordinating a helicopter rescue and took care of him all day, while he was in incredible distress until he was airlifted out. He survived but does not have the life he once had. I worked with my therapist and have found healing. I resumed my outdoor activities, the sound of a helicopter doesn’t send me into a panic attack anymore, and life is great. My husband has been very supportive throughout the journey. (I am a woman in my 30s, if this helps with the picture.)

BUT, one thing that changed completely for me since the accident is my taste in TV shows and movies. My husband and I used to love watching shows like The Walking Dead , Dexter , Game of Thrones , etc. We also watched adventure movies, comic book movies, and thrillers. But now, I cannot watch anything that even has a bit of blood, gore, violence, or suffering. I even have a hard time watching animal shows if it involves animals hunting other animals. The Joker ? Forget it! Something really flipped for me in which I can’t tolerate that sort of thing for entertainment anymore. I tried for a while, and it’s not like I have a panic attack or anything, but it’s definitely a hard no. To be clear, I can handle blood or emergency situations just fine in real life. For example, I helped my parents through major surgeries and could look at incision sights without issue. I had to get stitches after falling, and I handled it well.

My husband is supportive of my narrowed genres. We have a profile on Netflix of just standup comedy, dramas, documentaries, and comedies from which we choose when we watch together. But he does mention that he has to watch shows by himself to get his “fix.” He sometimes carves out time during the weekend or when I am working to watch his shows. We both joke that I am now a “baby” when it comes to couch and Netflix time. I do sense his frustration when we are trying to find something to watch together, even though he is really sweet about it. I truly don’t feel like I am missing out, but should I try to work on exposure therapy to enjoy this type of entertainment again? Am I doing my husband a disservice by ending our pastime of watching these shows and movies together? It feels silly to ask because it is just Netflix, and we only watch movies and shows a few days a week. But, to be honest, I can’t help but feel guilty.

—Netflix for Babies

Dear Netflix for Babies,

Whew, what a relief. When I started reading this letter, I definitely thought you were going to tell me you were in love with the man whose life you saved. By comparison, having less than complete Netflix queue compatibility is a non-issue. The trail-running incident is clouding some much-needed perspective. Your situation mirrors that of many couples who have no history of trauma. One partner might love a classic horror movie marathon while the other simply can’t watch. Similar mismatches in taste have yielded many battles over TV remotes.

The good news: It sounds like you have plenty of stuff to watch together. It’s fine for your husband to watch some of the more violent content when you’re not around and there’s no need to force yourself to enjoy shows that upset you. That said, your ongoing discomfort with certain content could be an indication that you aren’t quite as healed as you think you are, so stick with therapy.

How to Get Advice

Submit your questions anonymously here . (Questions may be edited for publication.) And for questions on parenting, kids, or family life, try  Care and Feeding !

My husband and I have been together for almost 17 years, we met and started dating in high school. He took a promotion earlier this year that came with a lot more responsibility, more than he was anticipating I think. About eight weeks ago, I noticed he was a little more withdrawn, more tired, etc. As someone who battled postpartum, and runs on a higher anxiety frequency than most, I wondered about depression. About five weeks ago, we hit a boiling point, communication stopped almost completely, and intimacy stopped (we have ALWAYS been intimate four to six times per week). It felt like whiplash and so sudden. I asked him point blank if he was having an affair. He denied it, but mentioned how he felt empty about everything right now. I suggested a doctor’s visit, but he didn’t want to do that.

I just found out last week that around that same time, he began engaging in inappropriate communication with a lady at work, including several kisses. Obviously, my world ended when I found out. Neither of us slept that night, and not much sleep since to be honest. He told me he wants to stay and work on our marriage, and I believe him. But he also told me he still doesn’t feel anything. I’m in no way making excuses for poor choices, but I do think he is dealing with some untreated depression and that may have been a catalyst for something so incredibly out of character. He still isn’t interested in therapy or talking to anyone—myself, friends, or a doctor. I LOVE this man. We have the family we’ve been dreaming and praying for. I want to give this a fair shot, but I feel like we can’t do that until he’s able to shake whatever is going on with him. Is there a way I can gently encourage him to see a doctor or to enter therapy? I can’t imagine my life without him, and at the end of the day, I just want him to be happy. He deserves that, as appalling as it sounds he is a GOOD man. I feel like I’m living in some crazy alternative universe right now. The man I built my life with would NEVER do something like this, but I don’t know how to help him fight back.

—Miserable in the Multiverse

Dear Miserable in the Multiverse,

I’m so sorry you’re in this position, but wow, I hate it when the person who’s been cheated on somehow becomes the one doing all the thinking and strategizing about how to fix their partner and the relationship. It’s not fair. Also, dragging your husband to get help is unlikely to get you the results you want. I completely understand that you love him and see all his best qualities and don’t want a divorce (who does?) so I won’t push you to leave. My advice is to try your very best to do… nothing.

Don’t try to convince him that he still has feelings for you. Don’t try to make a therapy appointment for him. Don’t beg him to behave like the good man you believe he is. Don’t change your personality, your appearance, or your beliefs about infidelity in an attempt to hold onto him. He said he wants to work on the marriage, so sit back and see what that looks like. You can even give it a year, if you think he needs time to snap out of this state of mind or get a less stressful job. You’re either going to see that he’s a good man who is going through a hard time but has the capacity to be a better husband, or you’re going to see that he’s a good man who is going through a hard time and cannot hold up his end of the deal. If it’s the latter, it’s going to be painful to accept. But you can take all the energy and enthusiasm you were prepared to use to help him and redirect it to help yourself get through this.

Write to Slate’s New Advice Column!

Are you struggling with your sense of worth or self image? Are you—or a loved one—dealing with the fall-out of addiction, or recovery? Have you even realized that YOU are the asshole? Slate is starting a new advice column, called Ask A.J., and we want your questions.  Submit them here.

My mother recently found a ring in my room that was very sentimental to me. She asked me where it came from. It had been given to me by a “friend” who was actually interested in me romantically. I did not tell her who it was, and will not do so here. I was going to wear the ring today, and started looking for it. I searched my room and couldn’t find it, which led me to conclude that she might have thrown it out. How should I confront her, or should I just let it slide? (The ring was not at all expensive but was very important to me.)

—Ring Go Brrrr

I have so many questions! Why is “friend” in scare quotes? Did you return their interest? If not, why did you accept the ring? Did your mom forbid you from being romantically involved with this person? How old are you? Nonetheless, it sounds like there’s not a lot of trust between the two of you, and you believe she’s capable of some pretty invasive and hurtful behavior. If you don’t think it will set her off in some way that will make living under her roof difficult, say, “Hey Mom, remember the ring we talked about the other day? I can’t find it. Have you seen it?” Unfortunately, I’m pretty certain she’ll say she has absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.

In the future, consider finding a safe place outside the home (like a box under the bed at a good friend’s house) to keep items you’d rather she didn’t know about. And use this incident as motivation to start slowly thinking about when and how you might be able to move out and surround yourself with people with whom you can safely be honest about your friendships/relationships, and everything else going on in your life.

Get Even More Advice From the Dear Prudence Podcast

I was having lunch with a gal pal, reminiscing about some old times, when we began to chat about a friend group we’d both lost touch with over the pandemic. The disconnect was deliberate for me: They felt like it was a great time to score some low-cost vacations and no lines at the local restaurants and I…didn’t. This meant turning down multiple invitations over two years until they finally stopped asking. My friend, very seriously, said, “Oh, well you’re better off. The way they talked about you was just awful,” before she clammed up and wouldn’t divulge another word. Part of me says I shouldn’t care, and the other part is just at a loss to think that I’d been wholly unaware! I’ve tried to pry it out of my friend but she’s not budging (I think maybe because she’s still connected to a few of them). Any tips on reframing this for my own peace of mind?

—I’m Better Off

Dear Better Off,

All of us have people who don’t like us. And all of us have been talked about negatively behind our backs. But it’s absolutely unbearable to think about, isn’t it? Just absolute torture. I’m sorry your “friend” (scare quotes because what she did was not at all friendly) shared this totally unnecessary information with you.

I suppose the way to reframe it is to remember that you did indeed have a pretty big disagreement with these people about how to behave during the pandemic— one that reflected deeper values and priorities. And while you probably found their “gotta get back to normal life” choices upsetting, my guess is that they felt judged and even attacked by your more cautious approach. It’s a fair guess that their remarks about you probably originated with their own defensiveness. Maybe they called you paranoid, scared, neurotic, or a bore. But are those the worst things to be called by people who you thought were irresponsible and selfish? Putting aside the debate about proper pandemic protocols, it’s worth considering that people who turned out to be so different from you are not people whose approval you need or want. As uncomfortable as it was to learn that they were disparaging you, maybe the pandemic—and your “friend”—did you a favor by clarifying an incompatibility that could have otherwise gone unnoticed.

More Advice From Slate

My mother married and had me while she was in high school. She is the bravest woman I know, and she raised my brother and me by herself, put herself through college, and has finally married the love of her life after divorcing my alcoholic father and waste-of-space stepfather. Recently, she discovered she was pregnant again at 41. I am 23 and three months pregnant with my first child.