How to Conclude an Argumentative Essay

How to End an Argumentative Essay to Make It Memorable

You will not probably be so glad to hear it, but to write a conclusion to an argumentative essay you just need to actually sit down and write. Yeah, yeah, this can get tiring. However, below you will find some recommendations as to how you can organize everything to make it quick and productive.

1. Restate Your Thesis (Without Sounding Repetitive)

First things first, you need to remind your reader what your main point was—but you don’t want to just copy-paste your thesis statement from the introduction. That’s boring and a little lazy. Instead, try rephrasing it in a way that shows how your argument has evolved. 

Example 1

2. Summarize Key Points

Next up, give a quick rundown of your main arguments. You don’t need to go into too much detail—just enough to remind your reader why your argument is valid. Here, think about what are the key takeaways you want them to remember?

Example 2

3. Answer the “So What?” Question

This is a big one. After reading your essay, your reader might be wondering, “Why should I care?” Your conclusion is the perfect place to answer this. Explain why your argument matters in the bigger picture. How does it impact the reader? How does it relate to real life? This is your chance to connect your essay to a broader topic.

Example 3

4. Call to Action (If Relevant)

If your essay is about a topic that invites further thought or action, consider ending with a call to action. And no, this doesn’t mean you have to tell your reader to go out and protest or change their life— you can just suggest they think more about the issue, do further research, or even just be more aware of the topic in their daily routines.

Example 4

5. End with a Strong Final Sentence

Your last sentence is your mic-drop moment. Make it count. It should leave your reader thinking, so don’t be afraid to be bold!

Example 5

What to Avoid in Your Conclusion Paragraph Argumentative Essay

Now you may feel pretty confident in your abilities to create good argumentative essay conclusion. That’s great if you do! Yet, before you jump right back to work, consider the following pitfalls to make sure your final paragraph is as strong as the rest of your essay. 

Introducing New Arguments or Evidence

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your conclusion is bringing up new arguments or evidence that you didn’t discuss in the body of your essay. The conclusion is your chance to wrap things up, not to introduce fresh ideas. If you find yourself with new thoughts, it’s better to revisit the body of your writing and find a way to integrate them there instead of tacking them on at the end.

Making Apologies or Downplaying Your Argument

Never weaken your position in the end by using phrases like “This is just my opinion” or “I could be wrong, but…”. The whole point of an argumentative essay is to represent a strong, confident argument. If you undercut your own points in the conclusion, it can make your entire paper feel less convincing.

Ending Abruptly

The final paragraph of your essay should feel like a natural end to your narratie, not like it was cut off mid-thought. Avoid ending too suddenly or without giving your reader something to take away. The conclusion should give them a sense of closure and familiarity with the issue.

Being Too Vague or General

Your conclusion should be clear and specific. Thus, avoid using broad statements that don't really add value to your argument, like "This is an important topic" or "People should be aware of this." Instead, focus on the specific impact of your argument and what you want your reader to take away. Precision in your language will make your conclusion more powerful and memorable.

The Main Point

The ending of the essay is as important as its beginning. Its main point is to give the reader a sense of closure and an understanding that it is now on them to explore the issue further (if they want/ feel inspired to). So, don’t think about it too much, and keep everything simple. Try to imagine what words would make you feel empowered to pay more attention to the topic further. 

FAQ

How to conclude an argumentative essay example?

To conclude an argumentative essay you need just to wrap up everything you said above. In the example below (a conclusion for an essay on the negative impact of social media on mental health) you will see how you can do that.

“Given the evidence, it’s clear that social media plays a significant role in affecting mental well-being. The constant exposure to curated images and comparisons can lead to anxiety and depression, which is why it’s important to approach social media with a critical mindset. Understanding these effects helps us move through the digital world more responsibly. Next time you’re scrolling through your feed, take a moment to think about how it’s influencing your mood—small steps like these can make a big difference in promoting and improving mental health.”

What is a good closing statement for an argumentative essay?

A good closing statement should resonate with the reader long after they’ve finished reading. It can be a powerful statement, a thought-provoking question, or even a call to action. Here’s an example:

“In a world where likes and shares can dictate our self-worth, it’s time we take back control of our mental well-being.”

This statement is bold and leaves the reader with something to think about.

What is a good conclusion starter for an argumentative essay?

A good conclusion starter sets the tone and helps you distinguish the last paragraph from the whole body of text. You want to signal to the reader that you’re bringing your argument to a close. Here are a few examples:

• “In conclusion, the evidence clearly shows that…”
• “Ultimately, it’s evident that…”
• “As we have seen, the impact of…”

What should be in the conclusion of an argumentative essay?

The conclusion of an argumentative essay should neatly tie together all your ideas. Thus, start by rephrasing (not repeating word for word) your thesis statement to remind the reader of your main argument. Then, briefly recap the key points you've made, almost like a highlight reel, to reinforce your argument. It’s also important to explain why your argument matters in a broader context—this helps answer the “So what?” question and shows the reader why they should care about your topic. If it fits the topic, you might also want to suggest what the reader should do next or how they might think differently about the issue. Finally, finish everything with a memorable closing sentence—something strong, a question, or a thought-provoking idea that sticks with the reader.