How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph for an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay proves to be challenging to many. But while at it, the different parts of this essay, especially the conclusion, seem more confusing. While many posts describe and detail how to write the introduction, format the paper, and link up your pieces of evidence, little is said about the conclusion.

So, how do you write the conclusion for an opinion essay, and is it different from other essay conclusions? Typically, every essay’s conclusion follows a similar pattern. However, there may be slight differences in an opinion essay, but it does not deviate much.

How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph for an Opinion Essay

Generally, a good conclusion paragraph will address the topic question, provide an overview of the entire essay, and indicate why the writer chose to write about the topic. With such a summary, let’s see how to write these conclusion paragraphs expertly.

Restate your Thesis Statement

Restating the thesis statement is an essential part of writing a conclusion paragraph. It’s important to re-emphasize your main idea, especially if it’s not clear to the reader by this point in the essay. 

The conclusion is also where you’ll explain how you analyzed your topic and supported your thesis statement with evidence from your research. If you’re struggling with this step, try these tips;

• Make sure that everything in your body paragraphs supports whatever points you make about your topic or argument.
• Ask yourself how each part of your essay relates to the main idea or argument you’re making. If it doesn’t relate at all, maybe it should be cut.

And as you restate the statement, it would help if you did so in a way that makes it clear that you have considered all relevant evidence and arguments. Further, you should show you have reached an appropriate conclusion based on this evidence and argumentation.

Also see: How do you write an opinion essay

Remember your Introduction

One way to write a perfect conclusion in these essay types is by referring to the opening paragraph. Making such a reference helps the reader see how your essay has developed over time and that it was worth reading.

Generally, an introduction is meant to hook your reader by giving them a brief overview of what they can expect in the body paragraphs. On the other hand, a conclusion summarizes these points together so they can be remembered as one idea after reading the paper. Comparing the introduction and the conclusion will remind readers of your opinion, how you have supported it, and whether it makes for a strong case.

Mention Something That Stands Out in Your Analysis

The conclusion of your opinion essay is your last chance to make a lasting impression on the reader. Therefore, it’s important to end on a high note.

The best way to do this is by mentioning a unique point and subtly emphasizing it. However, ensure it ties back to your opinion. If necessary, paraphrase text sections, so they’re easier for readers to understand.

Use a Quote

Conclusions in opinion essays are meant to sum up your argument and give a reader a general view of your opinion. Typically, they can read the ending and understand the preceding paragraphs.

Therefore, a quote that relates to your point or the topic can be a perfect way to conclude your essay. It helps brighten up your writing and gives the paper some authority, especially if the quote is from renowned scholars or influential people in specific fields.

Further, a quotation is a great way to end an essay. And it can be from a famous person, your writing, or even the source you’re discussing. However, they should be used in a way that they do not leave ambiguity in the reader’s mind.

Have a Metaphor or Analogy or a Simile

Painting a picture in your reader’s minds is a perfect way to end your opinion essay. This helps your readers understand your opinion better. You aim for them to see the relationship between two things or even two ideas and apply it to your opinion.

For example, if you were writing about it is crucial for people to stay fit and healthy to live longer, you might use this analogy; “The human body is like a car that needs regular maintenance.” 

Further, the use of similes can help strengthen your conclusion. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” For example, if you were writing about the concept of running, you could use a simile to explain its meaning.

You could state your opinion in the following manner; “Running is like breathing for me. I can’t live without it. If I don’t run every day, my body aches, and I feel sick. It is as if something essential has been taken away from me. Running gives me energy when I’m tired and lets me escape into my thoughts when things become overwhelming. There’s no better feeling in the world than being able to run free through fields with nothing but your sneakers on your feet.”

Reinforce your Argument 

Reinforcing your argument means briefly taking your readers through the entire essay by mentioning each opinion and evidence and then emphasizing them.

This process helps them understand your writing and how it has affected them. To do that, you need to lead and help them make conclusions about what you’ve said in your essay.

You might even want to start with a question that requires the reader’s participation in concluding. If this is the case, make sure it’s an open-ended question rather than a yes or no question that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” This will allow them some freedom in answering and give them something to think about after reading your essay.

Further, you can summarize every opinion and evidence to support your viewpoint. This helps bring everything together for your readers, so they don’t have trouble understanding where you’re going with this next point. It also helps ensure that they won’t misunderstand anything said earlier in the paper and will help them follow along with all of your issues as well as possible.

Bottomline

The conclusion paragraph is vital for wrapping up your argument, demonstrating that you can defend your position, and justifying your opinion. Therefore, it must be well organized, punchy, and restate your idea and the evidence. 

Therefore, follow this guide and watch as you become an expert in writing conclusion paragraphs for opinion essays.