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The Paragraph: The Concluding Sentence

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B1 (Intermediate)Writing

The Paragraph: The Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence is the last sentence of a paragraph. Its job is to signal the end and leave the reader with a clear final thought. A good conclusion makes a paragraph feel complete instead of stopping suddenly. This lesson shows you how to write one.

The concluding sentence is the last sentence of a paragraph. Its job is to signal the end and leave the reader with a clear final thought. A good conclusion makes a paragraph feel complete instead of stopping suddenly. This lesson shows you how to write one.

1. What a concluding sentence does

A concluding sentence does one of three things:

Method Example (topic: my city is a great place to live)
Restate the topic (in new words) Clearly, my city is a wonderful place to call home.
Summarise the main points With its parks, food, and friendly people, the city has it all.
Give a final thought I feel lucky to live in such a special place.

2. Signal words for conclusions

Many conclusions begin with a signal word. Most are followed by a comma.

With a comma Without a comma
In conclusion, / In short, / Finally, It is clear that…
Therefore, / As a result, / Overall, These examples show that…

3. Do not add new information

The conclusion should not introduce a new idea or a new fact. It closes the paragraph; it does not open a new one.

Restate — don’t repeatIf you restate the topic sentence, use different words. Do not copy it exactly. Topic: “Learning English has many benefits.” Weak conclusion (copy): “Learning English has many benefits.” Strong conclusion: “Clearly, English brings real advantages to your life and work.”
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersTwo things to remember. First, the conclusion is a general statement, not another detail — zoom out, don’t add one more example. Second, if you restate your topic sentence, change the words: use a synonym or a different sentence shape. English readers notice (and dislike) an exact copy. A quick formula: “In conclusion, + your main idea in fresh words.”

Examples from EduCareer

  • Topic: Studying online is convenient. Conclusion: Overall, online study fits easily into a busy life.
  • Topic: Aisha is a dedicated student. Conclusion: It is clear that her hard work sets her apart.
  • Topic: Reading improves your English. Conclusion: In short, a daily habit of reading pays off quickly.
Common mistakes

(Conclusion) Also, my city has a new airport.  →  Do not add new facts — close the idea instead.

(Topic copied exactly) Learning English has many benefits.  →  Clearly, English brings real advantages to your life.

In conclusion my city is great.  →  In conclusion, my city is great. (comma after the signal word)

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.Where is the concluding sentence?
It is the last sentence of the paragraph.
2.What is its main job?
It closes the paragraph.
3.Which is a good way to conclude?
Restate, summarise, or give a final thought.
4.Should a conclusion add new information?
No new ideas in the conclusion.
5.Which signal word needs a comma after it?
"In conclusion," takes a comma.
6.Which phrase does NOT need a comma after it?
"It is clear that..." flows into the sentence.
7.If you restate the topic sentence, you should:
Restate with fresh words, do not copy.
8.Which is a weak conclusion?
An exact copy of the topic sentence is weak.
9.Topic: "My city is a great place to live." Best conclusion:
A final thought that closes the idea.
10.Fix: "In conclusion my city is great."
Comma after "In conclusion".
11.Which is a summary-style conclusion?
It summarises the main points.
12.A conclusion is a ___ statement.
It zooms out to a general closing statement.
13.Which starts a conclusion well?
"In short," signals a conclusion.
14.Topic: "Reading improves your English." Best conclusion:
Restates the idea in new words with a signal phrase.
15.What is wrong with ending "Also, my city has a new airport."?
Conclusions should not add new facts.
16.Which signal word suggests a result?
"As a result," shows a result/conclusion.
17.Best conclusion for "Aisha is a dedicated student":
A fresh final thought, not a copy or a new fact.
18.A paragraph without a concluding sentence often feels:
A conclusion gives a sense of completion.
19.Which is the correct structure of a paragraph?
Topic \u2192 support \u2192 conclusion.
20.Overall, a good conclusion should:
It closes the paragraph with a clear final thought.

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