When you were in college, you probably spent a lot of time writing, studying, and making an outline for your essay. But how much time and thought did you put into ending? The last part of your essay is your last chance to make an impact on the reader that will last. Let us look at how to end an essay in the best way possible.

Restate Your Thesis—But Don’t Repeat It
In your conclusion, you should tell people your main point, but don’t just copy and paste your thesis statement. Change the way you say it to show how your ideas have grown.
Weak: “In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a play about indecision.”
Strong: “Through Hamlet’s internal struggles, Shakespeare masterfully illustrates how indecision can paralyze even the most determined individuals.”

Summarize Key Points
Quickly go over your important points of support, but don’t add anything new. This strengthens your case and brings it to a close.
Example: “From Hamlet’s hesitation to avenge his father’s death to his uncertainty about Claudius’s guilt, each moment of doubt compounds, leading to a tragic chain of events.”

Provide Broader Context
Explain how the subject of your essay is connected to a bigger picture. This could be about history, culture, or even your own life.
Example: “Hamlet’s indecisiveness resonates centuries later, reflecting our own moments of uncertainty in an increasingly complex world. In an era of information overload, his struggle to act mirrors our own challenges in making pivotal decisions.”

End With a Statement That Makes Readers Think
Give your readers something to think about. This could be an interesting fact, a question, or a call to action.
Question: “As we navigate our own crossroads, we must ask: Will we, like Hamlet, let indecision dictate our fate, or will we learn from his tragedy and act decisively?”
Observation: “In the end, Hamlet’s tale is not just one of inaction, but a poignant reminder that our choices—or lack thereof—shape not only our destinies but those of everyone around us.”

Circle Back to Your Introduction
If you started with a story, quote, or question, bring it up again at the end. This makes me feel like the story is over, which is nice.
Introduction: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.”
Conclusion: “Hamlet’s iconic query, ‘To be, or not to be,’ isn’t merely about existence—it encapsulates the human struggle to decide and act in the face of life’s uncertainties.”

Avoid Clichés and Apologies
Don’t put down your hard work by using overused words or having doubts about yourself.
Avoid: “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” “As you can see…”
Never use: “This is just my opinion,” “I’m not an expert, but…”

Keep It Concise
Usually, the ending should be one of the shortest parts of your essay. It should only take up about 10% of the total word count. Use every word wisely.
Too long: “In this essay, we have thoroughly examined the multifaceted aspects of Hamlet’s character, delving into his psyche to understand his indecisiveness. We’ve analyzed his soliloquies, his interactions with other characters, and the historical context of the play…”
Just right: “Through a close reading of Hamlet’s soliloquies and actions, it becomes clear that his indecision is not mere weakness but a reflection of the human condition—a struggle between thought and action that we all face.”

Edit Ruthlessly
Step away for a while after writing your end. Then go back and get rid of any words or ideas that aren’t needed or don’t directly fit with your main points.
Remember that the end of your essay is your last chance to make an impression on the reader. Your essay will be one they remember long after they’ve finished reading if you make it powerful.