In this guide
By the time kids reach the end of an essay, they're often tired, and it shows. Conclusions tend to be either one rushed sentence ("That's why I like summer. The end.") or a word-for-word copy of the introduction.
A good conclusion leaves the reader with a clear sense of the main idea and something to think about. It only takes three steps.
Step 1: Restate the main idea in new words
Look back at the thesis in the introduction. Say the same idea again, but with different wording.
Thesis: Recess helps students stay healthy, make friends and focus better in class.
Restated: Recess is much more than a break from schoolwork.
The restatement reminds the reader of the big idea without sounding like a copy.
Step 2: Briefly sum up the main points
Mention the key points from the body paragraphs in one or two sentences. This isn't the place for new examples or details; it's a quick recap.
It keeps students active, helps them build friendships and gets their brains ready to learn.
Step 3: End with a final thought
This is what makes a conclusion memorable. Choose one:
- Why it matters: When kids get time to play, everyone in the classroom benefits.
- A suggestion or call to action: Schools should protect recess, even when the schedule is busy.
- A look ahead: Maybe one day, every school will have a longer recess.
- Connect back to the hook: If the essay started with a question, answer it. If it started with a short story, return to it.
So the next time the bell rings and everyone races outside, remember: they're learning, too.
A complete conclusion
Recess is much more than a break from schoolwork. It keeps students active, helps them build friendships and gets their brains ready to learn. The next time the bell rings and everyone races outside, remember that playing is part of learning, too.
Three to four sentences is plenty at this age.
Helpful conclusion starters
Wrap-up transitions can help, but they shouldn't be the only thing in the first sentence:
- In the end,
- Overall,
- As you can see,
- All in all,
- Clearly,
"In conclusion" is fine but overused. Encourage kids to try something else sometimes.
Common conclusion mistakes
Adding a new reason. If it's important enough to include, it belongs in a body paragraph.
Copying the introduction. Same idea, new words.
Apologizing or weakening the point. "This is just my opinion, though." The conclusion is where the writer sounds most confident.
Ending with "The end" or "Thank you for reading." Essays aren't stories or speeches.
Conclusions for different essay types
- Opinion essay: restate the opinion and end with a call to action. See our opinion essay guide.
- Narrative: show how the character feels or what they learned. See narrative writing.
- Compare and contrast: explain what the comparison shows overall. See compare and contrast essays.
Try it: Read the introduction of an essay your child wrote recently. Then have them write a new conclusion using the three steps.
Where this fits
The conclusion completes the five-paragraph essay. In Smart Little Writers, kids learn to plan, write and polish complete essays, then revise and finalize their writing in the last lesson.