Test Yourself

Paragraph: Conclusions

[Harbrace 28f(2)]

Review

See Introduction to Paragraph Conclusions below 

Introduction

The conclusion must reinforce the main ideas of the essay as well as give readers a sense of completion. 

Note the following patterns for concluding your essay: 

• REVIEW OF MAIN POINTS 

  As anyone can see, wolverillo ranching has its rewards. As an ecological endeavour, it helps save an endangered species. On the artistic side, it provides an appreciative musical audience for would-be country and western music stars. As a boon to local and civic government, it provides the answer to our growing waste problem. All in all, it satisfies the personal and social commitments of the West Texas ranching community. 

• PREDICTION 

  Looking ahead, prospects for the return of man to an ecologically balanced state rest squarely on the haunches of the wolverillo. Its rescue from near extinction through the efforts of a small but eager group of rancher musicians may mark a new and vital solution to our wasteful neglect of the environment. 

In addition to these two basic patterns, the following also exist: 

• OPINION 

  As history teaches, an uncontrolled habitat would only lead to the wolverillo's extinction. We must never again neglect our furry, plated little friend. If the need arose, it would do no less for us. 

• QUOTATION 

  As John Wayne supposedly said during those desperate moments while filming the last scenes in The Alamo: "Everyone who wants to stay in the picture, cross this line." Well, that is what we are called to do today concerning the fate of the wolverillo.