Thirty Days to Unlock FCAT Writing Success - Polk County School ...

To Conclude, a Few Strategies for Students
Quote, Saying, or Song Lyrics
• Think of a quote or saying that relates to your main idea.
o Example: In Spiderman, the movie ends with Peter Parker (AKA Spiderman) quoting his
uncle: “Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: ‘With great
power comes great responsibility.’ This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-man.”
This quote ties up the main idea of the movie quite nicely, don’t you think?
o Example: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl ends with Captain Jack
Sparrow looking at his compass while singing, “Drink up me 'earties. Yo ho!” (the song
from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World).
Call to Action
• This is particularly effective for persuasive essays. In your conclusions, tell the reader what you
want them to do as a result of your essay.
o Example: If you are writing a persuasive essay about the need to recycle, your final line
might look like this: So, the next time you finish your 20 ounces of Pepsi, make sure you
toss that plastic bottle into a recycling bin. Your contribution can help make our planet a
healthier and greener place to live.
Question
• It’s OK to occasionally talk to the reader in your essay. End with a question that makes the
reader connect your main idea to their lives.
o Example: In The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss ends his mad cat-filled caper with the mother
asking her two children what they did that day. The two kids look at each other but we
never find out if they told their mother the truth. Instead, Seuss ends with a question to
the reader: “Well . . . What would YOU do if your mother asked you?” Somehow that
works even better.
Echo the Introduction
• If you began your essay with a scenario or dialogue, you can end your essay the same way. It is
almost like you are bookending your essay with another story. If you enjoy writing stories or
dialogues, this is your chance to strut your stuff. Be careful to make sure your scenario relates to
the essay topic!
o Example: At the end of Titanic, the boat is sunk at the bottom of the ocean, filled with
water and rotted wood. Yet, as the camera moves through the sunken ship, the boat
slowly changes so that it looks the same as it did on its maiden sail almost 100 years
before. People who died on the Titanic are suddenly alive and we see Jack and Rose
(young again) reunited with all the passengers and crew looking on. It’s the ending
everyone would like to see.
47