Writing Conclusions: Answering The Crucial Questions
Once an author has stated the idea and offered evidence and anecdotes to support it, the concluding part has to answer the ‘so what?’ question that can crop in the reader’s mind, usually when the end of the article/paper is near.
The reader is satisfied once the main take away is clear, and the questions “Why is this important?” Or “Why should anyone care?” are adequately answered.
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Many authors, article writers and content writers draft samples without a proper conclusion or a wrap-up.
Beginner writers can try to follow the advice on structuring an essay or thesis statement, given by English teachers: “Tell ’em what you’re gonna tell ’em, tell ’em, and then tell ’em what you told ’em.”
Other than that, complex ideas are sometimes difficult to summarize, and there is conflicting advice available, which can be confusing.
A personal touch is a nice trick to create an impactful conclusion.
The readers will identify and would feel a connection with the personal story humanizing the subject at hand.
If something resonates or lingers in the reader's mind, long after the article has been read, then it is a sign that the conclusion was impactful and created an impression.
Asking a direct question or creating a personal challenge makes them think about that idea, and apply it to their lives.
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Readers understand and remember material far better when it is expressed in concrete language that allows them to form visual images. So trying to make the reader “see” is a good goal and being concrete has huge effects.
Write the first draft of your story in as short a time as possible. If you’re writing a short story, try to write it in one sitting. If you’re writing a novel, try to write it in one season (three months).
Don’t worry too much about plotting or outlining beforehand. You can do that once you know you have a story to tell in the first place. Your first draft is a discovery process. You are like an archeologist digging an ancient city out of the clay. You might have a few clues about where your city is buried beforehand, but you don’t know what it will look like until it’s unearthed.