How to write a conclusion in a critical essay
Writing conclusions
It is often the case that candidates are pushed for time in the critical reading exam. If you can reach the end of the essay, use the conclusion to say something interesting and insightful. Leave your marker with a great impression of your literary critical skills.
Remember:
- Candidates often make the mistake of repeating things they have already said in the body of the essay.
- Use your conclusion to evaluate the successes of the text as a whole and to pass a universal comment (ie. on humanity, on mankind’s cruelty etc.).
- Remember to say something about the effectiveness of the writer in terms of the thing you have been asked to look at in your chosen question.
How to start a conclusion
There are limitless ways to open concluding statements. Use the following stems to guide your concluding remarks:
When considering…one is struck by…
Whilst it is true that … one could also argue that…
The writer’s sustained exploration of the theme of … is effective in allowing the reader to better understand…
Central to this text is the idea that…
In conclusion, throughout (insert name of text here), the author (insert author name here) seems to have been been intent on…
Thinking about the text as a whole, what is striking is…
Using conclusions in other writing
Remember:
These stems and phrases are transferable.
- Think about how you might employ some of the analytical and evaluative vocabulary across components in English (ie. in Folio writing).
- Then, think about how this vocabulary might be employed in cross-curricular areas (ie. in History or Modern Studies essays).
