Essay endings
How to end an essay
The final sentence of an essay is the second-most-weighted line in the entire paper, behind only the thesis. End with the implication of your argument, a specific call-to-action, or an open question that follows from your conclusion. Avoid apologies, restating the thesis word-for-word, and the dreaded "in conclusion."
Three closing patterns that work
The implication: "If standardized tests measure preparation rather than potential, every admissions office in America is rewarding the wrong thing." The call-to-action: "Universities should publish admit-rate data by test-prep spending before next admissions cycle." The open question: "Whether merit can be measured at all is the harder question this essay opens."
Patterns to avoid
The apology: "This essay is only a starting point." The throat-clear: "In conclusion, I have shown that…" The cliffhanger: leaving an argument unresolved when the rubric expects a conclusion.
How to write the last sentence
Write the entire conclusion first, then rewrite only the last sentence three times. Pick the version that lands hardest without overclaiming. The last sentence should be short — usually under 20 words — and contain a concrete noun, not an abstraction.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a conclusion and an ending?
The conclusion is the whole final paragraph (100-150 words). The ending is the single final sentence — the line your professor stops on.
Should I end with a quote?
Only if the quote belongs to a major figure in the topic AND you don't have a stronger original sentence. Most ending quotes feel borrowed.
Can I end with a question?
Yes — if the question is genuinely unresolved. Don't ask a question you already answered.
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