How To Write Summary Paragraphs For Beginning College Students
In academic writing, learning to close your papers using powerful summary paragraphs can make the difference between high marks and barely passing. Being the last paragraph the reader will see, it’s the part of your paper that’s likely to leave them with the most lasting impression.
The summary paragraph does more than provide an abridged version of your essay’s main points, it also concludes it by tying all loose ends together into a coherent whole. Done well, it leaves the reader with a general feeling that your work, from start to finish, is complete.
When writing a summary paragraph, always think about effective endings. You don’t merely write one to end an essay, you do it to effectively synthesize your thoughts for the reader and have them walk away having sufficiently understood your points.
There are three general steps to writing summary paragraphs:
1. Restate your essay’s strongest points.
2. Restate the main idea (your thesis) these individual points support.
3. Offer suggestions in regards to the subject (future directions, possible courses of action).
To ensure your summary paragraphs make the most impact, always use a writing software to help finish up your text. Mistakes don’t only get you lower marks, it also distracts from the ideas you’re expressing.