Most of the writing that you will do at South Portland High School is academic based. That is to say, there are certain guidelines, formats, and rules that you will want to stick to if you want to excel. You will need to know what a thesis is and how to develop one, how to write a closing paragraph, how to cite sources, and other fun things that go along with scholarly writing.
Have no fear, students of South Portland High School; this page will direct you to some amazing resources, both print and online, that will help you craft a perfect paper.
Okay, you have crafted the perfect thesis and written an amazing paper full of relevant and well thought out paragraphs supporting your thesis. Now there is one last thing between you and an A+: a concluding paragraph
UGH!
I'm going to be honest, concluding paragraphs are my worst nightmare. I loathe them with every bit of my being. By the time I get to the end of my paper, I have nothing left in the tank; I'm spent, a lifeless blob who just wants to be done and go to bed. The conclusion mocks me, though. Theoretically, it should be easy; it just ties up all of your paragraphs and how they relate to your thesis. Sounds easy, right? Well, it is, I just make it seem hard.
What is a concluding paragraph?
Your concluding paragraph is your last paragraph and should restate your thesis, summarize your paper, and leave the reader with a lasting impression. See, easy!
Below are some links to help you craft a good concluding paragraph and avoid turning into sobbing mess who just wants to finish their paper and eat ice cream.
What is a paragraph?
We all know what a paragraph is, right? RIGHT?! No?
Oh boy, let me refresh your memory.
Paragraphs are the building blocks of your paper. Sort of like how amino acids are the building blocks of life. Or something. I don't know. Anyways, paragraphs.
The Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services explains paragraphs best:
A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points. (Yes, I am aware this should not be a block quote!)
Thanks Indiana!
If you would like further help on creating paragraphs, check out the links below: