What should not be included in a concluding paragraph of a formal essay?

What should not be included in a concluding paragraph of a formal essay?

• A. New, unaddressed evidence.
• B. Restated thesis, summary of main points, closing thought.
• C. A clear final impression.
• D. A brief concluding sentence.

Answer: (A)

In a formal essay, the ending should wrap up what you’ve argued and leave the reader with a sense of closure. The best conclusion does this by restating the thesis in a fresh way, briefly summarizing the main points you’ve already supported with evidence, and ending with a final thought or impression that helps the reader see the significance of your argument. Introducing new, unaddressed evidence in the conclusion would pull the focus away from synthesizing what you’ve already shown and would require new analysis, which disrupts the flow and makes the essay feel unfinished. That’s why new, unaddressed evidence does not belong in the concluding paragraph. The other elements—clear final impression and a concise closing sentence—fit perfectly because they reinforce what you’ve argued and provide a satisfying close.

In a formal essay, the ending should wrap up what you’ve argued and leave the reader with a sense of closure. The best conclusion does this by restating the thesis in a fresh way, briefly summarizing the main points you’ve already supported with evidence, and ending with a final thought or impression that helps the reader see the significance of your argument. Introducing new, unaddressed evidence in the conclusion would pull the focus away from synthesizing what you’ve already shown and would require new analysis, which disrupts the flow and makes the essay feel unfinished. That’s why new, unaddressed evidence does not belong in the concluding paragraph. The other elements—clear final impression and a concise closing sentence—fit perfectly because they reinforce what you’ve argued and provide a satisfying close.