Exercise: Writing Conclusions

A thesis statement and supporting topic sentences are provided. Choose one of the following exercises. In the blanks that follow, write an appropriate conclusion, using one of the types suggested (result, restatement, prediction, recommendation, or quotation).

A. Thesis: Attending college is much more difficult than attending high school.

1. Once we attend college, many of us are working, often full-time.

2. The course requirements are much more demanding.

3. We are responsible for choosing our courses and making sure we meet the graduation requirements.

4. We are forced to make difficult career decisions at this point in our lives if we have not done so already.

Conclusion:

B. Thesis: The computer age is affecting our lives in more ways than we ever imagined.

1. It is affecting us in the area of entertainment.

2. It is affecting us in the area of business.

3. It is affecting us in the area of education.

Conclusion:

C. Thesis: Walking has become very popular in the United States for several reasons.

1. It is relatively inexpensive, requiring very little equipment.

2. It is excellent for the health, especially for the cardiovascular system.

3. It is good for the morale of the participant.

Conclusion:

D. Thesis: A library is much more than a place to check out books to read for entertainment.

1. It offers audio-visual material: films, records, and tapes.

2. It provides much public-information material, including college catalogs, employment listings, and minutes of public meetings of concern to the citizens.

3. It offers story hours, movies, crafts, concerts, and summer and holiday programs for children.

4. It offers research materials and expert aid by professional librarians for the serious academic.

Conclusion:

from O'Donnell, T. D. and Paiva, J. L. (1993). Independent Writing. 2nd edition. Boston: Heinle

& Heinle.