How to write Conclusion - UPSC PDF Download

• A conclusion needs to accomplish two goals: One, give the reader a comprehensive overview of the essay, two, leave a favourable impression on the reader's mind long after he/she finishes reading it. To that end, a good conclusion has two segments.
• The first one— the conclusion segment— is a clear, concise summary of the arguments of the essay, refreshing the mind of the reader and bringing a sense of closure to the text. If the topic relates to a problem, a debate or a burning issue, then the conclusion segment must also present solutions and suggestions that will help solve the problem or address the issue at hand. This gives a sense of vision for the future.
• The second segment— a rhetorical paragraph— is a short, eloquent passage that amplifies your position and leaves the reader with a favourable impression

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

The conclusion paragraph should consist of about 250-300 words. To make the transition from the main body to the conclusion clear, begin by using phrases such as In conclusion, In summary, To sum up, In the final analysis, On the whole, All things considered, As discussed above, On balance etc. Then, briefly mention the major arguments, problems and pitfalls, context and consequences, significance and solutions related to the topic—basically, a snapshot of your essay. Remember to keep the tone futuristic with an emphasis on solutions.

Essay Topic: Can Capitalism bring inclusive growth?

 Conclusion Paragraph:

 To sum up, the conclusion is clear. Capitalism indeed helps in creating wealth. But by itself, it cannot bring inclusive growth.

•  Capitalism is like a powerful energy. Undirected and unchecked, it can cause immense damage. What we need is a new kind of capitalism—an inclusive capitalism— that has equity and fairness at the heart of it, and we must take urgent measures to ensure it.
• Firstly, companies should not see Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as charity, but as part of fulfilling their rightful duty towards the society. CSR projects must be further improved to ensure that companies take up genuine projects that cater to the local needs and have long term benefits.
• Secondly, as a society we must encourage philanthropy. Bill Gates contributed more than $1B of his earnings to alleviate suffering in Africa. Warren Buffet donated 85% of his savings to charity. Indian capitalist class must also take such initiatives and stand as role models for others.
• Third, a carbon tax must be imposed on every polluting industry. Further, companies must bear the complete cost of rehabilitation and resettlement in a specified time limit for every development project that causes displacement of local people.
• Fourth, the government must further simplify the process of setting up a business. Startup India, Stand Up India and MUDRA Yojana must be strengthened so that we nurture capitalist spirit among the disadvantaged sections of the society.
• Last, the government must play a predominant role in sectors that are ignored by markets: health, education, rural livelihoods, poverty eradication and the like. This way, we strike a balance between equity and efficiency, wealth and welfare.

RHETORICAL PARAGRAPH

• Rhetoric is the art of persuasive speaking or writing. In a traditional sense, it refers to various figures of speech that orators use to make their speech compelling. In this context, it is construed in a more general sense of persuasive writing through various devices such as a poem, a quote or an anecdote.
• The rhetorical segment is around 30-50 words. Persuasive writing generates a heightened sense of pitch. Any writing is persuasive to some extent but rhetorical devices amplify your message and attempt to convince the reader to accept your argument.
• Below are some devices that you can use in your conclusion segment (the list is not exhaustive). Depending on the type and topic of your essay, choose what you feel is relevant. Also, since there are two essays, choose a different device for each.

POEM OR SHLOKA

This is especially suitable for philosophical essays. Mention specific stanzas of a poem/shloka that resonate with your essay.

Topic: Freedom of Speech/ Privacy/ Human rights/ Development/ Education

 Rhetorical ending:

 As Rabindranath Tagore wrote in Gitanjali

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free…

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

YOUR VISION

A normal futuristic conclusion. You describe the far future when the problem mentioned in the topic gets solved and the negatives that we see in society are eliminated. To make it compelling, use catch phrases such as inclusive India, or refer to the preamble or directive principles of the Constitution or the vision of the makers of modern India.

Essay topic: India as a five trillion economy:

 Rhetorical ending:

 Achieving a five trillion economy is challenging, yet possible. But we must ask ourselves— to what end? A 5 trillion economy should not be merely about shiny roads or skyscrapers or a superpower status. It must be about making a positive difference to every citizen of the republic. It must be a place where the poor become prosperous, women get equal opportunity and all children, irrespective of their birth, get to fulfil their potential. That is when we will have truly realised the goal that we set out in the Constitution's preamble of delivering every citizen justice, liberty and equality.

A QUOTE

End with a powerful quote by a famous person to amplify what you’ve argued in your essay. It brings credibility to your stand and makes an emotional connection with the reader to make him/her accept your point of view. It will also linger in the mind of the reader, leading to a positive impression on the essay.

Essay topic: Change is the end result of all learning

 Rhetorical Ending:

 History has shown us that change is the only constant in life. Without learning and change, we risk stagnation as individuals, as a society, and as a nation. Let us avow to be constant learners and be agents of change so that we build a better world for everyone. For that to happen, learning should never cease and change must begin with us. As Gandhiji once said, “Our greatness lies not so much in changing the world as in changing ourselves.”

ECHO

If you have begun your essay with a fictitious story or a character, it’s nice to end your essay with a reference to that character or story. Such recall— the echo— binds the beginning and the end, giving the reader a sense of unity and coherence. Take a look at the example below:

Essay Topic: Science and Tech is a panacea for solving humanity’s problems

 Introduction:

 Narayana, a native of Ganjam district in Odisha, has been farming since the 90s. Back then, it was a difficult enterprise. He neither knew much about the kind of crops that suited his soil, nor was he aware of the measures he needed to take to improve soil fertility. He was always at the mercy of pests, rains, and the local traders. And how much life has changed in these two decades. Now, he uses a smartphone to get weather updates and scientific advice, uses genetically modified seeds to improve yields, and sells his produce via e-NAM, an online platform that gives him a profitable price. This is just one of the many such examples that illustrate the immense benefit science brought to many such ordinary people. But can we call it a panacea to all human problems?

In this essay, we will discuss the origins of science and technology and the positive impact it has had. We will evaluate the challenges it poses to humankind and see whether it can be called a panacea to all our problems. Finally we will conclude with the steps we must take to make the scientific enterprise beneficial to all.

[MAIN BODY OF THE ESSAY]

[CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH]

Rhetorical Paragraph

Going by Gandhiji’s Talisman, the ultimate measure to determine whether our scientific and technological endeavour is a panacea is not to see how far can we launch rockets or how tall can we build skyscrapers. The ultimate test is to check whether it helps the poorest of the poor like Narayana. Science and technology must be carefully nurtured and guided to make it beneficial to all of humanity.