What Do You Know?
Where does a concluding sentence usually go in a paragraph?
At the end of the paragraph.
Topic Sentence: Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and loving.
Concluding Sentence: "Dogs are good."
WEAK ❌ — It is too vague and doesn't fully wrap up the main idea.
Playing sports helps students develop teamwork and communication skills. Athletes learn to work together and encourage one another. They also develop responsibility by attending practices.
Which is the BEST concluding sentence?
A. Basketball is my favorite sport and I will join the team in the winter.
B. Overall, playing sports helps students develop valuable skills they can use in everyday life.
C. Some sports require special equipment and people to run the program.
B. Overall, playing sports helps students develop valuable skills they can use in everyday life.
Topic Sentence: Reading books can improve vocabulary and imagination.
Weak Conclusion: "Books are good."
Challenge: Make it stronger!
Example: Overall, reading is a valuable activity that helps people learn and become more creative.
Dogs enjoy playing with their owners and spending time with their families. They can provide comfort when people feel sad. Dogs are also known for being loyal companions.
Challenge: Write a concluding sentence!
Example:
Overall, dogs make wonderful pets because they provide love, loyalty, and companionship.
What is the main purpose of a concluding sentence?
To restate the main idea and bring the paragraph to a clear ending.
Topic Sentence: Exercise provides many physical and mental health benefits.
Concluding Sentence: "Overall, staying active is an important way to keep your body and mind healthy."
STRONG ✅ — It restates the main idea using different words.
Many students enjoy playing video games after school. Some games encourage problem-solving and quick thinking. Multiplayer games can also help players practice teamwork.
Which is the BEST concluding sentence?
A. Overall, video games can be entertaining while helping players develop useful skills.
B. Video games are fun and I get to play them after school.
C. My friend plays video games every night and he wants me to join him.
A. Overall, video games can be entertaining while helping players develop useful skills.
Topic Sentence: Getting enough sleep helps students stay healthy and focused.
Weak Conclusion: "I go to bed at 10:00."
Challenge: Make it stronger!
Example:
For these reasons, getting enough rest is important for students' health and success in school.
Video games can help players develop problem-solving skills. Some games require teamwork and communication. Playing games can also provide a fun way to relax.
Challenge: Write a concluding sentence!
Example:
For these reasons, video games can provide entertainment while helping people develop useful skills.
True or False: A concluding sentence should introduce brand-new information.
False! It should wrap up ideas that have already been discussed.
Topic Sentence: Video games can help people develop important skills.
Concluding Sentence: "My favorite video game is Minecraft."
WEAK ❌ — It introduces unrelated information.
Smartphones help people communicate with friends and family. They can also be used for directions, reminders, and finding information. Many people depend on their phones throughout the day.
Which is the BEST concluding sentence?
A. Smartphones can be expensive but helpful for everyone.
B. I want a new phone because my brother got a new phone.
C. For these reasons, smartphones have become useful tools that make everyday tasks easier.
C. For these reasons, smartphones have become useful tools that make everyday tasks easier.
Listening to music can help students feel relaxed while completing schoolwork.
Weak Conclusion: "Music is fun to listen to."
Challenge: Make it stronger!
Example:
Overall, listening to music during independent work can help students feel calmer and more comfortable while learning.
Starting school later could allow students to get more sleep. Well-rested students may have an easier time concentrating during class. Students could also feel more energized throughout the school day.
Challenge: Write a concluding sentence!
Example:
Overall, beginning school later could help students feel more rested and prepared to learn.
Name TWO things that make a strong concluding sentence.
Any two:
Topic Sentence: Students should have a four-day school week because it would provide more free time.
Concluding Sentence: "Students should have a four-day school week because it would provide more free time."
WEAK ❌ — It copies the topic sentence exactly.
A four-day school week could give students more time to relax and participate in activities outside of school. Having an extra day off might also help students feel less stressed. Some students may return to school feeling more motivated.
Which is the BEST concluding sentence?
A. Schools should have longer lunch periods because then students can socialize with their friends more.
B. Overall, a shorter school week could help students feel more refreshed and maintain a better balance between school and personal activities.
C. Students like having days off because they get to rest.
B. Overall, a shorter school week could help students feel more refreshed and maintain a better balance between school and personal activities.
Having a hobby can help people relax, learn new skills, and have fun.
Weak Conclusion: "Hobbies are fun."
Challenge: Rewrite the conclusion to include the MAIN IDEA.
Example:
Overall, participating in hobbies provides opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation, and personal growth.
Smartphones allow people to communicate quickly with friends and family. They can provide directions and access to important information. Many people also use their phones to stay organized and complete everyday tasks.
Challenge: Write a concluding sentence!
Example:
Clearly, smartphones have become valuable tools that make communication and everyday responsibilities easier.
Explain the difference between a topic sentence and a concluding sentence.
A topic sentence introduces the main idea at the beginning of a paragraph. A concluding sentence restates that main idea and wraps up the paragraph.
Topic Sentence: Social media can have both positive and negative effects on teenagers.
Concluding Sentence: "Although social media helps people stay connected, teenagers should also be aware of the challenges that come with using it."
STRONG ✅ — It summarizes both sides of the topic, uses different wording, and provides a clear ending
Becoming a successful YouTuber requires dedication and creativity. Content creators must plan, record, and edit videos regularly. They also need to develop interesting ideas and keep their audience engaged.
Which is the BEST concluding sentence?
A. YouTube is a popular website where people watch funny videos about different things they enjoy.
B. Being a YouTuber sounds like fun and you could make a lot of money.
C. Ultimately, building a successful YouTube channel takes consistent effort, creative thinking, and hard work.
C. Ultimately, building a successful YouTube channel takes consistent effort, creative thinking, and hard work.
Although being famous may seem exciting, celebrities often face challenges with privacy and public attention.
Weak Conclusion: "Being famous is awesome because you make lots of money."
Challenge: Rewrite the conclusion without introducing new information.
Example:
Ultimately, fame may come with exciting opportunities, but it can also create challenges that make everyday life difficult.
Having a four-day school week could give students additional time to relax and spend time with family. Students could also participate in extracurricular activities without feeling as rushed. Having an extra day off might help students return to school feeling more motivated.
Challenge: Write a concluding sentence WITHOUT using a sentence starter!
Example:
A shorter school week could provide students with a better balance between their education and personal lives.