How should you close your essay to maximize coherence and impact?

• A. A succinct conclusion that summarises the main points, links back to the question, and offers a final thought or evaluation.
• B. End with a quote and no summary.
• C. Introduce a new topic in the conclusion.
• D. Leave the reader with an unresolved question.

Answer: (A)

Closing effectively means bringing together what you’ve said so your argument feels complete and purposeful. A succinct conclusion that summarises the main points, links back to the question, and offers a final thought or evaluation does exactly that: it shows you’ve considered how your ideas fit the prompt, reinforces your main arguments, and leaves the reader with a clear takeaway or judgment. This kind of ending strengthens coherence by drawing a line from the essay’s discussion to the prompt, rather than introducing something new or leaving things hanging. Ending with a quote without a summary can feel detached and fail to show your synthesis. Introducing a new topic in the conclusion disrupts the flow, and leaving the reader with an unresolved question leaves the piece incomplete.