This happens when students are fed up with their paper and just want it to end. It’s abrupt, usually repetitive, and isn't the best method to solve your conclusion conundrum.

Example: Any 1-2 sentence long conclusion. 

This happens when the writer won't reveal their thesis till the very end.

Example: (After a paper that lists numerous problems, possible solutions, etc but never makes an actual argument): So, as the evidence above demonstrates, I believe that Coloradans should vote for stricter standards for oil and gas wells.

Fix: add this to your intro paragraph!

This happens when the writer switches from an academic tone to an emotional one in the conclusion.

Example: (after a logical academic paper)... Because of the efforts of fine American companies like Oil and Gas, Co., countless others have seen the shining beacon of light that is the free market. Their example is a fiery torch that lights the way for others lost in the madness and darkness of government regulation. 

This happens when the writer throws all those sentences they couldn’t fit elsewhere into the conclusion.

Example: In addition to being an educational pioneer, Frederick Douglass provides an interesting case study for masculinity in the American South. He also offers historians an interesting glimpse into the resistance of enslaved people  when he confronts Covey, the overseer. His relationships with female relatives reveal the importance of family in the enslaved community.

Oops! You tried to write a conclusion, but ended up making a new, different argument for your thesis. You now have another body paragraph.

The Fix: Keep it! Add some quotes and write another body paragraph- it can’t hurt towards your word count!

Return to the intro attention grabber. Reference again that story, statistic, fact, or example you used to get the reader’s attention. That story you mentioned- what happened in the end? That author you quoted- what are they now doing about this issue themselves? 

Tell us why this whole thing matters, anyways! Tip: find someone who doesn't care about your topic, and ask them to say “So what?” to every statement you make. 

You: "I'm just saying that Colorado has a lot of potential for solar and wind power."

Your uninterested friend: "So what?"

You: "Well, we could harness that for energy!"

Uninterested friend: "Why should anyone care?"

You: "Because it could create jobs, and because it could help mitigate climate change for future generations."

Make a prediction about your subject.

This can be positive or negative. 

What do you think will happen next? If you've been writing a persuasive paper, what do you think will happen if readers make the change you’re calling for? What do you think will happen if they don’t? Do you think you will be listened to? 

Make a suggestion or call your readers to an action.

Disclaimer: this won't work well for persuasive papers. Since those are entirely about asking the reader to consider your suggestions, using this method would end up repeating what you've already said.

Based on what you've told us so far, what should readers do now? What reasonable actions should they take, and why?