Conclusion Examples

Conclusion refers to the last part of a text. It is the "end" of the text, but it functions differently in a narrative text versus an argumentative or expository text.

In a narrative text, the conclusion is where conflicts are resolved in one way or another and the action of the story comes to an end. Even in a series of books, each one will have a conclusion, where the current conflicts are resolved.

In an essay-argumentative, expository, descriptive, etc.-the conclusion wraps up the piece of writing by providing a summary of the points made.

1. Conclusion of John F. Kennedy's inaugural address to the nation in 1961:

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what American will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, as of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

2. Conclusion of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech:

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

3. The "Gift of the Magi," by O. Henry, is a short story about a husband and wife who sell their most prized possessions to get the other a Christmas gift. He sells his watch to get her combs for her hair; she sells her hair to get a chain for his watch. The conclusion points out the sacrificial nature of their gifts:

"Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."

The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.