05: Using a Rubric to Evaluate Conclusions

Skill Focus: Writing meaningful, effective concluding sentences for analytical paragraphs

🎯 Learning Goal

By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to evaluate and write stronger concluding sentences that bring your ideas together and leave your reader with a clear takeaway.

💡 The Job of a Conclusion

The conclusion of your analytical paragraph (or essay) is your final chance to:

• Pull your ideas together
• Reinforce your main insight
• Leave your reader with something to remember

Even if you only have space for one sentence, it can still make a big impact. Think of it as your final opportunity to say:

“Here’s what all of this adds up to — and why it matters.”

A weak conclusion might simply repeat the claim. A strong conclusion answers the “So what?” or points to a bigger idea. It might connect to a universal theme, a current issue, or the lasting impact of the character or author’s choice.

Step 1: Open the Practice Doc

We’ll look at several student-written analytical paragraphs — some with conclusions, some without. You’ll use the rubric to evaluate and revise.