How to write a persuasive conclusion that follows from your reasons
A persuasive conclusion returns to your position, draws together the reasons you have developed and leaves the reader with the consequence or action that follows. It should finish the argument rather than start a new one.
Before you start
The final paragraph shows how your reasons support your position. Copying the introduction word for word misses that opportunity: the reader has now seen your reasons and needs to understand what follows from them.
Before writing the conclusion, describe your body paragraphs in a few words. Use those reasons in the ending. A persuasive ending depends on the argument already on the page.
Step by step
Return to the actual position
Restate what you want the reader to accept in fresh, clear words. Keep any important limit. If your argument supports one book-swap day per term, do not finish by demanding a book-swap day every week.
Combine the reasons
Show how the reasons work together. Instead of announcing 'My reasons were sharing and choice', explain the resulting benefit: students could pass on books they have finished and discover something new to read.
Choose a fitting final thought
Finish with the consequence, a practical next step or a direct call to consider the proposal. The final sentence should be supported by the body. A big promise about solving every problem weakens a modest, well-explained case.
Ending an argument for a book-swap day
Original practice plan: support one optional book-swap day each term. The body has explained sharing finished books, finding different stories and keeping participation voluntary.
Position
An optional book-swap day each term would be a useful addition to our school calendar.
Reasons together
Students could pass on books they no longer read and choose stories that another family has enjoyed.
Final thought
With clear rules and no pressure to take part, the school could start with a single swap day and see how it works.
Spot the new argument
Suppose the body only discusses sharing and reading choices. A final claim that the swap will raise money for a new building is a new argument. Develop it in the body if it belongs, or leave it out of the conclusion.
You can add a final implication without introducing new evidence. 'This would give finished books another reader' follows from sharing. An unfamiliar statistic about reading habits does not.
Avoid an ending that only announces the ending
'That is why I agree, and those are my reasons' tells the reader the piece has stopped. Use the sentence to say what the reasons establish. A phrase such as 'In conclusion' is optional; the paragraph should make its purpose clear through its content.
Write one position sentence and one sentence that combines the reasons. Check that the ending keeps any limits you set in the body.
Leave time to close the response
During practice, plan the ending before drafting the body. A few words such as 'optional swap, more choice, trial day' can keep you focused. If time is short, a clear, supported ending is more useful than an unfinished extra reason.
Try it yourself
Conclude an argument for a classroom plant-care roster.
- Assume the body explains shared responsibility and learning to care for a living thing.
- Restate support for a supervised roster.
- Combine the two reasons in one or two sentences.
- Finish with a practical next step that follows from those reasons.
Check your draft
Mark any idea in the conclusion that is absent from the planned body. Remove it or develop it earlier.
Common questions
Can I repeat my position in the conclusion?
Yes. The reader should recognise the position. Use fresh wording and connect it to the reasons you have developed rather than copying the introduction unchanged.
Does every conclusion need a call to action?
No. A clear consequence or final judgement can finish the argument. Use a call to action when your proposal naturally asks the audience to do something.
How long should a conclusion be?
Long enough to close the argument clearly. A short response may need only a few sentences. Avoid padding it or adding an undeveloped reason to make it longer.
Curriculum connection
These exercises practise planning, organising and revising written ideas. Australian Curriculum English includes creating texts for an audience and grouping related information into paragraphs. TEEL, PEEL and the other planning methods are teaching aids, not compulsory curriculum formats.
QCAA: Australian Curriculum v9.0 English, Year 3Sources and further reading
These resources provide background on the skill. The examples and practice tasks above are original.
Finish an argument you have developed
Write a persuasive response in NAPLAN Expert, then use the conclusion check above. Keep the ending tied to the reasons already in your draft.
Practise a persuasive endingFree for every family. No card required. New to NAPLAN Expert? Create a free account.
Examples and activities are NAPLAN Expert teaching material. Sources checked in October 2026.