“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
Looking Back Mindfully
As we’ve seen, the conclusion does indeed repeat and summarize many of the ideas that were discussed in the essay’s introduction and body paragraphs. It accomplishes this specifically through the echo, the thesis statement revisited and the POPs revisited. But the job of the conclusion is not done yet.
A well-written conclusion culminates with a reflective piece that not only “wraps things up” but it also connects the thesis to other, perhaps bigger ideas. It is an element of the essay that allows the writer to go beyond the boundaries of the prompt or assignment, and it may be reflective, philosophical, emotional or, in the case of a persuasive essay, it may include a call to action. We call this part of the conclusion the reflection.
The reflection allows your reader to slow down and think about all the things you have said in your essay. It also allows you to answer the questions, “So what?” and “Why did this essay matter anyway?” Moreover, the reflection has the effect of making the essay “feel” finished, and that’s very important, not to mention, a courteous thing to do for your reader who has stayed with you and your ideas to the end. No one wants to be left hanging.
In this section, we’ll provide you with several models that use different reflection strategies. We urge you to try them all. What you’ll notice is that attaching a different reflection strategy to your conclusion can change the whole tone and point of view of your essay.
The Reflection Models
The following reflections are organized by the various strategies that inspired them. For the sake of context, the entire conclusion will be shown. In some cases, different reflections will be attached to the same conclusion. The reflection itself will always be highlighted in light yellow.
Reflection Technique 1: Call to Action
Often used in persuasive papers, the call to action is sometimes called “the sell” because the writer is asking the reader to do something, take a stance or take some form of action. The action urged can be physical, political, psychological, financial, etc. The tone of a call-to-action reflection can be, but does not have to be, passionate and emotional.
Model 1
Type of essay: Expository/Argumentative
The prompt: Pitbulls are commonly considered to be unpredictable and even vicious animals. They are frequently portrayed in the media as enough of a societal threat that they should be subject to stringent leashing requirements and prohibited from public spaces such as playgrounds and dog parks. Do you believe that pit bulls should be singled out and restricted because of their vicious natures?
In the media we, see plenty of anecdotal accounts of pit bulls acting dangerously and ferociously towards people. The breed is also often paraded around by tough guys who go out of their way to make their dogs look tough as well. For many people, the pitbull’s reputation is sealed. But if you put away your preconceptions and prejudices, you will understand what professional dog trainer, Camryn Rogers means when she says pitbulls are a misunderstood breed. This paper has shown that, despite popular beliefs, American Bull Terriers are not vicious animals; they are a loyal and friendly breed of dog. We learned that these dogs are statistically not more prone to bite or attack humans. We saw evidence that the breed is one of the most loyal and protective of their owners. We also learned the pit bulls are one of the most intelligent and trainable dogs there are. Perhaps the time has come for us to stop being so quick to judge. People do, after all, tend to over-generalize things they do not understand. This certainly seems to be the case with pitbulls, a breed that has, as we’ve seen, been unfairly maligned by people who, quite frankly just don’t understand the breed at all. The next time you have the opportunity to be in the vicinity of a pitbull, don’t walk away, don’t pull your own dog back in concern and don’t judge. Instead, approach the animal and give him a pat on the head and an encouraging word. By doing so, you’ll be helping reverse the cycle of unfair discrimination that these dogs have been subjected to for such a long time.
Why this reflection works
The thesis of the essay is that pitbulls, contrary to their reputations for being vicious, are actually very loyal dogs that make great pets. This reflection is asking the reader quite directly to change their point of view about these dogs. The call to action is a subtle appeal to the reader’s own sense of morality and what is right.
Model 2
Type of essay: persuasive/argumentative
The prompt: Our principal announced recently that, based on a recommendation from our school’s booster club, she would likely be setting aside most of our $500,000 in State bond funds for the purchase of football stadium lights. Advocates of his plan are excited by the prospect of finally being able to enjoy some Friday night games; they believe stadium lights will create a sense of school tradition and spirit. Opponents contend that diverting these funds would hurt the school’s academic programs and that this money would be more wisely spent on purchasing new textbooks, hiring more teachers or creating a computer lab. In multiple-paragraph, evidence-based essay, argue why the available funds should be used to purchase football stadium lights, as our principal and boosters wish, or whether they should be set aside for our academic program.
So, yes, we are indeed in the enviable position of having half a million dollars of State bond money to do more or less what we would like with. The debate has been lively, with the Boosters coming in the loudest, and, some would argue, the most convincingly. It’s hard to argue that a “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere would be very popular at Whitney and quite a bit of fun as well. Having said this, however, it seems clear that we need to have the sobriety of mind to step back from the allure of nighttime games and embrace what Whitney High School really needs — an improved academic program. It’s been established that our shortage of quality teachers is increasing class sizes and inhibiting our ability to fund all of the AP courses we would like to offer our students. As we’ve also seen, additional computer carts would help lift us out of the technology deficit we are currently in. And, yes, we could dedicate some of the funds to our athletics program. We may not be able to purchase stadium lights, but we could, as we’ve discussed, upgrade the uniforms for most, if not all of our teams. At the risk of sounding like a bummer, I’d like to remind the stakeholders of Whitney High of our primary mission and responsibility to our community, and that is to educate our students. Our aspiration should be to build minds, not to entertain crowds. In some ways our school’s funding debate sheds light on issues being argued in the larger society. Has our country and culture become overly focused on athletics? Have the academic pursuits lost their appeal? Do we value jocks over geniuses? I believe it is high time that we show our community that this is, indeed, not the case. I challenge you to make your voice heard, whether it be through direct appeal or in writing, and urge our school’s decision-makers to dedicate a majority of these state bond monies to strengthening our academic program. To do otherwise would only show that we as a school are driven by the shallow desire for extracurricular distractions and not the pursuit of academic excellence.
Why this reflection works
The debate here surrounds how bond money should be spent to improve a local high school. Should it be spent on athletics or academics? The thesis of this essay is that it should be allocated to the latter. The reflection is, in a way, a hybrid, combining a call-to-action approach with a an appeal to morality (a strategy that will be discussed later). Beginning with the phrase, “I challenge you to…”, the suggested call to action is to write or speak to the school’s decision makers and urge them to make the right decision. The call to action is often followed by the ramifications or consequences of not doing the right thing. That’s what is done in the final sentence of this reflection.
Reflection Technique 2: Connecting to Something Larger
This technique allows the essayist to reach beyond the boundaries of the essay assignment and connect to some, perhaps, some more universal truths or themes. Such reflections can give the paper a weightiness and relevance that may not have existed before.
Model 3
Type of essay: Expository/Argumentative
The prompt: People have a natural, almost primal fear of rattlesnakes. Often the first reaction to seeing a rattler in a residential area is panic and fear. In areas such as suburban Southern California, is it possible for rattlesnakes and humans to coexist with one another?
Ultimately, as we listen to that wicked rattle, or stare into the prehistoric, pinprick eyes, or watch, terrified, as it curves hideously towards us, we must decide if these primitive fears are enough to justify the removal of this misunderstood creature. Do our phobias merit the removal or extinction of this creature? The fact is, humans and rattlesnakes can and should live in proximity to each other. As we’ve learned, rattlers are beneficial to our environment and help keep our ecosystem in balance. And those advocating for the extermination of rattlesnakes should take a cue from the more evolved preservation societies that understand the snake’s value and seek to protect it. If folks just take a few simple precautions, they can easily enjoy the uniqueness of these snakes while simultaneously staying out of harm’s way. There is room in this world for all species, whether they be human or grizzly bear, or gorilla or venomous snake. It seems that sometimes humans possess a certain arrogance when it comes to who or what has a right to live here or there. All living creatures have a right to seek life. This not a human right; it is a universal right. And it is a right that even rattlesnakes share. It is up to us to appreciate their value, respect their space, take the proper precautions, and live and let live. To act otherwise, would place us in the company of the heartless, the callous and the unevolved.
Why this reflection works
In this essay on why humans should choose to coexist with rattlesnakes, the writer compares the “rights” of rattlesnakes with human rights and even suggests that there is a set of universal rights that should be enjoyed by all living creatures. Connecting the treatment of rattlesnakes to the treatment of all living things gives the essay an air of importance. You could say that an appeal to the reader’s morality is also being employed here, but the primary approach is that connection to something bigger than the original topic being discussed.
Model 4
Type of essay: response-to-literature
The prompt: In a multiple-paragraph essay discuss a recurring theme that is addressed in Smokey Robinson’s two songs, “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown”.
There are a multitude of different reactions that those who experience the heartache of lost love might demonstrate. There are catalogs of popular music dedicated to the subject. Some of these songs express anger, some seek revenge; others just go quiet and sullen. Perhaps the most common is the reaction played out by Smokey Robinson’s jilted lovers in “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown”. An analysis of both sad cases has revealed that the men in question each wear masks of happiness that belie their repressed melancholy. Robinson deftly employs the literary strategies of symbolism, allusion and, figurative language to reveal men who would rather hide the truth than reveal their true pain. Perhaps the great popularity of these two songs are telling. Perhaps it is not so uncommon that, in love, when the going gets rough, the dumped go incognito. Maybe camouflage is the best treatment for a broken heart. Smokey Robinson seemed to understand that, for many, many people, this feels true.
Why this reflection works
This reflection from a shorter essay concludes the analysis of two love songs by surmising why these songs are so very popular. The essayist suggests that Robinson himself may be onto something much larger. While the essay itself has focused on explaining what the theme of the songs are, the reflection looks more closely at why this theme resonates with the culture at large.
Reflection Technique 3: The Philosophical Reflection
Connecting with the reader on a deeper, emotional or philosophical level not only allows the essayist to go beyond the boundaries of the assignment but allows the reader to understand why the essay has been meaningful. This strategy helps to answer the question, “So what?”
Model 5
Type of essay: response-to-literature
The prompt: In a text-evidence-based, multiple-paragraph essay, give your reaction to Denise Levertov’s short poem, “Moon Tiger”.
The imaginations of children truly can create some fantastic, if not hyperbolic results. In the mind of a child the normal becomes bizarre and the safe and secure are transformed into the treacherous. As we’ve seen, Denise Levertov portrays this phenomenon expertly in “Moon Tiger”. By transforming simple moonlight passing through blinds into a nocturnal predator, the poet skillfully allows us to journey into the mind of a child. And such journeys are often necessary, especially perhaps as we get older and a little more cynical. Transforming a branch scratching against a window pane into a werewolf or a hobgoblin was not only innocent and childlike, it was fun. As our imaginations become more jaded, we need more reminders, like the one we receive in this short poem, that it’s sometimes satisfying to let our fantasies get the best of us.
Why this reflection works
At three sentences, this reflection is not elaborate, but it does make an effort to explain how poems such as the one analyzed in the essay are critically needed if we are to understand ourselves. While the essay itself was focused on analyzing the poem’s message, the reflection takes the time to reflect on why the message is important. In short, it answers the question, “So what?”
Model 6
Type of essay: response-to-literature
The prompt: In a multiple-paragraph essay discuss a recurring theme that is addressed in Smokey Robinson’s two songs, “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown”.
So, what truly is the best way to express one’s love this Valentine’s Day? Perhaps the best answer is, “It’s complicated”. At least that’s the case with “Sonnet 130” and “My Funny Valentine”. At first glance, these two declarations of love seem fairly one-dimensional. They seem rude, sarcastic, perhaps even a little bit cruel. But digging deeper into the words (and in some cases, into the music itself) reveals different levels of meaning. One reading suggests that when it comes to love, honesty is the best policy; sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Another theory posits that the women in the literature are not being put down at all, but, rather, are gravely ill and being described in their final moments. These theories can be supported by the text and, in the case of “My Funny Valentine”, the music as well. And Just as there are multiple ways to interpret these two works, there too seems to be multiple ways that people in love express their romantic feelings to one another. Who are we to judge which method of expression is appropriate or inappropriate — heartfelt or insincere. There are probably as many ways to express love as there are to convey happiness, sorrow or regret. Perhaps these works are reminder of this — a reminder that love, like love poetry, can be is multifaceted.
Why this reflection works
The reflection suggests that just as works of love literature are open to multiple interpretations, so too are the ways people express love to one another. A philosophical parallel is being created that creates a sense of balance. Whereas the essay itself was dedicated to analyzing the themes of the works themselves, the reflection goes beyond the scope of the prompt and attempts to create a larger, more philosophical, connection.
Reflection Technique 3: Looking to the future
Essays are often written with the future in mind. Essayists do all of that research take the time to explain things because they want their readers to perhaps do things differently or think about things differently down the line. This technique urges your reader to look ahead.
Model 7
Type of essay: Narrative procedure (how to)
The prompt: In a text-evidence-based, multiple-paragraph essay, explain how to prepare a favorite food item of yours.
So, do you still think there’s nothing to making a PB & J? That’s what I thought! When you consider the little details, creating this underrated delicacy is actually harder than most people think. As we’ve seen, the choice of peanut butter cannot be made without care, nor can it be made with conceit. It should be clear that a carefully prescribed amount of Laura Scudder’s All Natural Smooth is the only way to go. Also beyond argument is the fact that a specific measure of strawberry or grape jelly, real jelly, and not jam or preserves should be used. And finally, we’ve settled that gourmet, grain-filled slices of bread are a huge mistake and it’s good ol’ fashioned white bread that is what’s required for the ideal PB & J. So, the next time you go to the store, pay close attention to your shopping list. Go to several different stores if necessary, and obtain the “just-right” ingredients for your next peanut butter and jelly sandwich and be precise in who you apply these ingredients to all of your future PB & Js. Be assured that there is a certain satisfaction that comes with doing something with perfection. You will thank yourself for making the extra effort, and you will receive ample gratitude from those with whom you share this treat.
Why this reflection works
This reflection walks the reader into the future with a positive and hopeful tone. It lightly tells you what to go out and do next, and it essentially suggests that great rewards will come to those who follow the methods prescribed in the essay. You might say there is a bit of a call-to-action feel to this reflection as well.
Model 8
Type of essay: persuasive/ rgumentative
The prompt: Our principal announced recently that, based on a recommendation from our school’s booster club, she would likely be setting aside most of our $500,000 in State bond funds for the purchase of football stadium lights. Advocates of his plan are excited by the prospect of finally being able to enjoy some Friday night games; they believe stadium lights will create a sense of school tradition and spirit. Opponents contend that diverting these funds would hurt the school’s academic programs and that this money would be more wisely spent on purchasing new textbooks, hiring more teachers, or creating a computer lab. In multiple-paragraph, evidence-based essay, argue why the available funds should be used to purchase football stadium lights, as our principal and boosters wish, or whether they should be set aside for our academic program.
So, yes, we are indeed in the enviable position of having half a million dollars of State bond money to do more or less what we would like with. The debate has been lively, with the Boosters coming in the loudest, and, some would argue, the most convincingly. It’s hard to argue that a “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere would be very popular at Whitney and quite a bit of fun as well. Having said this, however, it seems clear that we need to have the sobriety of mind to step back from the allure of nighttime games and embrace what Whitney High School really needs — an improved academic program. It’s been established that our shortage of quality teachers is increasing class sizes and inhibiting our ability to fund all of the AP courses we would like to offer our students. As we’ve also seen, additional computer carts would help lift us out of the technology deficit we are currently in. And, yes, we could dedicate some of the funds to our athletics program. We may not be able to purchase stadium lights, but we could, as we’ve discussed, upgrade the uniforms for most, if not all of our teams. Imagine, if you will, a future where Whitney High School has classes that are small enough to be manageable and where every student gets individual attention from the teacher. Imagine students learning the most state-of-the-art technology because every classroom has a cart filled with Chromebooks. These are not pipe dreams. They could be our future, and we owe the upcoming generations of Whitney students this future. With this obligation in mind, It is clear how we must spend this windfall.
Why this reflection works
The use of repetition works here. The repeated phrases beginning with the word, “imagine” create a rhythmic sense. The reflection talks about an obligation to future students which is also an ethical appeal. The last sentence once again sells the idea that the right way to spend the money is on academics.
Reflection Technique 4: The Stark Warning
Sometimes you want to alarm you readers so that they will not make a grave mistake or take a dangerous path. You might compare the stark warning reflection to the call to action, but this one is decidedly more forceful.
Model 9
Type of essay: Expository news article / assigned in a world history class
The prompt: Imagine you are a Soviet journalist who has escaped the USSR during the height of Joseph Stalin’s power, and you are writing an article aimed at a western audience. The purpose of the article is to give westerners an honest view of the realities of life in the Soviet Union.
Uri Asimov knows the truth. He knows the truth because he experiences it every day. Every time his family goes hungry; every time a neighbor wails in misery; every time a member of his community goes missing in the middle of the night, never to be seen again, Uri Asimov knows the truth. Uri knows that the portrayal of life under Stalin presented in the newspapers and broadcasted over the radio is very different than miserable realities faced by the Soviet people. Make no mistake, Stalin and the communist party have every intention of making the outside world, especially the West, see the Soviet Union as the most civilized, benevolent and progressive nation on the planet. But, do not be fooled. As we’ve seen the Soviet people live in great squalor and in constant fear of their own government. The lies perpetuated by the propaganda of powerful despots and totalitarian regimes can be insidiously convincing. It is our responsibility as freedom-loving people to look behind the curtains of deception and bring forward the truth.Behind the Soviet curtain lies a reality that is cruel and devastating to its citizens. People like Uri Asimov are subjected to some of the worst living conditions on the earth. And be warned, Joseph Stalin hides these truths not because he is ashamed. He hides these truths because he intends to bring this style of government to the rest of the world. He hopes that if the Soviet Union is perceived as a nation of great progress and great civility, that other nations will adopt this style of government as well. It’s already beginning in many non-Western countries, and the influence is sure to make its way to the democratic, Western countries. Even the United States is not immune from Stalin’s nefarious propaganda. Be aware that nations like the Soviet Union have always been and surely remain a threat to our way of life.
Why this reflection works
The tone is very serious as the writer unveils Joseph Stalin’s intentions in the West. It is a tone that befits a stark warning. The character, Uri Asimov was first mentioned in the essay’s introduction, was reintroduced in the conclusion’s echo, and appears again here. His personal misery as a Soviet citizen is important to the message of this article.
Other Strategies to Consider
The following are not full-blown reflection strategies, but they are techniques that can add depth and interest to your reflection. Feel free to include any of these add ons.
Posing further questions to be studied
They say that good questions beget further good questions. Posing further questions for study is akin to saying, “We’ve had a great conversation here, but we’re not finished. There is more to discuss later.” The technique provides a sense of contemplative reflection. Look at the following examples from previous reflections. The add-on is highlighted in light pink.
Model 10
Type of essay: Expository/Argumentative
The prompt: People have a natural, almost primal fear of rattlesnakes. Often the first reaction to seeing a rattler in a residential area is panic and fear. In areas such as suburban Southern California, is it possible for rattlesnakes and humans to coexist with one another?
There is room in this world for all species, whether they be human or grizzly bear, or gorilla or venomous snake. It seems that sometimes humans possess a certain arrogance when it comes to who or what has a right to live here or there. This is not to say that the subject is not open to discussion. The question of whether human beings hold a higher value in this world has been asked with plenty of opinions on both sides. Likewise, the notion of humanely relocating dangerous animals where they will no longer pose a danger to humanity has been reasonably been posited. These questions aside, it must be emphasized that all living creatures have a right to seek life. This not a human right; it is a universal right. And it is a right that even rattlesnakes share. It is up to us to appreciate their value, respect their space, take the proper precautions and live and let live. To act otherwise, would place us in the company of the heartless, the callous and the unevolved.
What the add on does to the reflection
The questions added here act like last-minute counterarguments. It’s as if the essayist’s thesis is being challenged one last time at the very end of the paper, only to be once again successfully rebutted. The writer exhibits confidence and a willingness to weigh alternative ideas, and, as a result, comes across as reasonable.
Model 11
Type of essay: Expository/Argumentative
The prompt: Pitbulls are commonly considered to be unpredictable and even vicious animals. They are frequently portrayed in the media as enough of a societal threat that they should be subject to stringent leashing requirements and prohibited from public spaces such as playgrounds and dog parks. Do you believe that pit bulls should be singled out and restricted because of their vicious natures?
Perhaps the time has come for us to stop being so quick to judge. People do, after all, tend to over-generalize things they do not understand. This certainly seems to be the case with pitbulls, a breed that has, as we’ve seen, been unfairly maligned by people who, quite frankly just don’t understand the animal at all. Could we not publicize the studies that show that pitbulls are no more likely to attack humans than any other breed? Or perhaps it is time to explore the reasons why people feel the way they do about pit bulls. Is it because of the neighborhoods they tend to live in? Is it because they are often owned by minorities? These questions are worth asking if we are to truly get to the bottom of why there is such popular animus against these animals. The next time you have the opportunity to be in the vicinity of a pitbull, don’t walk away, don’t pull your own dog back in concern and don’t judge. Instead, approach the animal and give him a pat on the head and an encouraging word. By doing so, you’ll be helping reverse the unfair discrimination that these dogs have been subjected to for such a long time.
What the add on does to the reflection
This, in a way, is a quick call-to-action. It adds the possibility that more needs to be studied in order to find the true answer posed by the essay’s thesis, and invites further study into the subject.
