3.7 SAT Essay - Use Clincher Sentences to Conclude Ideas: Avoid a Full Conclusion

Use Clincher Sentences to Conclude Ideas: Avoid a Full Conclusion: There is no need to develop a conclusion in the course of 25 minutes.  In fact, it would be an unwise use of time to sum up your ideas into a 4 to 5 sentence package that merely restates your thesis but is dressed in new language.  Conclusions work best in longer papers since often the reader needs to have the loose ends tied up at the end.  Your introductory paragraph for the SAT essay should be solid enough to leave no mystery about the clarity of your position.  Rather think of use clincher sentences to be your final battle cry. 

When writing paragraphs, good writers often use the last sentence as their knockout punch.  Good writers present paragraphs that float like butterflies and sting like bees.  The final sentence, the clincher, is that chance to hammer the idea.  Achieving this is often as easy as using the correct syntax, i.e., sentence structure.  Often simple sentences at the end of the paragraph may be used as highlighters.  Using a linking verb, connecting one idea as equivalent to another, or using strong verbs at the end both work as techniques for ending strong.  Remember that the clincher sentence ALWAYS accentuates the initial thesis; this move demonstrates that you are aware of organization and that you are conscious of maintaining constant forward momentum, driving the point home.  If at every paragraph of support you provide a clincher, you are in essence summarizing the work but selling it as well.  Again, save your time by avoiding the conclusion paragraph, replacing it with clincher sentences at the end of each paragraph.  You will be doing yourself a favor by saving time and perhaps using the extra time on editing.