How to Write an Effective Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion
The hardest part of a rhetorical analysis isn't spotting the fancy techniques - it's wrapping everything up at the end without sounding like a broken record.
Most students either rehash their entire essay or just peter out with some weak summary that doesn't do their analysis justice.
It's like the final scene of a movie - it needs to pack a punch, not fade to black. If you're tired of writing conclusions that feel like they're just going through the motions, stick around. You're about to learn how to nail this thing without the usual fluff and formula.
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What Readers Expect in a Conclusion
When writing a rhetorical analysis conclusion, it’s important to know what your readers want. Teachers, exam graders, or anyone reading your essay expects a few key things.
First, they want you to restate your thesis. But this restatement should not be a copy. It should show what you have learned after your analysis.
Next, they want to see a clear summary of your main points. This isn’t just listing devices; it’s showing how the parts work together.
As the Texas A&M University Writing Center explains, your conclusion should briefly restate your main argument and then apply your argument on a higher level, asking "Why does your argument matter? What does it mean in the real world?"
Finally, your conclusion should explain why the argument matters. It should give a sense of closure that leaves the reader thinking.
The 3 Steps to a Strong Conclusion
A strong conclusion has three parts that work together. First, restate your thesis in a fresh way. Don’t copy it exactly from your introduction.
Step 1: Restate Your Thesis with Fresh Insight
Your conclusion isn’t about copying your thesis word-for-word — it’s about showing you’ve gained clarity.
Old thesis style: “The author uses emotion and facts to persuade.”
Better restatement: “The author skillfully blends logic with emotional appeal, weaving evidence into a narrative that moves the reader.”
Think of it as upgrading your wording:
Swap plain verbs (like uses) for stronger ones (blends, orchestrates, employs).
Replace generic adjectives (good, effective) with sharper choices (persuasive, impactful).
<ProTip title="💡 Pro Tip:" description="When restating your thesis, upgrade at least one verb and one adjective. This keeps your conclusion fresh and avoids repetition." />
Step 2: Summarize Your Main Points Together
Simply naming the rhetorical devices you analyzed is not enough. Your conclusion should explain how these devices work as a team.
For example, facts may build credibility, while stories create an emotional connection. Together, they make the argument more convincing.
According to the University of Maryland Global Campus Writing Center, the best conclusion will include a synthesis, not just a summary.
Instead of a mere list of your major points, the best conclusion will draw those points together and relate them to one another so that your reader can apply the information given in the essay.
This kind of summary shows your reader you see the bigger picture. Use phrases like “together,” “by combining,” or “this fusion” to connect your points. This synthesis is what makes your conclusion feel like a final, thoughtful step, not just a quick recap.
Step 3: End With a Thought That Matters
Your last sentence or two should leave readers thinking. This final reflection can connect the argument to a universal idea like justice or freedom.
It might consider what could happen if the audience accepts or rejects the message. You could also ask a question that encourages further thought.
Or, make a statement about how powerful persuasion can be in general. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits naturally with your essay. This final thought is your chance to show why your analysis matters beyond the page.
<ProTip title="📝 Note:" description="Make sure your final thought fits naturally with your essay. It should feel like a clear ending, not something random." />
What a Good Conclusion Looks Like
To see how these parts come together, imagine you analyzed Steve Jobs’ Stanford speech. A weak conclusion might say, “Jobs uses stories and simple words. His speech is good.”
That’s too short and vague. A better conclusion would say, “Jobs’ power comes from sharing honest stories that connect with listeners.
His clear language makes his advice easy to follow. By comparing life to connecting dots, he asks us to trust the journey even if the future is unclear.” This version restates the thesis in new words, connects the main points, and ends with a meaningful reflection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding new information – Your conclusion isn’t the place to introduce fresh arguments. Stick to what you’ve already discussed.
⚠️ Using weak openers – Phrases like “In conclusion” or “To sum up” waste space. Readers already know it’s the end.
😴 Being vague – Don’t write “This speech was inspiring.” Explain why it was inspiring.
🔁 Repeating the introduction – Your conclusion should feel final and insightful, not like a copy of your intro.
✅ Better approach: End with a fresh restatement and a strong closing thought that leaves impact.
<ProTip title="🚫 Reminder:" description="Your conclusion is for final analysis, not summary. Show the bigger meaning your essay reveals." />
Balance Clarity and Depth in Your Conclusion
When writing your rhetorical analysis conclusion, it’s important to keep your language clear and straightforward while still showing depth.
Avoid overly complex sentences that might confuse your reader. At the same time, don’t oversimplify your ideas. Aim for sentences that are easy to follow but still explain your points fully.
Using simple words to express complex ideas helps your conclusion feel both accessible and thoughtful. This balance makes your writing stronger and more engaging.
Use Concrete Examples to Support Your Final Points
Although your conclusion should not introduce new evidence, briefly referencing key examples from your essay can strengthen your final points.
For instance, mention a specific rhetorical strategy or moment you analyzed that clearly supports your thesis. This reminds readers of the proof behind your claims and reinforces your argument.
Just keep these references short and to the point. Concrete examples help ground your conclusion and make your analysis more convincing.
Keep Your Conclusion Focused and Concise
A good conclusion is focused and avoids wandering into unrelated ideas. Stick to restating your thesis, synthesizing your main points, and offering a final reflection.
Don’t add new arguments or lengthy explanations. Try to keep your conclusion concise, usually one strong paragraph or two short ones.
This helps maintain the reader’s attention and leaves a clear, lasting impression. A concise conclusion feels polished and purposeful, which strengthens your entire essay.
Think About Your Audience When Writing
Understanding your audience matters when you write your conclusion. If you write for teachers or classmates, you might focus on how the argument teaches or informs.
If your audience is broader, you might highlight why the message matters for society. Tailoring your conclusion to your readers’ interests makes it more powerful. It shows you know who you are talking to and why your analysis is important for them.
Reflect on the Author’s Purpose and Audience
Use your conclusion to connect the author’s purpose with their audience. Explain how the rhetorical choices speak to the audience's values or concerns.
According to Miami University's Writing Center, the rhetorical situation identifies the relationship among the elements of any communication; audience, author (rhetor), purpose, medium, context, and content
This shows you understand the bigger picture of why the text was made. It also helps your reader see the impact of the argument beyond just the words on the page.
Helping Your Students with Rhetorical Analysis Essays
If you’re a teacher looking to help your students with rhetorical analysis essays, focus on guiding them through each step.
Start with the rhetorical analysis introduction, showing how to write a clear thesis statement. Encourage them to identify key rhetorical strategies in the body paragraphs.
When they reach the conclusion, remind them to restate their thesis thoughtfully and synthesize their points.
Connecting the Thesis to the Introduction
A clear thesis is the backbone of the rhetorical analysis essay.
Place it in the introduction to set the stage for the entire paper.
Make it specific: highlight rhetorical choices and their effects.
Reinforcing the Thesis in the Conclusion
When writing the conclusion, revisit the thesis with fresh insight. This keeps the essay cohesive and helps the reader follow the argument seamlessly.
Suggesting What Might Happen Next
End with a forward-looking thought:
What could happen if the audience accepts the author’s message?
What might happen if they reject it?
<ProTip title="⚠️ Pro Tip:" description="Keep your final thought tied to the analysis. Don’t introduce brand new evidence in the conclusion." />
Writing an Effective Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion
A good rhetorical analysis conclusion makes your essay stand out. It shows how all parts fit together and why they matter.
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Restate your thesis with new insight, summarize how the author’s strategies work as a team, and end by explaining why your analysis matters beyond the essay. Your conclusion is your essay’s last word. Make it clear, thoughtful, and strong.