Do you ever notice how your little one can argue their way into having a later bedtime on some days? But they might not know how to close their argument on other days. It’s pretty common to have passion about something, but they might need a little help wrapping it up neatly.
That’s what we’re going to focus on today. Teaching kids how to write an emphatic persuasive essay conclusion can make a huge difference in their writing pieces. Whether you’re a teacher helping in the classroom or a parent guiding from the kitchen table, this blog has got you covered.
We’ll explore simple, effective templates and examples to help kids master the art of ending their arguments on a high note. Ready to help your little ones become persuasive pros? Let’s get started!
What is a Persuasive Conclusion?
A persuasive conclusion is the final paragraph or section of a persuasive essay where the writer solidifies their argument and leaves a lasting impact on the reader. It serves as a powerful wrap-up of the main ideas, bringing the essay full circle and reinforcing the writer's point of view.
Now let’s see what makes a persuasive conclusion strong and what might make it fall flat.
Strong Conclusion |
Weak Conclusion |
Restates the thesis in a confident and fresh way, reinforcing the writer's main argument. |
Vaguely repeats the thesis without adding clarity or confidence. |
Effectively summarizes key points to remind the reader of the essay’s main ideas. |
Fails to summarize or rehash points in a dull or repetitive way. |
Provides an engaging and memorable call to action or final thought. |
It doesn’t inspire or connect with the reader, leaving a flat impression. |
Leaves the reader with a thought-provoking idea or strong emotional appeal to reinforce the message. |
It offers no new insights or emotional engagement, making it forgettable. |
It ends with a powerful and lasting impact, ensuring the reader remembers the essay’s purpose. |
It feels abrupt, weak, or uninspiring, making it easy for the reader to dismiss the argument. |
Let’s now understand the basic features of a persuasive conclusion.
Basic Structure of a Persuasive Conclusion
A persuasive conclusion ties everything together and leaves a strong impression on the reader. By following a clear structure, you can ensure your conclusion is impactful and memorable.
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Restate Your Main Point
Teach kids to start by reminding readers of your main argument. But don’t just repeat it word for word. Instead, rephrase it in a fresh way.
For example, if their thesis was “We need more playgrounds in cities,” it can be said like this, “Creating more playground spaces in urban areas is essential for children’s well-being.”
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Summarize Key Points
Next, briefly highlight the key points they made in their essay. Think of it as giving the readers a quick reminder of why the argument matters.
For example: If the kids argued for longer recess, they might say, “Extra playtime boosts attention, physical health, and even friendships!”
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Include a Call to Action
Finally, a persuasive conclusion should inspire action. This could be a thought-provoking question or a direct suggestion.
For example: “Imagine a school day with longer recess—let’s make that happen.” This pushes readers to think and act on what they've read.
By wrapping up the essay with a clear thesis, a brief summary, and a strong call to action, kids can leave a lasting impression on their readers.
Now, let’s explore top 8 techniques to help them craft even more persuasive conclusions!
Also Read: Teaching Kids 5 Steps to Write a Persuasive Essay Introduction
Top 8 Techniques for Powerful Persuasive Conclusions
Here are some essential techniques to help guide them in writing powerful conclusions that leave an impact:
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Summarize, Don’t Introduce New Ideas
The conclusion is the place where students should remind the reader of their main points. It should clearly summarize the argument without introducing any new information. Encourage students to think of it like tying everything together in a neat package—concise, clear, and focused.
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Reinforce the Argument
This is where the writer can drive their message home. After restating the main thesis, students should reinforce their key points. Help them understand that the goal is to leave the reader with a strong sense of why their argument matters, ensuring they walk away with a clear understanding of the message.
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Encourage Action or Shift Perspective
In persuasive writing, the conclusion often aims to inspire action or shift the reader’s perspective. One effective way to do this is by adding a "call to action."
For instance, in stories like I Wanna Iguana, the conclusion might end with a call like, “Let’s get an Iguana!” This encourages readers to think about what steps they can take based on the writer’s argument.
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Using Research-Based Writing Strategies
Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows that teaching kids strategies like Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) improves their writing. This approach helps students focus on structure, clarity, and effective conclusions. Whether they are beginners or more advanced writers, SRSD can make their conclusions stronger and more impactful.
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Leave a Lasting Impression
A great conclusion wraps things up,p leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Encourage students to think about how their conclusion will stick with the reader long after the essay is finished. The conclusion should make the reader reflect on the argument and its significance.
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Connect Back to the Introduction
A powerful technique is to tie the conclusion back to the introduction. This helps bring the essay full circle and reinforces the main theme. It’s a great way to leave the reader with a sense of completion, reminding them of the journey the essay has taken.
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Use Strong, Confident Language
The conclusion is the time to make a strong, confident statement. Encourage students to avoid weak or uncertain language. Instead of saying, “I think recycling is good,” they could say, “Recycling is essential for a sustainable future.” This type of confident language leaves no room for doubt about their position.
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Leverage Emotional and Ethical Appeals
A well-placed personal story or emotional appeal can make the conclusion more engaging. Encouraging students to tie their arguments to something personal or relatable can increase the emotional impact and make their argument more persuasive.
Now that we’re backed up with effective techniques, let's look at some examples of strong persuasive conclusions to see how these tips come to life!
Also Read: Teaching Kids to Structure Body Paragraphs in Persuasive Essay Writing
Examples of Strong Persuasive Conclusion
It's useful to show examples of strong vs. weak conclusions when helping young writers understand the power of a persuasive conclusion. Let’s explore some persuasive writing conclusion templates and examples for kids.
Topic |
Strong Conclusion |
Weak Conclusion |
Cats Over Dogs |
"Cats are perfect companions—independent, clean, and loving. Their soft purrs and playful charm show why they’re the better choice. Cats truly shine!" |
"Cats are better than dogs. That’s why I like them." |
Against Littering |
"Littering harms our planet, but we can stop it. By recycling, using trash bins, and setting an example, we protect the Earth for everyone—let’s act now!" |
"Don’t litter because it’s bad." |
Save the Rainforest |
"Rainforests provide oxygen, homes for wildlife, and beauty to our planet. By acting now—planting trees and supporting conservation—we can save them!" |
"Rainforests are important, so don’t let them get cut down." |
Why Exercise Matters |
"Exercise keeps us strong, happy, and energetic. Playing sports, dancing, or walking daily makes life better. Let’s make fitness part of our routines!" |
"Exercise is good for you, so you should do it." |
Stop Bullying |
"Bullying hurts everyone, but kindness and courage can make a difference. Let’s stand up and create a safer world where everyone feels valued!" |
"Bullying is bad. Don’t do it." |
Now, let’s see the practical applications of the persuasive writing techniques we discussed.
Practical Application and Resources
A strong conclusion ties everything together and leaves a lasting impression. Here’s how to help kids master this skill:
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Interactive Exercises
Role-playing activities, like debating different perspectives (e.g., arguing for longer recess), engage kids and help them practice persuasive writing. Peer reviews also offer valuable feedback to refine conclusions.
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Visual Aids
Graphic organizers and infographics break down essay structure into manageable parts, helping kids stay organized and focused on each section, especially the conclusion.
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Templates for Clear Writing
Using templates like the OREO method (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion) gives students a clear path to follow, making it easier to craft structured, persuasive conclusions.
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Rehearsing and Feedback
Let students rehearse their conclusions and present them to the class for feedback. Brainstorming and planning ahead ensures a strong and well-rounded conclusion.
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Modeling Strong Conclusions
Reviewing good examples shows students how to restate the thesis, summarize points, and add a compelling call to action, giving them a clear model to emulate.
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Peer Review
Peer review helps kids improve by offering constructive feedback. Use a checklist to focus on key elements like clarity, engagement, and summarizing the main points. The FunFox Program understands the value of peer-based learning, so we offer an interactive environment where young writers can collaborate and learn with like-minded people.
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Grading Rubric
A clear grading rubric helps students understand what makes a great conclusion, focusing on logical flow, content, and audience engagement.
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Understanding Counterarguments
Engaging in debates teaches kids to address opposing views, making their conclusions stronger and more balanced.
Before we wrap up, let’s look at the things you need to remember while evaluating your kids’ persuasive essay conclusions so you can provide better feedback.
Also Read: Teaching Kids How to Write Persuasively: 5 Steps to Successful Persuasive Writing Techniques
Evaluating Persuasive Conclusions
When students write persuasive conclusions, it's essential to give feedback that helps them grow and improves their writing. Instead of just focusing on grammar, it's essential to assess the strength of the argument and how well it connects emotionally with the reader. Here is a step-by-step guide to evaluate the conclusions.
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Clarity and Restatement: Make sure the conclusion clearly restates the key points. It should tie the argument together and remind the reader of the main message in a concise way.
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Emotional Impact: Check if the conclusion appeals to the reader’s emotions. Does it use emotional language effectively, like in stories like Eat Your Peas or I Wanna Iguana?
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Call to Action: A strong conclusion motivates the reader to act or reconsider their view. See if the conclusion includes a clear and compelling call to action.
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Connection with Personal Experience: Encourage students to add a personal touch. Personal stories or anecdotes make the conclusion feel more authentic and relatable.
If you’re a parent working on your child’s persuasive writing skills, the FunFox Program is here to help. With fun and interactive activities, we ensure your child looks forward to learning and immersing themselves in writing.
Wrapping It Up
Teaching kids to craft strong, persuasive conclusions is key to making their arguments stick. Students can end their essays on a powerful note by focusing on clarity, emotional impact, and a clear call to action. With interactive exercises, peer reviews, and visual aids, there are plenty of ways to help young writers finish their essays with confidence.
Remember, a great conclusion is more than just a summary—it’s their final opportunity to make an impression. Let’s encourage kids to think big, be confident, and leave their readers thinking long after they’ve finished reading.
For even more resources to boost your child's writing, check out the FunFox Writers Club! With expert guidance and engaging activities, the club helps kids build strong writing skills in a fun and supportive environment. Ready to take their writing to the next level?
Book a call with us today!