Before ending this lesson, take a moment to review an informative research essay you have written. you’ve probably already written a conclusion to the essay. but is it the best conclusion it can be? does it properly summarize the main subtopics of your essay? does it state in one or two sentences the “so what” of your topic. if your topic was abraham lincoln, your essay shouldn’t be just about abraham lincoln. it should answer, “so what about abraham lincoln? ” take five or ten minutes, and looking only at that single paragraph, revise your conclusion.

Read this student's rough draft. i know it doesn't sound like much, but am psyched about the school fundraiser this spring. we are sponsoring a slam-dunk contest (on an eight-foot rim) for local middle schoolers. we're charging an entry fee for participants that will cover our costs, and we’ll charge admission at the door! three dollars per person—ka-ching! six of my neighbors have already said they are coming. i mean, who wouldn't come? participants will wear their school jerseys, and all their friends will come to cheer! which concluding sentence best reflects the writer's voice? the contest will take place in the liberty middle school gym, and the maximum capacity is 250 spectators. the contest promises to enrich our community as a variety of schools unite to support our fundraising effort. it will be sweet, because the band is providing music in the stands, and the dance squad is performing. students’ enthusiasm for this endeavor has blossomed, and it will reach full flower as the contest approaches