Purpose
💡 As part of each of these modules, there will be a purpose that connects back to VCE English.
The conclusion is the shortest and generally least important part of your Text Response essay. It is still a necessary component, however, as many teachers require it as a “box‑ticking” exercise.
Post-Module Learnings
💡 Following this module, these are the skills you should have.
I understand the structure of the conclusion.
I can prepare a high-quality conclusion that will score well in the exam.
I understand the difference between a conclusion that “summarises” and one that “resolves”.
I can write a conclusion under timed conditions in 1–2 minutes.
I can embed quotes naturally within my conclusion.
I can write a strong universal statement that connects themes to broader human experience.
Content
The Conclusion’s Purpose
The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay. It is your last opportunity to leave a strong impression on the reader.
While conclusions are sometimes treated as a “box‑ticking” exercise, the VCAA 2023 Exam Report suggests that a well-crafted conclusion can significantly enhance your essay. A strong conclusion does not just summarise your points. It resolves the topic and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the text.
As per the VCAA 2023 Exam Report:
Extract from the Exam Report: Many responses included a conclusion that summarised the ideas presented, and this was recognised as an appropriate way to end an essay and rewarded as such. However, responses that could resolve the topic demonstrated a more sophisticated understanding of the text and thus were more highly rewarded.The following extract responds to The Erratics, Question 16ii. — '"She has her truth and I have mine ..." To what extent do the characters shape their own versions of the truth in order to survive?'In the end there is a sense that the reshaping and creative construction of fact goes beyond ensuring survival, but also allows one to attain inner peace and 'closure', as Lareau-Harvie transitions into magical realism to vividly illustrate a side she did not know, but hoped, had existed for her mother. She gazes up at the 'millions of stars' no longer able to deny the existence of her children as Napi The Trickster insists she cannot '[take] back what [she has] been given.' With this Lareau-Harvie imparts to us the understanding that to be human is to be in a constant search for enlightenment and hope within the suffering that characterises life — and we all 'do what we can' in order to find this.In short, assessors rewarded responses that explored the topic, and its implications, through a sequenced, well-substantiated and fluent explanation of their reading and interpretation of the text.
The 2025 Examiners Report highlights a few recurring issues that limited marks in conclusions.
From this, it is clear that your conclusion should not only restate your main arguments, but also resolve the essay topic.
You can do this by:
- reflecting on the broader implications of your reading
- offering a final, insightful comment
- connecting the text’s themes to universal human experience
Including one short embedded quotes (5–6 words each) is acceptable and can strengthen your final synthesis.
💡 Use the author’s last name only in conclusions. Full names should only appear in the introduction.
How to Write the Conclusion
Topic: Ray Bradbury’s The Veldt explores the dangers of heavily relying on technology. Discuss.
When crafting your conclusion, aim to:
- Restate your contention: Rephrase your central argument so the reader is clear on your position.
- Resolve the topic: Synthesise your discussion into a final insight that answers the prompt.
- Embed a short quote: Use 1–2 short quotes to reinforce your synthesis (not to “list evidence”).
- Finish with a universal statement: Leave the reader with a broader implication about humanity or society.
Sample conclusion:
In concluding his short story with the chilling demise of George and Lydia, Bradbury reaffirms the deadly consequences of allowing technology to overtake one’s life without questioning its necessity. The children’s unsettling plea for the nursery to remain active highlights the obsessive dependency that technology can foster.. Ultimately, Bradbury warns modern audiences of the perils of unbridled technological advancement, urging us to retain our humanity amidst innovation. As he illustrates, when “the screams … sound familiar,” it is already too late.
I would recommend only having 1 quote in the conc sample
⏱️ If you are pressed for time, prioritise the resolution sentence and the universal statement. Two strong sentences beat three rushed ones.
Step-by-Step Process to Write the Conclusion
🔥 Follow these steps in order. Total time: approximately 1–2 minutes.
Step 1: Recall Your Contention (10 seconds)
Before writing anything, remind yourself of the central argument you made in your introduction (your Contention Sentence). Your conclusion must align with this.
You are not introducing new arguments here. You are wrapping up and resolving.
Ask yourself:
- What was my agree or disagree position?
- What was the outcome I discussed in Body Paragraph 3?
- What final event or image best reinforces my argument?
Step 2: Write the Resolution Sentence (30 seconds)
This is the opening of your conclusion. Start by referencing how the text ends and tie it directly to the topic or theme.
Formula: In concluding [their] [text type] with [ending event], [Author last name] [reaffirms/emphasises/underscores] [central theme or lesson].
Worked Example (The Veldt):
“In concluding his short story with the chilling demise of George and Lydia, Bradbury reaffirms the deadly consequences of allowing technology to overtake familial bonds.”
Worked Example (Rear Window):
“In concluding his film with the dramatic confrontation between voyeur and suspect, Hitchcock reaffirms that the pursuit of truth, while morally ambiguous, can expose the darkness lurking beneath suburban facades.”
💡 You must reference the ending. This is what separates a conclusion that resolves from one that merely summarises.
Step 3: Insert a Relevant Quote (20 seconds)
Embed a short quote (5–6 words maximum) that captures a key theme or moment. The quote should feel natural within your sentence, not forced.
How to choose the right quote:
- Pick a quote from the final act or chapters if possible.
- Choose one that speaks to a broader theme, not just a plot event.
- If you cannot think of one from the ending, use a thematically powerful quote from elsewhere.
Good embedding (flows naturally):
The children’s unsettling plea to “not let them switch off” the nursery highlights the obsessive dependency that technology can foster.
Bad embedding (clunky and forced):
The quote “Don’t let them switch off the nursery and the lions” shows that they are addicted to technology.
🚫 Do not use more than two short quotes in your conclusion. One or two is ideal.
Step 4: Write the Broader Implication / Universal Statement (30 seconds)
This is your final thought. It is the sentence that separates average conclusions from sophisticated ones.
Connect the text’s themes to a universal human experience or a broader societal message.
Formula: Ultimately, [Author last name] leaves audiences with a caution against [universal statement].
Examples of strong universal statements:
- “...that without mindful moderation, our creations may become our undoing.”
- “...that the pursuit of justice, while necessary, demands moral compromise that reshapes the pursuer.”
- “...that survival is not merely physical endurance but a continuous act of choosing hope over despair.”
Examples of weak universal statements (avoid these):
- “...that technology is bad.”
- “...that things do not always work out.”
- “...that the book has many themes and ideas.”
💡 A strong universal statement should feel meaningful even to someone who has not read the text.
The Anatomy of a Conclusion: Annotated Breakdown
Topic: Ray Bradbury’s The Veldt explores the dangers of heavily relying on technology. Discuss.
Sentence | Function | Example |
Sentence 1 (Resolution) | References the ending of the text + restates the central theme | “In concluding his short story with the children’s ultimate betrayal of their parents, Bradbury emphasises the destructive potential of technology when left unchecked.” |
Sentence 2 (Quote + Link) | Embeds a short quote and connects it to the theme | “As Peter chillingly remarks, ‘I wish you were dead,’ Bradbury warns that neglecting human relationships in favour of technological conveniences can lead to dire consequences.” |
Sentence 3 (Universal Statement) | Broader lesson or reflection on the human condition | “Ultimately, Bradbury leaves us with the understanding that without mindful moderation, our creations may become our undoing.” |
⏱️ If you are running out of time, compress this into two sentences: combine the Resolution and Quote, then finish with the Universal Statement.
What Makes a Conclusion “Resolve” vs. “Summarise”?
The VCAA 2023 Exam Report makes a clear distinction.
Summarising (Average)
A conclusion that summarises restates what you argued in your body paragraphs.
Example of a summarising conclusion:
“In conclusion, Bradbury shows that technology is dangerous, that children can be corrupted by it, and that parents should pay more attention. This is why technology should be used carefully.”
Why this is weak:
- It begins with “In conclusion”.
- It lists arguments instead of synthesising them.
- It does not reference the ending of the text.
- It offers no insight beyond what was already stated.
Resolving (Sophisticated)
A conclusion that resolves synthesises your arguments into a final insight that feels earned.
Example of a resolving conclusion:
“In concluding his short story with the children’s ultimate betrayal of their parents, Bradbury emphasises the destructive potential of technology when left unchecked. As Peter chillingly remarks, ‘I wish you were dead,’ Bradbury warns that neglecting human relationships in favour of technological conveniences can lead to dire consequences. Ultimately, Bradbury leaves us with the understanding that without mindful moderation, our creations may become our undoing.”
The test: If you could swap your conclusion with your introduction’s contention and they sound almost identical, you have summarised rather than resolved.
Conclusion Templates
Template A: Standard Three-Sentence Conclusion
In concluding [their] [type of text] with [what happens at the end of the text], [author’s last name] [reaffirms/highlights/emphasises] [central theme or issue]. As [character] declares/reflects, “[relevant quote, max 6 words],” [author’s last name] [warns/reminds] us that [broader implication]. Ultimately, [Author] compels audiences to recogise that [universal statement].
Template B: Resolution + Reflection (Two-Sentence, Time-Pressured)
In concluding [their] [text type] with [ending event], [Author] [reaffirms/underscores] that [restate central argument]. Ultimately, [Author] [warns/reminds/suggests] that [universal statement].
Template C: Quote-Led Conclusion (When You Have a Strong Final Quote)
[Author]’s decision to conclude with [character]’s [action/declaration] that “[quote],” [reinforces/crystallises] [central theme]. Through this, [Author] [warns/suggests/reveals] that [universal statement].
Template D: Authorial Intent Conclusion (Connecting to Author’s Purpose)
Through [the text’s] [final event/image/moment], [Author] [delivers/offers] a [sobering/poignant/stark] [reminder/commentary/critique] on [theme]. By [what the author does at the end], [Author] [reinforces] [their] broader [warning/message] that [final thought].
Common Mistakes in Conclusion Writing
🚫 Avoid every single one of these.
Mistake 1: Starting with “In conclusion”
This phrase is a cliché that signals weak writing. Instead, start by referencing the ending.
Wrong | Right |
“In conclusion, Bradbury shows that technology is dangerous.” | “In concluding his short story with the chilling demise of George and Lydia, Bradbury reaffirms the deadly consequences of unchecked technological reliance.” |
Mistake 2: Introducing New Arguments or Evidence
Your conclusion is not the place to bring up new ideas, new characters, or new scenes you did not discuss in the body paragraphs.
Mistake 3: Using Full Character Names
Use the author’s last name only in conclusions. Full names should only appear in the introduction.
Mistake 4: Quoting Too Much or Too Long
Stick to one or two short embedded quotes (5–6 words max each).
Too long | Just right |
“Don’t let them switch off the nursery and the lions, oh don’t let them” | “Don’t let them switch off” |
Mistake 5: Being Too Vague or Generic
Avoid empty platitudes.
Vague (avoid) | Specific (aim for this) |
“Technology can be bad for society.” | “Without mindful moderation, our creations may become our undoing.” |
Mistake 6: Writing Too Much
Aim for 3–4 sentences (roughly 50–80 words).
Mistake 7: Contradicting Your Contention
Your conclusion must align with the position you established in your introduction.
Mistake 8: Retelling the Plot
Reference the ending briefly, then move to analysis and synthesis.
Mistake 9: Using First Person
Avoid “I think” and “I believe”.
Mistake 10: Ending Without a Universal Statement
Always close with a universal statement.
Quality Self-Assessment Checklist
✅ Use this checklist before submitting your essay.
References the ending of the text.
Does not start with a banned opener.
Uses the author’s last name only.
Contains 1 embedded quote (5–6 words max each).
Includes a universal statement as the final sentence.
Does not introduce new arguments or evidence.
Does not retell the plot.
Aligns with the contention from the introduction.
Is 3–4 sentences total (50–80 words).
Reference
Word Bank and Vocabulary
Resolution sentence openers: In concluding…, [Author]’s decision to conclude with…, Through [the text’s] final…, By [ending with / depicting]…
Theme-linking verbs: reaffirms, emphasises, underscores, crystallises, cements, reinforces, highlights, exposes, illuminates
Quote-embedding connectors: As [character] [Adjective] remarks…, As [character] declares…, Through [character]’s [action]…
Universal statement starters: Ultimately…,Through this…, [Author] cautions audiences…, [Author] reinforces [their] broader warning that…
Strong verbs to replace weak ones:
Weak | Strong |
shows | reaffirms, crystallises, cements, illuminates |
tells us | warns, reminds, reveals, suggests, imparts |
is about | resolves, synthesises, encapsulates |
ends with | culminates in, concludes with, arrives at |
Adapting Your Conclusion for Different Topic Types
Theme-based topics: Focus your resolution on the theme, not on specific characters.
Character-based topics: You can mention the character named in the topic. Reference what happens to that character at the end.
Quote-based topics: You may briefly echo part of the topic’s quote if it fits naturally. Use a different quote from the text as your embedded evidence.
“To what extent” topics: Reinforce the degree of agreement you established, and reflect complexity and nuance in your final synthesis.