Please note the image above. This is the final three paragraphs of the article we looked at yesterday.

 

Some things to note about the ending:

 

• ‘Reflecting on this, I…’ helps the writer to signpost the transition from the main body of her think piece to a more reflective tone, signalling the transition towards the ending of her response. Think about using a discourse marker like this in your final paragraphs. You might, for example, use ‘Thinking about this…’ or ‘On reflection,…’
• The tone at the end of this think piece is intensely personal.
• Notice how the language in the final paragraphs purposely echoes the language of the headline and how this angry, furious tone is established in the opening paragraphs. The language here works both as a structural device and works as a language pattern.
• Note the rhetorical repetition of the adjective ‘furious’ in that second paragraph. Repetition is used here to reinforce the angry tone of the think piece. It also works to align the headline with the conclusion in terms of language.
• ‘Anger’ and ‘furious’ could be considered synonyms.
• ‘revenge on the racists’ uses alliteration to demonstrate a link between these two ideas. Works as a rhetorical device.
• Final sentence ends the think piece on a more positive tone and reveals her hopes for her own family. Intensely personal still.

The conclusion of your think piece needs to echo the tone you established in your headline and the opening couple of paragraphs. It also needs to reflect on the content of your think piece and summarise your own thoughts/perspectives.

Think about how you use:

 

• Emotive language
• Personal, inclusive language
• Rhetorical devices

 

to summarise your central issue/idea and how you ensure your own perspective(s) come through really clearly.

 

As ever, show me your work-in-progress for feedback.