What is a key feature of a good conclusion in an essay?

A key feature of a good conclusion in an essay is summarizing the main points effectively. This aspect is crucial because the conclusion serves as the final opportunity to reinforce the essay's arguments and insights. By succinctly reiterating the central themes and findings, the conclusion helps to remind readers of the journey taken through the essay and emphasizes the significance of the discussions presented. A well-rounded summary ties together all the main ideas, providing clarity and closure to the reader.

Introducing new ideas, although potentially interesting, can confuse readers and detract from the main focus of the essay, which is to conclude rather than to expand on arguments. Simply repeating the thesis statement verbatim does not add value and can come off as redundant. Additionally, using complex jargon can alienate readers and obscure the main points—not aligning with the goal of ensuring that the conclusion resonates and is easily understandable.