College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What should be included in an essay’s conclusion?

1. a restatement of the thesis

2. a complete break from the topic

3. a brief summary of the main points

4. a new thesis statement

The correct answer is: a brief summary of the main points

An essay's conclusion is meant to bring the essay to a close and tie together all the main points that were discussed in the essay. Option A, a restatement of the thesis, is incorrect because the thesis should have already been restated in the introduction and repeated in the conclusion would be repetitive. Option B, a complete break from the topic, is incorrect because the conclusion should still relate to the topic and bring closure to the essay. Option D, a new thesis statement, is incorrect because the conclusion is not meant to introduce new ideas or arguments. Therefore, the best choice would be C, a brief summary of the main points as it effectively wraps up the essay.