Conclusion (and Lesson)

Conclusion and Lesson

Congratulations on completing the second unit! I hope you enjoyed writing about your past experiences.

In the next unit, you will write about a new experience — a visit to a restaurant — which you will review. Start thinking about a restaurant you could go to — that would give you lots to write about.

You should frequently check the pacing plan in the first unit and talk with your mentor to ensure you are on pace to finish the course before the semester deadlines.

As you know from the syllabus, once you move on and submit an assignment in the next unit, the scores for assignments in this unit are final.

However, while you are waiting for this unit’s assignments to be graded, you are welcome to preview the upcoming lessons, review the assignment descriptions, and even begin prepping for the next assignment. Just be sure to not actually submit them until you’re ready to move forward.

A few reminders before you move on:

  • If there is a single difference between weak and strong writing, it’s the use of specific details, instead of vague summaries. This applies to all sorts of writing. If you messaged your boss to ask, “Am I working next week? Or are you firing me instead?” If he texted back, a vague “Thanks, yes,” might you be alarmed? That’s the problem of not using specific details.
  • Remember to use MLA formatting on all attachments (all assignments over one “page” or 250 words).
  • In formal writing, try to use formal, objective, third-person phrasing.
  • Avoid introducing what you’re about to say. Just say it.

    Nowadays, many writers use a single word to segue into the next topic, rather than a lengthy transitional sentence. Their goal is to be more concise and to create a smoother flow of ideas.

    Common transitions are often a single word or brief phrase or use ordinal numbering:

    • Additionally,…
    • Besides,…
    • Consequently,…
    • Finally,…
    • Furthermore,…
    • However,…
    • In addition,…
    • In conclusion,…
    • In contrast,…
    • Lastly,…
    • Likewise,…
    • Moreover,…
    • Nevertheless,…
    • Next,…
    • Nonetheless,…
    • On the other hand,…
    • Similarly,…
    • Subsequently,…
    • Therefore,…
    • Thus,…
    • First,…
    • Second,…
  • Write brief, focused paragraphs. By “focused,” we mean a clear topic sentence at the start of each paragraph, followed by the points that immediately follow. When the focus shifts, start a new paragraph. This helps to emphasize your writing’s organization, making it easier to read and more impactful.

As always, if you have any questions, please ask!

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