Ending with Impact – three top techniques

An ending that has impact leaves that final convincing impression on the reader!

Here are three different techniques you can use to achieve this:

Ending with Impact

You might feel like it is a good idea to get rid of your teacher sometimes, but can you imagine logging on to a computer every day rather than being taught by a real person? Think how much you would miss out on – the laughter, the ability to ask questions, the support. You’d never get that from a computer!

Technique 2: Paint a word picture (Show, Don’t Tell)

The ending paints a picture in the reader’s mind that supports the points made in the text.

Before

Therefore, I think downloading music without permission is the same as stealing.

After

I browse through the CDs searching for Justin Bieber’s new album. I hope they haven’t sold out. Finally, I find it, casually slip it into my pocket and walk out of the shop. Most people would call this stealing and yet lots of people do exactly the same thing when they download music online without paying.

Visit our blog, Harness the power of Show, Don’t Tell  for more ways to paint word pictures with your students, including a sports-themed Action Activity.

Technique 3: Call to action

The ending tells the reader exactly how they can make a difference.

Before

In conclusion, everyone should donate blood.

After

What does every human have in common? We all have blood running through our veins, about five litres of blood to be exact. That means everyone has the ability to donate blood and help save a life.

Mastering these ending techniques will enable students to create truly spectacular and persuasive endings.

Learn how to create Endings with Impact at a Workshop One: Seven Steps to Transform Writing.

Ending with Impact Action Activity

Practise writing three endings that pack a punch, one for each technique:

1. Link to opening/circular ending

Challenge students to write a Sizzling Start and an Ending with Impact for the following topics:

• Dangerous dogs should be put down.
• Boys and girls should be taught separately.

2. Paint a word picture (Show, Don’t Tell)

Write a Conclusion/Ending for these topics that convinces the reader by SHOWING rather than TELLING:

• Television is harmful for children.
• Good weather makes people happier.

3. Call to action

Write an ending for these campaigns that encourages the reader to ‘do something better’:

• Everyone should shop at local stores.
• Recycling should be mandatory.

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