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Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

Clincher Sentences: The #1 Way to Reinforce a Message and Jump-Start Action

by Henneke | 82 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence reinforcing your key message.

This article discusses how to write a clincher:

how to simplify complexity

How to write clinchers

How to write a clincher sentence

I’m half skimming, half reading a fairly interesting article—all the way until the last word.

But as soon as I’ve finished, I’ve already forgotten what I’ve read.

Sound familiar?

If you want readers to remember your words, you need to invigorate your message and jump-start your readers into action.

And the easiest way to do that?

Write a clincher sentence.

Eh … what is a clincher sentence?

You’ll find clinchers as the last sentence of a well-written blog post, essay, or book chapter; or at the end of a section in a blog post—before a subhead introduces the next section.

A clincher sentence is a soundbite , communicating a nugget of wisdom. It’s a memorable point that may linger in your reader’s mind long after she’s finished reading your content.

Want to know how to write these powerful sentences?

Examples of clincher sentences

In his memoir My Father, the Pornographer , Chris Offutt ends most chapters with excellent clincher sentences.

For instance, the ending of the 4th chapter gives us insight in the son’s relationship with his father:

(…) I realized the landscape would always hold me tight, that I could never escape, that in fact what I loved and felt most loyal to were the wooded hills, and not my father.

And the 25th chapter ends as follows (note: cons refers to conventions where his father’s fans would gather):

Dad seldom left the house over which he held utter dominion. When he did leave, he went to cons, an environment that assuaged his ego in every way. He grew accustomed to these two extremes and became resentful when his family failed to treat him like fans did. We disappointed him with our need for a father.

Ouch. We disappointed him with our need for a father. A hard truth.

If writing was a boxing match, the clincher sentence would be the knockout blow.

But how do you deliver a killer punch?

How to write a clincher sentence

To write a clincher sentence, you first must know your key message.

So, think about this: If readers would remember one thing from your article or book chapter, what would it be?

If you can’t think of the key message, your idea might still be a little fuzzy. Let it simmer for a while, and then revisit your post. Which question do you want to answer? What problem do you help solve? What is your key tip?

To get unstuck, use one of these sentence starters to help formulate your key point:

  • In conclusion (or ultimately ), [add your final say on the topic or sum up your argument]
  • Remember, [remind readers of your key idea—sometimes you only need to rephrase an earlier sentence]
  • Your action: [tell readers what to do with your advice]
  • Your takeaway: [sum up the main point readers should remember]

The two-punch approach to clinchers

In educational or inspirational writing, you can use the two-punch approach. Firstly, remind readers what you’ve explained already. And secondly, nudge them to implement your advice.

For instance, Mark Manson uses this approach in his article about the most important question of your life . His penultimate sentence summarizes his key point:

This is the most simple and basic component of life: our struggles determine our successes.

And his last sentence addresses the reader directly to nudge him to implement his advice:

So choose your struggles wisely, my friend.

At the end of their book Made to Stick , Chip and Dan Heath take the same approach. The penultimate sentence summarizes their key point:

Stories have the amazing dual power to simulate and to inspire.

And their very last sentence encourages readers to implement their advice by telling them it’s not as hard as they might think:

And most of the time we don’t even have to use much creativity to harness these powers—we just need to be ready to spot the good ones that life generates every day.

Remember, your clincher sentence is the killer punch encouraging readers to implement your advice.

So, summarize and inspire.

(See what I just did? That was another two-puncher.)

Make your killer punch reverberate

My favorite type of clincher sentence sketches a vivid image , giving energy to your key idea.

Chris Offutt ends the 5th chapter of his memoir with a vivid story—the clincher sentence is the last sentence (I made it bold):

A week after the memorial service [of my father], I took Mom to a greenhouse built of plastic sheeting. Mom selected a plant with white flowers, then smiled, shook her head, and chose red flowers instead. “Your father was color-blind,” she said. “I only bought white flowers so he could see them.” She took the red ones home. After fifty years Mom planted flowers she liked in her own backyard.

And Mark Manson sketches a vivid image at the end of his post about the real value of money —the clincher sentence is in bold:

The real value of money begins when we look beyond it and see ourselves as better, as more valuable, than it is. When it’s not about the accumulation of stuff but rather the enactment of experiences. When it’s not about the mug but rather the coffee that’s in it.

Vivid images haunt readers, popping up in their minds hours—or even days—after reading your content.

When to use a clincher sentence …

At the end of a book or blog post, you don’t have a choice. To avoid your writing petering out, finish with a clincher sentence.

However, at the end of a book chapter or blog post section, you can choose. You can either look ahead and make readers curious to read on, or you can look back and summarize your key message.

To look ahead, use a cliffhanger to raise a question and make readers lean forward, eager to learn more. For instance, in the gripping book American Kingpin , Nick Bilton uses cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.

Here’s the last sentence of the first chapter:

“You got a minute?” he said as he threw the white envelope on the desk. “I have something important I need to show you.”

And the end of the second chapter:

And yet, as he hopped into the car next to his sister, he also didn’t know that in just five years he would be making that amount of money in a single day.

And the end of the 3rd chapter:

But what wasn’t clear to either of them, as they rolled around on his dinky bed in the basement, was that the relationship they were about to embark on would be the most tumultuous romance of Ross’s and Julia’s adult lives. And, for Ross, it would be his last.

Before I started reading the book American Kingpin , I already knew the outcome. I knew Ross Ulbricht gets jailed. Yet, the narrative is so gripping and the cliffhangers so compelling, that I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know exactly how the story unfolded.

How to use a cliffhanger + a clincher sentence

You don’t have to choose between a clincher and a cliffhanger.

You can use them both.

For instance, in their book Decisive , Chip and Dan Heath explain how to make better choices in life and work. The closing paragraph of the introduction starts like this:

We may make only a handful of conscious, considered choices every day. But while these decisions don’t occupy much of our time, they have a disproportionate influence on our lives.

Then comes the clincher sentence with a vivid image:

The psychologist Roy Baumeister draws an analogy to driving—in our cars, we may spend 95% of our time going straight, but it’s the turns that determine where we end up.

And they end their introduction with a cliffhanger, making us curious to read on (what’s the four-part process?):

This is a book about those turns. In the chapters to come, we’ll show you how a four-part process can boost your chances of getting where you want to go.

So, at the end of a section or book chapter, you have 3 options:

  • Write a cliffhanger to encourage readers to read on.
  • Compose a clincher to summarize your key point with a punch.

Each sentence helps communicate your ideas

And, of course, each sentence can keep a reader engaged or turn him off.

Yet, your clincher sentence is more important than other sentences.

Because it’s the clincher that reinforces your message.

So, write a strong sentence.

What's the difference between a clincher and a cliffhanger

The Enchanting Blog Writing course (rated 4.9 out of 5.0) teaches you how to captivate, educate, and inspire your readers.

clinchers for essays

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Recommended reading on writing strong sentences:

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Reader Interactions

Leave a comment and join the conversation cancel reply.

clinchers for essays

December 18, 2023 at 6:11 am

I love this! And you didn’t just talk about the power of clincher sentences; you demonstrated it in this blog post. Each ending makes me look forward to the next and understand the key message better.

clinchers for essays

December 18, 2023 at 12:36 pm

Thank you, Lux. That’s a lovely compliment. I always try to talk the talk *and* walk the walk!

clinchers for essays

November 2, 2023 at 3:18 pm

Super helpful post. Thank you.

November 2, 2023 at 3:37 pm

Thank you, Sheila. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

February 11, 2023 at 3:30 pm

I really appreciated this article because it’s sometimes difficult to put the right kind of bow on a post, chapter, article or whatever I’m writing to hammer home the point trying to be made. Great tips and suggestions! Thank you!

February 12, 2023 at 2:40 pm

I’m glad you found it useful, Dave. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

May 17, 2022 at 3:44 pm

Great post – thank you, Henneke. And I do agree about clinchers. I often find myself wanting to see them at the end of blog posts or articles, as they really tie it all beautifully. I love the red poppy metaphor :-).

May 17, 2022 at 6:35 pm

I am glad you enjoyed this, Daniela. It’s such a pity that many blog posts just fizzle out without any clincher, isn’t it?

I often write a clincher after letting a draft rest for a day (or more). This way I get a better idea of how I want to finish and can write the last few sentences with more energy.

Thank you for stopping by!

clinchers for essays

November 19, 2021 at 7:14 am

Hello Henneke, This is great. I’ve been applying these styles unknowingly. Now I’m well informed. Greeting from Kenya!!

November 19, 2021 at 12:35 pm

So good that you’re doing this already! Thank you for stopping by, Michael.

clinchers for essays

February 25, 2021 at 4:59 pm

There are so many writing blogs I visit briefly, but yours is the one I read to the end each time. You make things so alive and interesting. I am planning a non-fiction on self-healing and I want it to have this feeling you generate so easily. I am a planner, and I love that you teach structure, strategy and purpose. You have a follower in me. Thank you so much for being so giving.

February 25, 2021 at 10:26 pm

Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Raj. I much appreciate it.

clinchers for essays

March 4, 2020 at 6:01 pm

Henneke, thank you for your response it was very helpful. I love your website it has really improved my writing, thank you again. Sincerely Kenzie,

March 1, 2020 at 9:23 pm

I know this is a question not a comment but I really need an answer. Should I make my clincher sentence humorous. Can I make my clincher sentence humorous?

March 2, 2020 at 4:54 pm

Yes, clincher sentences can be humorous.

clinchers for essays

November 30, 2019 at 2:34 pm

Henneke, this really resonates as I embark on my next book. I can see using this in marketing as well as memoir and other genres.thanks for sharing. I’m learning a lot from you.

December 2, 2019 at 6:05 pm

Thank you for stopping by again, Alicia. I’m glad you liked this! Happy writing 🙂

clinchers for essays

September 6, 2019 at 2:36 pm

Oh my god! This is so helpful! Thanks so much , Henneke.

September 7, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Thank you, Vikki. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

September 5, 2019 at 4:59 pm

Hello Henneke, Thank you so much. Am understanding. If you could give more examples on cliff hangers it will help me.Clinchers are a nice thing to.Am happy to know that you know Mark Manson. Thanks and Take care.

September 7, 2019 at 5:04 pm

You may want to check out my article on cliffhangers: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/hook-your-reader-with-cliffhangers/

clinchers for essays

September 1, 2019 at 6:18 am

Hi Henneke I truly enjoy reading your posts and myself I am a part-time blogger. I have been blogging for over a year but still I am finding difficult in writing a good blog article that would keep readers engaged in reading by articles. I am trying hard to improve my writing skills so that I could express more in my writing. Could you please suggest me some of the best practical ways to improve by writing.

September 2, 2019 at 3:49 pm

I hope you’re not too critical of your own writing. Improvement is always possible. You can find my most useful articles on blog writing here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/business-blogging/

clinchers for essays

November 8, 2018 at 7:49 pm

Ah, Henneke… My daughter is writing her first article, about a raising money to build a school. ‘How do I start?’ I sent her this, and two other blog posts of yours. Found them in seconds. You’ve now inspired 3 generations of my family. Thank you

November 8, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Wow, that’s wonderful! Thank you so much for letting me know, Rachel. Happy writing to all of you 🙂

clinchers for essays

August 8, 2018 at 11:08 am

I can see my entire life evolving round those enchanting vocabularies, the teacher is something else, her sense of arrangement, is fantastic, and she is one out of a million. I am in love with the methods of teaching and I just hope I can put all these into practice. Thank you dear instructor, Pro. Henneke. I am grateful to you and I hope you start teaching again soon. Do, have a nice holidays. your student, Paula.

August 8, 2018 at 7:49 pm

Thank you for your lovely comment, Paula. I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog!

Happy writing 🙂

clinchers for essays

July 28, 2018 at 8:58 pm

Thank you for the great advice, detailed explanation and useful examples. I feel I already use some of these techniques, I just didn’t think of them this way.

July 30, 2018 at 6:43 pm

Yes, many writers use clincher sentences naturally. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Mihaida. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

July 26, 2018 at 11:03 am

As I typed in the name of your website, it popped up in my browser so it means I’ve visited your site before, but may not have actually read your blog posts. This is my first, and I LOVE the content and your writing style.

As others have said, you simplify teaching points and make them a delight to read and learn from. This one on “clinchers” and “cliffhangers” is excellent. They’re not new to me, but your well-chosen examples bring them to life. Now, instead of doing this occasionally, I’ll integrate them in all of my posts. Thank you. You have a new fan.

July 26, 2018 at 11:48 am

Welcome, Yvonne, and thank you for your lovely comment. It makes me happy to know that you feel inspired to apply my tips to you writing. Happy blogging!

clinchers for essays

July 22, 2018 at 7:10 pm

Thanks for the advice. I have been trying to improve my copywriting skills to use on my websites. I have been hiring writers to do it in the past but I want to do it myself. This tip will come in handy.

July 24, 2018 at 7:55 pm

Great. Thank you for your comment, Rich. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

July 9, 2018 at 11:23 am

I like the fact that we don’t have to choose either a clincher or a cliffhanger — we can use both at the same time if necessary.

I guess it comes down to a case-by-case evaluation in the end — what would be most beneficial to your readers in a particular instance?

Thanks for another example-laden article, Henneke. Your writing tips are always great, but the books you reference are the icing on the cake as they are always fascinating ?

July 12, 2018 at 1:05 pm

Yes, you can choose or do both. I don’t think it matters much. The key is to think about how you want to end a piece of writing or a section of that piece.

I’m glad you’re enjoying my book recommendations.

Thank you, Alison. I appreciate your regular comments. They’re really helpful to me.

clinchers for essays

July 6, 2018 at 8:07 am

Hello Henneke, I enjoy all your informative blogs unlike a few who have had impressed me as you do. But in spite of all the motivating write-ups, I am still in a dilemma from where to start. You must on facebook, can you give your link? BEST, Manaj Banerjee India.

July 6, 2018 at 5:51 pm

I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog posts, Manaj. I don’t have a Facebook account. You may find that it doesn’t really matter where you start. Just start somewhere.

clinchers for essays

July 5, 2018 at 5:32 pm

Hi Henneke,

This may be my favorite post of yours. Great examples. Hope you are doing well.

July 5, 2018 at 5:44 pm

Thank you, Chris. I see you’ve started a new podcasting project earlier this year. It looks good!

clinchers for essays

July 5, 2018 at 7:40 am

A clincher – I have to look up the literal meaning. Did not know there was a word for it! How very clever. Great post!

July 5, 2018 at 7:43 am

Ah, decisive – klinknagel. Got it! There’s no word like that in Dutch.

July 5, 2018 at 12:20 pm

I only knew clincher as a decisive argument in a negotiation. Only recently, I discovered it’s also used for the last (decisive) sentence of a paragraph, essay or chapter. I don’t know a good word for it in Dutch either!

July 5, 2018 at 1:38 pm

There is none. I wonder which author wrote that book.. Damn.. How many writing books do you read, anyway?

July 5, 2018 at 2:58 pm

I rarely read books about writing these days. At some point, there’s nothing new in them anymore. I prefer reading fiction.

clinchers for essays

July 4, 2018 at 10:32 pm

This is good Henneke. Really good. Like a 1 line summary of all you wrote about throughout the blog post. A home run sentence in many ways. If you can send off folks with an impact they will remember you.

July 5, 2018 at 12:08 pm

Yep, that’s it. And don’t forget that you can also summarize along the way (at the end of each section or paragraph) to keep readers on track.

clinchers for essays

July 4, 2018 at 10:07 pm

A timely post, Henneke. Thanks for the interesting examples. Now, do I add clinchers, cliffhangers or both? Let the editing begin. I do love your emails. ♡

July 5, 2018 at 12:05 pm

To choose my option, I try to read my post through the eyes of my ideal reader and imagine what’s the best way to guide her to her destination. My hunch is that it doesn’t matter so much what option we choose as long as we don’t let our message float and our articles fizzle out. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

July 4, 2018 at 8:21 pm

Well, I now need to go back and rewrite the ending to almost everything! 😀 But thanks to you, I also know how. What a lovely gift your post always is! Thanks so much!

July 5, 2018 at 12:02 pm

I rarely go back to improve old posts. I bet that if I tried I’d could improve them quite a lot, but I find it’s so much more interesting to write a new post and it’s not possible to do it all.

Thank you for stopping by again, Katharine!

clinchers for essays

July 4, 2018 at 4:47 am

what I love best in your writing is the small summary with Henrietta … it sticks the info to my brain cells with a superglue. Thank you.

July 4, 2018 at 9:51 am

The drawing is my real clincher 😉

Thank you, Heba.

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 9:27 pm

As usual Henneke – your sound advice just when I need it most. I’ve always had trouble finishing chapters and you’ve summed up the solution wonderfully. Thank you from very cold Sydney.

July 3, 2018 at 10:56 pm

That makes me happy, Paul. I love it when guidance arrives at the perfect moment. I hope you’re keeping warm despite the cold!

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 8:29 pm

What I love about thinking in terms of cliffhangers and clinchers is it challenges us as writers to be clear about the point we are trying to make, and the questions we want the reader to ask. It helps us shape the reader’s experience. You have such a gift for simplifying writing concepts!

July 3, 2018 at 10:55 pm

Yes, that’s so true! It about finding the best way to take our reader’s by the hand and guide him to his destination.

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Original: “When it’s not about the mug but rather the coffee that’s in it.”

My version: “When it’s not about the mug nor the coffee but rather the person you share it with.”

July 3, 2018 at 4:23 pm

I love that! Good meals require good company 🙂

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 3:06 pm

I learn so much in such an easy way. You are the best Writer’s Coach. Thank you

July 3, 2018 at 4:21 pm

Thank you for your lovely compliment, Shirley.

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 2:35 pm

I did these but didn’t know what they were called. I need to always make sure I am using them. Thanks, Henneke for the education!

July 3, 2018 at 4:20 pm

I only recently learned that these sentences actually have a name. Hardly anyone seems to explain what these sentences are.

Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 2:28 pm

Lovely post and super educational too!

While, I might have written clincher sentences, unaware of the fact that they are that, your article gave a thorough lesson of this.

Ultimately, it now dawned on me that, writing and the world of literature has so much more into it that it almost feels like fantasy to live on and on.

July 3, 2018 at 4:19 pm

To be honest, I knew about the principle of writing final sentences for a long time, but I learned the phrase “clincher sentence” only recently.

Once you know about clincher sentences, it’s really interesting to pay attention to them and see which writers use them well and who don’t. Writing is so much fun because there’s always more to learn.

Thank you for stopping by, Swadhin. Good to see you again! 🙂

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 2:24 pm

Really useful post Henneke. I was scrambling through the words to see your clincher sentence and it didn’t disappoint!

The post reminds me of Stephen Covey’s “begin with the end in mind” habit which can apply to just about anything, including writing, and something I hadn’t thought about.

July 3, 2018 at 4:16 pm

Yes, great point about beginning with the end in mind. That is so true.

I paid even more attention to my clincher sentences than usually because I figured that people would pay more attention to them than usually. Walk the talk, eh? 😉

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 2:18 pm

Once again great advice! I was never quite sure how to end my blog posts. I’m afraid most of them just end with no real conclusion or summary. I’m always learning with each tidbit of writing instruction you give. Thank you.

July 3, 2018 at 4:13 pm

You’re not alone. Many bloggers don’t write endings, even on the biggest blogs. You may find this post useful, too: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/how-to-write-closing-paragraphs/

Happy writing, Mary Ann. And thank you for stopping by.

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 1:31 pm

Hi, Henneke,

Excellent information. I used this once without knowing it was a clincher sentence. To me it’s like preparing a nice dinner; add just enough seasoning or salt to give it that extra bit of kick before serving or enjoying.

Agai​​​n, excellent information, and so needed.

The best tip ever just like a bite-sized snack.

Thank you kindly,

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Love this clincher concept, Henneke. Along with a blog post or book section, would you use clinchers and cliffhangers in an ecourse as way to build anticipation and keep people engaged?

July 3, 2018 at 4:22 pm

Yes, it works for ecourses, too. Depending on how the course works, each lesson (or module) can have a cliffhanger to explain what you’ll learn in the next section, a takeaway (summary of the main learning points), and an action point (perhaps an assignment).

July 3, 2018 at 4:12 pm

So funny, I had been thinking about using a food metaphor, too. I was thinking of a dessert to finish of your meal. Perhaps cheese with a glass of red wine, or would you prefer a sorbet?

Thank you for your lovely comment, Becky. Keep seasoning your writing 🙂

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 12:54 pm

Henneke never fails to deliver posts that make you sit up and go hmmmmmmmmmm. Thanks!

July 3, 2018 at 4:10 pm

Thank you, Tim, for such a lovely comment. You put a smile on my face 😀

clinchers for essays

Excellent information on a very specific and useful writing tool. I’ve saved your clincher/cliffhanger image to my blog inspiration folder. It may even go on the fridge! Thank you!

July 3, 2018 at 4:09 pm

Oh wow, what an honor. My Henrietta drawing on your fridge 🙂

clinchers for essays

Thank you for the reminder and inspiring ideas, Henneke.

I’m glad you like it, Irina 🙂

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 12:43 pm

I’m printing this to refer to when I’m writing, Henneke. Your tips are immediately actionable and your writing sparkles. Thank you for your emails!

July 3, 2018 at 4:08 pm

Thank you for your lovely compliment, Dana. Happy writing!

clinchers for essays

July 3, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Hi Henneke!

Very good! So good that I took an excerpt out of it and put it in my FB learning group, with a link back to your article – hope that’s OK! (But do let me know if not).

July 3, 2018 at 12:40 pm

Thank you for sharing, Claire. Happy writing.

clinchers for essays

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I never saw myself as a writer, but in my early forties, I learned how to write and discovered the joy of writing. Now, I’d like to empower you to find your voice, share your ideas and inspire your audience. Learn how I can help you

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The Study Dude—Closing Clinchers for Essays

August 23, 2021

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clinchers for essays

If you are striving for an A+, a closing clincher can get you the grade.

I once wrote an essay so good that the professor asked to read it aloud to all of his related classes.  But he didn’t give me an A+ and not even an A.  Why? My final closing paragraph didn’t work well.  It rambled on and didn’t close with a clincher.

We all love recipes for success, so how about one for clinchers?

The only ingredients needed for this recipe are an imagination, computer, an opening hook, a thesis statement, and an essay in progress, preferably on the first or later full draft.

But first, we need to define a clincher.  The clincher is the final sentence in your paper.  It needs to be gripping, engaging, and provocative.  It also needs to relate directly to your thesis statement.

Here is a smorgasbord of clincher types with which to close your paper:

Predict the Future Outcome.

To create a final clincher that predicts the future, use words such as “as a result of [event], [such-and-such] has a higher probability of occurring,” “as a consequence of [action], [such-and-such] may be more likely to occur,” “with this in mind, the future may result in …”.

You can, if supported in your research, make a bolder statement, such as “Because of the [problem], [such-and-such] will inevitably lead to [greater problem].”

Challenge or Recommend an Action Based on Your Research Findings.

To end with a recommendation or challenge, use words such as “[so-and-so] could benefit by … .  As a result, the net gain would …,” “If [so-and-so] took the following action, they’d contribute to …,” or “[This benefit] would arise should [so-and-so] pursue the initiative of ….,” “[So-and-so] should [action] to help …”.

You could even say, “It would be recommended for [such-and-such action] to take place.  The benefits of this action would include …”.

When giving recommendations or challenges, should statements are invaluable.

Make a Moral Judgment About your Opening Hook.

If you open with a quote or startling fact—a hook—you could end with a moral judgment about that opener.  For instance, if your opening starts with a child cancer survivor’s quote on her recent diagnosis of a new cancer, and if your thesis explores cancer treatments globally, you might end with a clincher: “If simultaneous, multiple therapies were permitted in Western medicine, including the more obscure alternative therapy approaches globally, perhaps this child may not have suffered a second diagnosis.”

Suggest Additional Research that May Build on Your Findings or Explore an Area Missing in Your Research.

A sophisticated way to end a paper is to recommend additional research.  For this clincher, use words such as “To build on this research …,” “A future investigation of this topic could involve …,” or “To fill in a gap of this research, it is recommended to investigate….”

As an alternative, you could say, “A related topic that has not yet been studied using this model is …,” but you might want to wait for grad studies for this one, as you’ll learn more models and methods at that level of your studies.

You could also say, “A relevant and related topic that this theory could apply to is …” if you are writing a paper using, say, feminist theory or critical race theory, but the related topic should build on your thesis statement.

And those are your clinchers.  Bear in mind that your clincher needs to tie into your thesis statements.  If a clincher has nothing to do with your thesis statement, scrap the clincher and start anew.  A great opening hook, catchy clincher, and error-free essay can bolster a grade to mind-boggling status.

But how do you craft a solid thesis statement? That’s another page in the Cookbook.

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A Simple Guide to Understanding the Clincher Sentence With Examples

As a part of academic writing, a clincher sentence plays an important role in resolving the claims and theories laid in the preceding paragraph. In this article, we will look at what a clincher sentence is, its purpose, and a few examples to help understand their use.

Understanding the Clincher Sentence with Examples

Quick Tip It is important to note that, although the clincher sentence is the last statement of a paragraph, it should not bring attention to the fact that the essay is at an end by directly stating so. This is because, the conclusion of the essay will usually have to maintain a tone of credibility, which can be damaged by an unprofessional clincher.

A clincher sentence can be defined as a statement, argument, fact, situation, or the like, that is decisive or conclusive. In academic writing, this is a statement in a expository paragraph which reiterates the topic and summarizes how the information in the paragraph supports the topic. Normally, each paragraph starts with a topic sentence which tells the reader about what the paragraph will discuss. This is followed by the body which gives evidence and arguments that support the topic statement. The final sentence of each of these paragraphs are clincher sentences. The statement should not simply be a summary, but it should make the reader feel that the writing is complete.

If you want to write an effective paragraph, a clincher sentence at the end is a must. It wraps up the topic, provides closure, and concludes the writing. Its purpose is also to give the writer a chance to leave a strong impression on the reader.

Role of a Clincher Sentence

A clincher sentence should smoothly end the essay, keeping the needs of the reader in mind. The sentence should not restate the exact words, but should end a complicated topic in way that is easy to understand. Rather than just being a plain summary, it has to add value to the paragraph.

How to Write a Clincher Sentence

For starters, try beginning the concluding sentence with words such as ‘ultimately’ or ‘in conclusion’. Immediately following these words, the clincher sentence does state the topic statement one more time in new words, and broadens out the stance, before ending the paragraph. It is important that you maintain a professional tone, and make your stand on the topic absolutely clear without a trace of ambiguity. The clincher should reinforce and summarize the topic that you have written about in the preceding paragraph.

Another alternative is to ask the reader a question, or insert a quote, which is most likely to get a positive response towards a hypothesis being presented by the topic, or one can use shocking facts, rhetorical questions, humor, or an appeal to the reader, if it is appropriate for the paragraph. Using plain facts and numbers could make the reader bored. So make sure that the clincher is strong and packs a punch.

Example 1 : Topic: Seattle is a beautiful place.

Body Paragraph : The city of Seattle has a large number of picturesque locations, with a wide variety of environment, which makes the city a great place for photography, and draws a large number of tourists each year. For the best pictures, visit Pu Pu Point, Snoqualmie Falls, Columbia Tower, Beacon Hill, Gasworks Park, Seattle Central Library, Pioneer Square, amongst many others.

Clincher Sentence : It is clear from the immense number of scenic locales that are on offer, that Seattle is a memorable place that one must visit.

Example 2 : Topic: Pets help in detecting disease.

Body Paragraph : Pets reduce loneliness, they’re loyal, comfort us in tough times, and keep us happy. However, some animals seemingly perform miracles by predicting health problems and keeping their owners from dangerous situations. In California, a woman named Nancy Best noticed that her dog kept sniffing and licking her right breast. On consultation, doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer. In another case, a woman named Megan Johnson, who had type 1 diabetes, was woken up from her sleep by her dog several times when her sugar levels were dangerously low.

Clincher Sentence : With their extremely accurate senses, pets can be quite helpful in finding and alerting a person of illnesses before it becomes too late. 

As can be seen, with their high-impact nature, clincher sentences are a great method to end an essay or thesis.

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How to Write a Clincher Sentence That’s Memorable

Clincher Sentences

Definition: A clincher sentence is a type of sentence used at the end of a final paragraph to reinforce your main idea and give your reader a sense of finality.

What Is a Clincher Sentence and Why Is It Needed?

A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence that reinforces your main idea to give your reader a sense of finality. However, it’s not a restatement of the exact words used to convey your main idea.

In fact, your clincher should be about a new and compelling spin that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, and helps improve the overall cohesion and flow of your writing.

Also, a clincher is as common in nonfiction as it is in fiction. From academic writing (where it’s typically contained in an expository paragraph) to a well written blog post (where it’s often followed with a call to action,) to writing essays.

Now, why is it needed?

A concluding paragraph without a clincher sentence will make your writing feel incomplete, rudderless, and perceived as amateurish.

Your reader will finish your piece and not remember what the point of your story was, making it forgettable.

So, let’s now look at what you need to know in order to write a memorable clincher.

How to Write a Clincher Sentence

how to write a clincher sentence

When it comes to writing a clincher, there are several principles that can help you craft effective and memorable endings.

For starters, in order to bring your writing to a conclusion that truly stands out, you need to be very clear yourself about what your central idea is.

You’d be surprised how many aspiring writers get lost in the writing process without stopping to consider if they’re actually carrying the main idea or key message through to a memorable conclusion.

Or perhaps, they’re pursuing multiple plot lines without picking one, which makes it virtually impossible to write a clincher.

When it comes to the writing itself, it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate in your word choice, as well as being creative with the way you structure and format your clincher sentence.

For instance, you could use rhetorical techniques such as humor or irony to help make your last sentence more engaging for readers.

You might also consider including a thought-provoking quote at the end of your clincher sentence, which will leave your readers with something to think about.

With practice, you can become a master clincher writer!

Clincher Sentence Examples

Below, you’ll find some clincher examples to give you an idea about different ways a concluding sentence can be used to reel your reader in and leave them with a lasting impression.

You may find some examples to be thought-provoking, some reflective, and some humorous:

“In short, when one door closes, another one opens — just make sure it’s not a closet.”

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”

“Life is too short to waste time on things that don’t matter.”

“Take me as I am or watch me as I leave.”

“A moment of madness can sometimes lead to moments of brilliance.”

“You can’t control everything in life, but you can control your reaction to it.”

“In the midst of struggle and adversity, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and dreams. But with commitment and determination, anything is possible.”

“As cliche as it may sound, nothing worth having ever comes easily. If you truly want to succeed in life, you have to be willing to work hard and persevere through any obstacles that come your way.”

Let now look at some tips from the pros.

Tips on How to Write a Clincher that’s Memorable

clincher sentence tips

Here are some tips to help you write clinchers that are both well-crafted and engaging:

Preparation

  • Start by being clear about the topics or themes that you want to convey in your writing, so you have a good idea of the main points you’ll want to highlight
  • When brainstorming ideas for a clincher sentence, try to come up with several options — don’t be married to the first idea that comes to mind
  • Pay attention to the overall structure of your article, ensuring that all the key points are summarized effectively in the closing sentence
  • If you’re struggling to come up with a good clincher sentence, consider revisiting the key points you covered in your article and try to come up with a sentence that summarizes them effectively

Writing Mechanics

  • Pay attention to the formatting and structure of your sentence, making sure that it transitions smoothly into the next section of your article or paragraph
  • Practice writing clinchers regularly in order to refine your skills and develop a strong sense of rhythm and pacing
  • Take the time to revise and edit your final sentence until it’s perfect. Since it contains the parting thoughts of your writing, make sure to spend the extra time polishing it
  • Your clincher needs to be concise and easy to understand, so straight to the point without adding unnecessary fluff or filler words
  • Be deliberate and thoughtful in your word choice, choosing language and concepts that resonate with your target audience
  • Use figurative language or rhetorical techniques such as humor, irony, or suspense to make your clincher sentence more engaging for your readers

Finishing Touches

  • Make sure that your clincher is memorable and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a lasting impression of your writing
  • Proofread your clincher carefully, ensuring that it’s free of typos and grammatical errors

Final Thoughts on Clincher Sentences

Writing a well thought-out clincher sentence is an essential part of successful writing, so take your time to craft it well and make sure it resonates with your readers.

To set your expectations, a strong concluding sentence will take you a lot longer to come up with than the average sentence in a typical body paragraph. However, the extra effort will pay off big time with your audience.

Whether you’re looking to improve your clincher sentence writing skills or simply want to learn more about how they work, I hope the above tips and examples can help guide you along the way.

With practice and dedication, you’ll become a “master clincher” and leave a lasting impression on every piece you write!

Harry  Wallett  is the Founder and Managing Director of Relay Publishing. Combining his entrepreneurial background with a love of great stories,  Harry  founded Relay in 2013 as a fresh way to create books and for writers to earn a living from their work. Since then, Relay has sold 3+ million copies and worked with 100s of writers on bestselling titles such as  Defending Innocence ,  The Alveria Dragon Akademy Series  and  Rancher’s Family Christmas .

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What Is a Clincher at the End of Your Essay?

Essays end with a clincher, a final sentence that may reinforce an overall argument or leave the reader with an intriguing thought, question or quotation. The idea is to "clinch" or seize the reader's attention until the very end, finishing a piece of writing in a way that feels complete. It should not be merely a summary or introduce topics or ideas not covered in the paper.

An effective clincher is memorable and smooth, addressing the needs of the reader at the end of the essay. For example, it is helpful for the reader to end an essay about a complex topic in a clear, straightforward way. It should not be a restatement of exact words. Readers will notice if an essay says the same thing twice; however, the clincher should flow out of the already-written word. An effective clincher might be a quotation, as long as the quote adds value to the discussion.

Effective clinchers refer to the introduction to create a complete thought. This is done by expanding upon an illustrative story or provocative example used as a hook. In persuasive speeches or writing, the clincher usually includes a "call to action," giving the listener a sense of what they are supposed to do with what they have heard, which loops back to the thesis from the introduction. A clincher could also warn against a possibility or suggest consequences of a problem introduced at the beginning. In any situation, using vivid imagery or language makes a clincher memorable.

Considerations

Humor may be used as a clincher technique, but should be approached with caution and consideration of the topic. For example, satirizing a complex situation may make it easier for the audience to grasp, but a writer should avoid alienating readers by making light of serious issues. Additionally, though it is useful to introduce new material or ask a rhetorical question, too much new information could leave a reader with too many questions and a lack of closure.

Avoid drawing attention to the fact that the essay is ending. For example, do not write, "This is the end of my essay." Additionally, maintain authorial credibility and refrain from apologizing for a lack of knowledge about a subject. Finally, do not use the last sentence of an essay to make up for not fully developing main points. For example, the University of Richmond Writing Center encourages writers not to claim they will discuss four books in an essay, but instead discuss only two and summarize the other two in the clincher.

  • Austin Community College: Conclusion Techniques
  • University of Richmond Writing Center: Writing Effective Conclusions

Anna Tower has a B.A. in history and journalism from Washington & Lee University and a M.A.Ed. from the College of William and Mary. She has been writing since 2003 at various publications, including the "Rockbridge Report," the "Fairfax County Times" and "USA Today." Tower is certified to teach social studies, English and journalism in grades 6-12.

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Sales Letters: Four Point Action Closing

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This handout covers four points on how to write a good conclusion for a sales letter.

Securing Action

Having convinced your reader that your product or service is worth the price, you want to get action before the reader has a change of mind, before forgetfulness defeats you, before the money goes for something else—before any of the things that could happen do happen. Therefore, a good persuasive closing is essential.

A good action closing—or clincher—should include the following four points:

  • clearly state what action you wish the reader to take.
  • make that action easy through facilitating devices and careful wording.
  • date the action—if possible and appropriate.
  • provide a reader benefit as stimulus for action.

1) Clearly State What Action You Wish The Reader To Take

Should the reader order your product or service? Call your office to set up an appointment? Fill out a form? Visit a local dealership or store to see a demonstration? Invite the visit of a sales representative? On finishing your letter, your reader should know just exactly what you want done and how it should be done.

At times, you may have to name two actions and ask the reader to take one or the other. If you possibly can, avoid doing so. Some people faced with a choice resolve their dilemma by doing nothing.

2) Make That Action Easy Through Facilitating Devices And Careful Wording

Facilitating devices: order blanks, order cards, and postcards or envelopes already addressed and requiring no postage—remove some of the work in taking action. Also, your phone number (with area code and extension) are useful if you want the reader to call you. Finally, state your office hours and location if you want the reader to come to see you in person. References to these facilitating devices—preferably directing the reader to use them—reassure the reader that what you are asking is simple and requires little time and effort.

Careful wording: through careful wording, you can also emphasize that what you are asking the reader to do is simple. "Write and let us know your choice" suggests more work than "Check your color choice on the enclosed card." "Jot down," "just check," "simply initial" are also examples of wording that suggest ease and rapidity in doing something. Such wording helps reduce reader reluctance to take action.

3) Date The Action—If Possible And Appropriate

Name the date whenever you need the reader's response by a certain time. Tactfully tell the reader why you need it then—perhaps to meet the deadline for a sale.

4) Provide A Reader Benefit As Stimulus For Action

Always mention some benefit(s) the reader will gain by prompt action. Such a reminder of the desirability of your product or service—some- times called a clincher—comes appropriately at the ending of your letter. It not only provides motivation for the reader, but it also has decided psychological value as well because it emphasizes service attitude—rather than the greed stressed if you end with dollars and cents talk or the mechanics of ordering.

You should always include elements 1, 2, and 4 of the four point action closing when you are writing a letter relating to sales. You should use dated action, item 3, ONLY when it is appropriate for your writing situation.

Some examples of closing paragraphs follow. Determine whether or not they include all elements of the four point action closing needed for a tactful, yet persuasive letter ending.

  • Mr. J. B. Nickle, our Memphis representative, will be glad to call at a time convenient for you. Fill out and mail the enclosed postcard, and he will come to your home and explain how your Stair Traveler can make your daily living more pleasurable.
  • You can begin to enjoy the unusual reception of a famous Foremost set by placing your order now.
  • Call our toll-free number, or mail the enclosed postcard indicating a day and time convenient for our representative to visit you. He'll give you a list of SIB users in the Lafayette area and explain additional advantages of using Superior's Ice Breaker. You can then order your winter's supply and join more than 150,000 apartment and industrial firms who have used SIB for ice-free parking lots.
  • If you have any technical questions concerning our products, please call us toll free at (800) 555-9525 and ask for Technical Service. Our staff will be pleased to lend whatever assistance they can.
  • We are enclosing an order blank and postage paid envelope for your convenience.

What Is a Clincher Sentence and How To Write One (Definition & Examples)

Learn what a clincher sentence is and how to write one, including fiction and non-fiction examples.

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Tomas Laurinavicius

Co-Founder & Chief Editor, Best Writing

Blog post cover picture

You read an engaging article. You read it with interest.

But somehow, after completing it, you forget what it was all about.

Sounds familiar?

Here comes the function of clincher sentences.

Clincher sentences reinstate the essential idea of the text in the reader’s mind.

If you want your readers to take away something substantial from your text and have a lasting impression in their minds, you need to write good clincher sentences.

What is a Clincher Sentence? (Definition)

A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence that re-establishes the key statement of your article.

Examples of Clincher Sentences

You can find clincher sentences in every good piece, from technical to academic writing.

Fiction Examples

He knew his God was having his revenge, he knew the game was up, he saw that the contract had been broken, and the sanity clause did not, after all, exist, that temptation had been deliberately and maliciously thrown in his path. In short, all deals were off.

Smith, Z., 2001. White Teeth. Penguin Books.

Kaz rose, snatched his new hat from the desk where he’d left it, and gave the Fjerdan one last kick to the kidneys for good measure. Sometimes the big ones didn’t know when to stay down.

Bardugo, L., Six of Crows. Henry Holt & Company

Matthias was dreaming again. Dreaming of her. The storm raged around him, drowning out Nina’s voice. And yet his heart was easy. Somehow he knew that she would be safe, she would find shelter from the cold. He was on the ice once more, and somewhere he could hear the wolves howling. But this time, he knew they were welcoming him home.

Bardugo, L., Crooked Kingdom. Henry Holt & Company

This was how they lived there, in the bush: Eat or be eaten. Capture or be captured. Marry for protection. Quey would never go to Cudjo’s village. He would not be weak. He was in the business of slavery, and sacrifices had to be made.

Gyasi, Y., 2016. Homegoing. United States: Penguin Random House.

Non-fiction Examples

With the advent of psychoanalysis, among other new ideas, the theological search for God had been replaced by the epistemological quest for self-knowledge; enlightenment was not to be found in Christianity or in society but in the self, in individual subjective consciousness.

Childs, P., 2008. Modernism. 2nd ed. Routledge, p.62.

Henry James did not invent the ‘point of view’, but his prefaces gave the method a general importance it lacked as long as it was practised unconsciously. No novelist now can fail to take the ‘point of view’ into account. For this reason Miss Tompkins’s study of eighteenth-century technique is of far wider importance than the novelists she discusses.

Greene, G., 2014. Collected essays. London: Vintage, pp.72-73.

The problem of finding a collection of ‘wise’ men and leaving the government to them is thus an insoluble one. That is the ultimate reason for democracy.

Russell, B., 2004. History of Western Philosophy. Routledge.

The alpenglow is fading into earthy, murky gloom, but do not let your town habits draw you away to the hotel. Stay on this good fire-mountain and spend the night among the stars. Watch their glorious bloom until the dawn, and get one more baptism of light. Then, with fresh heart, go down to your work, and whatever your fate, under whatever ignorance or knowledge you may afterward chance to suffer, you will remember these fine, wild views, and look back with joy to your wanderings in the blessed old Yellowstone Wonderland.

Muir, J., n.d. Wilderness Essays. Layton: Gibbs Smith.

How to Write a Clincher Sentence?

You’ll often find a clincher sentence in the final paragraph, especially the last sentence.

As we have seen from above, a clincher sentence reinforces your idea.

You can use a clincher to summarize your writing and leave the reader with advice or action they can follow up with.

You can start writing a clincher by summarizing your writing in a single sentence.

You can use the following to begin your clincher:

  • To sum up,  (add your key argument here)
  • In conclusion,  (sum up the main points)
  • Therefore,  (give a generalized summary of your writing)
  • Ultimately,  (add your key idea)
  • Remember,  (sum up your main advice)
  • Ask the reader to follow your advice in your own words;

When to Make Use of a Clincher Sentence

Use a clincher sentence to reinforce an argument or wrap up a complex idea.

If your thesis contains multiple ideas, references, you can use a clincher sentence for every paragraph and a  meta-clincher  in the end.

It will boil down the points for the ease of the reader.

Where to Use a Clincher Sentence

You can use a clincher in the concluding sentence of the final paragraph.

Or you can use a clincher where you think is necessary.

Complicated contents use a lot of thought and jargon, and at times it’s hard for the reader to follow.

Use a clincher sentence creatively, bring the reader back on track, and continue your writing.

While writing essays, follow the five-method rule.

Start with an expository paragraph. Then write the first body paragraph.

Follow them up with the second and the third body paragraph.

Make sure that each section supports it by reinstating your argument.

Let the expository paragraph contain the key central idea.

Let each paragraph have its central idea and clincher sentence unless you’re writing fiction.

Then make effective use of cliffhangers. Now, what is a cliffhanger, you may ask? We’ll come to that in the next paragraph.

An effective paragraph will have both.

In conclusion, use a clincher sentence to sum up your points in the closing paragraph. (I did it right here!)

What is a cliffhanger? Can I Use It Alongside a Clincher?

The dictionary meaning of a cliffhanger is “a dramatic and exciting ending to an episode of a serial, leaving the audience in suspense and anxious not to miss the next episode.”

Cliffhangers create suspense.

And yes, you can use it alongside a clincher sentence.

An example of a cliffhanger is,

“Before Esi left, the one called Governor looked at her and smiled. It was a kind smile, pitying, yet true. But for the rest of her life Esi would see a smile on a white face and remember the one the soldier gave her before taking her to his quarters, how white men smiling just meant more evil was coming with the next wave.”  –  Gyasi, Y., 2016. Homegoing. United States: Penguin Random House.

How Many Clinchers Should I Write?

Use clinchers wisely, but as much you think is required. The end of a paragraph or a chapter is a great place to have a clincher.

The writer should keep the readers’ ease in mind.

Readers don’t have the time to go through lengthy paragraphs. They generally scroll down to read the last paragraph to read the thesis summary.

The closing sentence should contain the answer to the objective you were writing towards.

How to Find a Clincher Sentence in a Text

You can usually find clinchers in the last sentence.

However, you can put a clincher in the paragraphs necessary to restate your ideas before beginning a new topic.

The Clincher Quiz

(a) A good clincher contains

  • new words and ideas
  • summary of keywords and ideas used
  • exact words of the essay

(b) You can find a clincher in

  • the concluding sentence
  • the topic sentence

(c) Clinchers are used in

  • academic writing
  • writing an essay
  • all of the above

(d) Clincher sentences help

  • restate the essential idea
  • boils down a large number of points
  • form a compelling impression on the reader
  • predicting health problems
  • points 1, 2 and 3

(e) A clincher sentence enables the reader to

  • remember the key points of a complex academic writing
  • go through a topic quickly without reading the whole post
  • understand a large number of ideas
  • not pay attention to every word

The Clincher-Clincher

A clincher sentence helps summarize a text while re-establishing all the essential ideas.

It contains the primary keywords, arguments, and examples of the writing.

Try not to introduce new ideas, points in the clincher sentence.

To sum up, a clincher sentence is a comprehensive summary of your text.

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Clincher Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips

Clincher Sentence Examples

A clincher sentence is the finishing touch your writing needs to be unforgettable. Want to leave your reader awestruck? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll discover what a clincher sentence is, how to craft one, and see top-notch sentence examples that demonstrate its impact. Elevate your writing game by mastering the art of the clincher sentence today!

What is the Clincher Sentence? – Definition

A clincher sentence is the final sentence in a paragraph or piece that wraps up its main point, providing a sense of closure and completion. Essentially, it’s the “mic drop” moment in your writing that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

What is the best Example of a Clincher Sentence?

The best example of a clincher sentence would be: “In the end, it wasn’t just a game—it was the defining moment that changed my life forever.” This sentence neatly sums up the paragraph’s or essay’s main idea, while also offering a poignant insight that resonates with the reader, making it memorable.

100 Clincher Sentence Usage Examples

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Clincher sentences are the linchpins of effective writing. They leave your reader with a compelling last impression and are vital for any well-crafted paragraph or essay. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed clincher sentence to elevate your writing. To help you become a clincher sentence connoisseur, here are 100 unique and thought-provoking examples you can use as inspiration.

  • In conclusion, perseverance is the key to success.
  • When all is said and done, family matters most.
  • As a result, the company’s profits soared.
  • At last, the mystery was finally solved.
  • So, what are you waiting for?
  • Clearly, the evidence is irrefutable.
  • Undoubtedly, this is a turning point.
  • Remarkably, she overcame all odds.
  • Therefore, we should proceed with caution.
  • To sum up, the choice is yours.
  • In the grand scheme of things, life is short.
  • So there you have it, a solution to the problem.
  • Consequently, our actions define us.
  • Nonetheless, the journey was unforgettable.
  • And that, my friends, is the essence of courage.
  • Ultimately, love conquers all.
  • Naturally, the project was a resounding success.
  • In retrospect, it was a blessing in disguise.
  • After all, isn’t that what life is all about?
  • All in all, it was a win-win situation.
  • In reality, change is inevitable.
  • Surprisingly, he turned out to be the hero.
  • Therefore, let us embrace the challenges.
  • Indeed, it was a night to remember.
  • Above all, never lose faith.
  • Incidentally, that was her best performance.
  • Truth be told, honesty pays.
  • Hence, we should be mindful of our actions.
  • Without a doubt, it was an epic adventure.
  • Admittedly, the task was daunting.
  • On the whole, it was a fruitful endeavor.
  • Even so, it was a remarkable achievement.
  • To put it simply, the impact was profound.
  • Nevertheless, she remained optimistic.
  • In essence, the legacy lives on.
  • Obviously, the outcome was favorable.
  • Fortunately, we found common ground.
  • To clarify, the objective was met.
  • For this reason, teamwork is essential.
  • So, take the leap of faith.
  • Yet, the memories linger.
  • Regrettably, opportunities were missed.
  • Granted, the situation was complex.
  • Specifically, the results were outstanding.
  • Given these points, we should reconsider.
  • And so, the legend was born.
  • Now, the focus shifts to the future.
  • As a matter of fact, timing is crucial.
  • In a nutshell, the benefits are numerous.
  • To conclude, the experience was enriching.
  • Conversely, the risks were minimal.
  • Then again, it’s never too late.
  • Likewise, he was a natural leader.
  • By and large, the campaign was effective.
  • Thus, the circle is complete.
  • Alas, the secret was revealed.
  • Actually, it was worth the effort.
  • In summary, don’t underestimate your potential.
  • To elaborate, preparation is key.
  • Largely, the initiative was welcomed.
  • Coincidentally, the timing was perfect.
  • Afterward, a sense of relief washed over me.
  • Ironically, the villain was the savior.
  • Evidently, the strategy worked.
  • Especially, the climax was unexpected.
  • Ordinarily, I wouldn’t consider it.
  • To reiterate, your voice matters.
  • Finally, we reached a consensus.
  • Importantly, don’t forget to be kind.
  • Surely, you can see the logic.
  • However, the final say is yours.
  • Generally speaking, the event was a hit.
  • Again, consistency is key.
  • As it turned out, the trip was worthwhile.
  • Notably, her courage stood out.
  • For instance, the impact was immediate.
  • On the contrary, the loss was a lesson.
  • Besides, you have nothing to lose.
  • Alternatively, consider the other options.
  • Unquestionably, this marks a new beginning.
  • Simultaneously, two worlds collided.
  • All things considered, it was a success.
  • Intrinsically, the value is immeasurable.
  • Chiefly, the focus is on quality.
  • Under those circumstances, it was the best choice.
  • And so, the mystery deepens.
  • Significantly, the goal was achieved.
  • Precisely, that is the point.
  • Occasionally, miracles do happen.
  • Analogously, the comparison holds.
  • Furthermore, seize the day.
  • Relatively, it was a minor issue.
  • Practically, it was a no-brainer.
  • Following this, we must adapt.
  • Oftentimes, simplicity is beauty.
  • Sensibly, precautions were taken.
  • Apart from this, focus on the positives.
  • Explicitly, the rules were stated.
  • Lastly, cherish the moments.
  • In finality, this is our mission.

Feel free to use these examples as a resource or inspiration for crafting your own clincher sentences that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Clincher Sentence Starter Examples

Clincher sentence starters serve as a dynamic tool to make your conclusions more impactful. These sentence beginnings set the stage for a memorable closing statement. They’re essential for essay writing, speeches, or any piece of content that aims for strong reader engagement. Below are 10 examples of distinct clincher sentence starters.

  • In the final analysis, we should…
  • All things considered, it’s evident that…
  • To sum up, the evidence clearly states…
  • Ultimately, this leads us to conclude that…
  • With this in mind, we can affirm that…
  • In conclusion, it’s imperative to note that…
  • As we’ve seen, it’s undeniable that…
  • To reiterate, let’s not forget that…
  • In essence, it all boils down to…
  • Lastly, let’s remember that…

Clincher Sentence Topic Examples

Clincher sentences are also versatile and can be tailored to suit various topics. Whether you’re covering technology, environment, education, or psychology, a strong clincher will amplify your message. Get your reader to sit up and take notice with these 10 topic-specific clincher sentence examples.

  • Given the climate crisis, sustainable living is non-negotiable.
  • Therefore, online education is the future of learning.
  • As demonstrated, mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • In the realm of politics, your vote can indeed make a difference.
  • When it comes to relationships, communication is key.
  • On the technology front, data privacy should be everyone’s concern.
  • Considering economics, investment in renewable energy is a must.
  • In matters of social justice, silence is complicity.
  • Relating to workplace dynamics, a good leader listens first and acts second.
  • In terms of personal growth, never stop learning.

Each of these examples is designed to offer a strong, definitive statement on its respective topic. Utilize them to create engaging and thought-provoking endings to your discussions.

What is a Clincher Statement?

A clincher statement is the final sentence or set of sentences in a paragraph, essay, report, or speech that reinforces the main idea and brings closure to the text. It serves to summarize the key points discussed and leaves the reader with something to ponder. A well-crafted clincher statement can effectively seal the message and make your writing memorable. Often, clincher statements can call the audience to action, provoke thought, or create a lasting impression.

What are Some Clincher Words?

Clincher words are specific terms or phrases commonly used to initiate clincher statements. These words signal to the reader that the text is drawing to a close, while emphasizing the essence of the discussion. Here are some clincher words commonly used:

  • In Summary : Used to encapsulate the main points.
  • Therefore : Implies a logical conclusion from the preceding information.
  • Hence : Similar to “therefore,” but often used to imply a more direct cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Finally : Indicates that the last and often most critical point is being made.
  • In Conclusion : Explicitly tells the reader that the end of the text has arrived.
  • Ultimately : Suggests the end result or final point in a chain of reasoning.
  • To Sum Up : Used to give a brief recap.
  • After all : Indicates a summary and emphasizes that all points have been considered.
  • All in All : Suggests a comprehensive summary has been provided.
  • Thus : Implies a wrapping-up of stated facts or observations.

What is a Clincher in a Speech Example?

In a speech, a clincher serves the same fundamental purpose as in written text—to sum up the message and leave a lasting impression. The difference lies in the oral delivery and the immediate audience engagement. Here’s an example of a clincher in a speech about climate change:

“Let’s not wait for the headlines to scream crisis; by then, it will be too late. As stewards of this Earth, it’s our collective responsibility to act now. The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. Remember, we don’t have a Planet B.”

In this example, the speaker rounds off the discussion on climate change by emphasizing the urgency of the situation and calls the audience to action. The clincher also leaves the audience with something to ponder about—our shared responsibility for Earth’s future.

Clinchers are not mere summaries; they are your final shot at impressing your message upon your audience. A strong clincher will not only close your speech but also make it more impactful and memorable.

What are the Three Types of Clincher Sentences?

Clincher sentences can generally be categorized into three distinct types, each serving its own purpose:

  • Summary Clinchers : These clinchers restate the main points of your article or speech in a fresh way. They’re best suited for informational texts and serve to remind the audience of the essential aspects covered.
  • Call-to-Action Clinchers : These are designed to prompt an immediate reaction from the audience. They are often used in persuasive speeches or promotional materials, guiding the reader towards the next step, such as purchasing a product or engaging in social activism.
  • Thought-Provoking Clinchers : These types aim to make the audience ponder the subject even after they’ve finished reading or listening. Usually formulated as rhetorical questions, quotes, or future projections, they aim to continue the conversation in the minds of the audience.

What is the Purpose of a Clincher Sentence?

The purpose of a clincher sentence is multi-faceted. Firstly, it provides closure to your text or speech, rounding off the discussion neatly. Secondly, it amplifies the main idea, enhancing its impact and making it memorable. Lastly, depending on the type of clincher used, it can also drive action or provoke thought, thus extending the influence of your message beyond the immediate reading or listening experience.

How do you Write Clincher Sentences? – Step by Step Guide

  • Identify the Main Idea : Your clincher should reflect the core message of your text or speech. Make sure you know what that is before you start writing the clincher.
  • Select the Type : Decide whether you want your clincher to summarize, prompt action, or provoke thought.
  • Draft the Statement : Write a preliminary version. Aim for brevity but also for impact. Make every word count.
  • Review and Revise : Consider if the draft aligns with the main idea and whether it’s impactful. Edit for clarity, coherence, and concision.
  • Add a Clincher Word : Employ a clincher word or phrase as a signpost to indicate that this is the concluding statement.
  • Test for Effect : Read your clincher in the context of the entire text or speech to ensure it fits seamlessly and amplifies your core message.

Tips for Using Clincher Sentences

  • Be Consistent : Ensure that your clincher aligns with the overall tone and theme of your text or speech.
  • Avoid New Information : The clincher is not the place to introduce new points or arguments. Stick to what’s been covered.
  • Be Emotional : A touch of emotion can add a layer of relatability and make your clincher more memorable.
  • Use Repetition Wisely : A little repetition of key terms or phrases can make your clincher more impactful but use this technique sparingly.
  • Seek Feedback : Don’t hesitate to ask for opinions on your clincher. Sometimes, what seems clear to you may not be for others.
  • Practice Makes Perfect : The more you practice writing clinchers, the more naturally they will come to you. Each one is an opportunity to perfect your craft.

Clincher sentences are an essential tool for wrapping up your text or speech in a way that leaves a lasting impression. By understanding their types, purposes, and construction methods, you can significantly enhance the impact of your communication.

clinchers for essays

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Do your students need help finishing a paragraph? This post will not only show you how to teach CLOSING SENTENCES , it will also show you ways to help your students be creative with their closing sentences by writing CLINCHERS . It is part of a STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® series of mini-lessons for writer’s workshop designed to scaffold through the writing process. This lesson is for ending a paragraph, not a concluding sentence to an essay. That will come later in the writing mini-lesson series! If you haven’t covered topic sentences and relevant details, go back to TOPIC SENTENCES first!

MINI LESSON #7:  CLOSING SENTENCES is the third lesson for paragraph writing.

A closing sentence is the concluding sentence. Every paragraph needs an ending. It closes the door to the paragraph! It is the bottom bun of the burger!

  • It summarizes the main ideas or feeling of a paragraph.
  • It is not a relevant detail in the paragraph.
  • It restates the topic sentence.
  • Use a “clincher” to be creative with the closing sentence!  (question, humor, excitement, or a future thought)

clinchers for essays

Paragraph:   Fall is my favorite season. The weather is perfect for outside activities. I like going on hikes with my brother and fishing with my dad. I look forward to the smell of a fire and the taste of burnt marshmallows. I love fall weather!

2. TAKE NOTES

Students should take notes and write examples of closing sentences. Use interactive notes in a notebook form or digital form. It will help students establish ownership and have an effective resource to guide them when writing paragraphs in the future.

3. GO DEEPER

This is a great opportunity for teaching or differentiating with CLINCHERS . Clinchers are closing sentences that are more creative.

4. PRACTICE

Provide students with practice. Practice, Practice, Practice! Scaffold the practice. First, students identify closing sentences in paragraphs. Then students can write their own closing sentences or clinchers. This can be done by giving prompts and only writing the closing sentence or clincher for each prompt. It can also be used with the previous lessons, so students can build paragraphs from the topic sentence and relevant details that were already formed. When this lesson, they will have all the components of a paragraph for those prompts! Continue with the graphic organizers to keep the flow of the lessons. This is the bottom bun!

Task cards and self-check slides are a great way to give students extra practice in centers or at home.

5. APPLY AND SHARE

Provide a prompt or have students brainstorm ideas for a paragraph. Students now have all the skills necessary to write an effective paragraph. After students write a paragraph , focus on the closing sentence.  OR give students a paragraph without the closing sentence and have them add it.

After everyone is finished, students can present their paragraphs in groups or whole group and other students can  point out the closing sentence . Discuss how they close the door to the paragraph and restate the main idea.

6. ASSESS AND TRACK

clinchers for essays

I hope this helps you and your students (or child) understand how to write a paragraph!!!!

Next Lesson:  MINI LESSON #8 CREATING A TABLE OF CONTENTS

clinchers for essays

Check out my FREE writing masterclass! CLICK HERE

LAST MINI LESSON: MINI LESSON #6- RELEVANT DETAILS

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF WRITING MINI LESSONS

clinchers for essays

This lesson is also included in the STEP-BY-STEP WRITING ® Programwith mini-lessons designed to scaffold through the writing process. Writing units included are sentence structure, paragraph writing, narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing. See what is included in the image below and click on it to learn more about them! You will turn your reluctant writers into ROCKSTAR WRITERS ™! 

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Thank you for this comprehensive writing program.   I have always found it difficult to teach writing to my students.   My students all have specific learning disabilities and this has been a great resource for them and me.   The quality of writing coming from them this is year has increased from the previous year.   Thank you again!!  – Alison B.

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clinchers for essays

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What is a Clincher in an Essay?

Arin bodden.

An effective clincher is an essential end to any essay.

In any essay, it is essential to both begin and end on a strong note so your audience understands the importance of your topic. A clincher in an essay is the literary or narrational device you use to cement your readers’ attention at the end of your essay and keep them hooked even after they're done reading; it is nearly always included in the conclusion.

Explore this article

  • How to End Strong

1 How to End Strong

There are many ways to create a solid clincher. If you are writing an argumentative essay, you can call for your readers to take certain actions to bring about change or recommend a solution; if your focus is a research paper, you can state the need for more research, recommend specific well-done research or identify that the current research is flawed or inconclusive. To clinch an explanatory or expository essay, consider pointing out the importance of the topic you discuss.

  • 1 Purdue OWL: Conclusions

About the Author

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Arin Bodden started writing professionally in 2003. Her writing has been featured in "Northwest Boulevard" and "Mermaids." She received the Huston Medal in English in 2005. Bodden has a Master of Arts in English from Eastern Washington University. She currently teaches English composition and technical writing at the university level.

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Clincher Sentence Examples in English

A clincher sentence is defined as a statement, argument, fact, situation, or similar, determining or complete. In academic writing, this is a statement in a descriptive section that repeats the topic and summarizes how the information in the section supports the topic.

While a strong sentence is the last part of the paragraph, we should not bring it to ourselves. So you should not say openly that “this is the end of my story” or “this is the conclusion of my story”

If you want to write an effective paragraph, a clincher sentence at the end is a must. It wraps up the topic, provides closure, and concludes the writing.

Examples of Clincher Sentences

With the following examples, we will understand how the topic is concluded.

Example 1 : Topic: Seattle is a beautiful place.

The city of Seattle has a large number of picturesque locations, with a wide variety of environment, which makes the city a great place for photography, and draws a large number of tourists each year.

Clincher Sentence:  It is clear from the immense number of scenic locales that are on offer, that Seattle is a memorable place that one must visit.

Example 2 : Topic: Pets help in detecting disease.

Pets seemingly perform miracles by predicting health problems and keeping their owners from dangerous situations. 

Clincher Sentence:  With their extremely accurate senses, pets can be quite helpful in finding and alerting a person of illnesses before it becomes too late.

Example 3: Topic: Ocean View

Sitting at the side and watching the blue ocean with sun on top and people enjoying doing rafting, swimming and just playing a hand ball game.

Clincher sentence: People often look for a peace and enjoy sitting at ocean bay watching others.

Example 4: Topic: Watching Movie for fun

Weekends are special for everyone to enjoy going out. Watching movie is a lot of relaxation and fun with family.

Clincher sentence: Look for an opportunity with family to be together.

Example 5: Topic: London is beautiful

London attracts lot many tourists because of its scenic and traditional architecture.

Clincher sentence: It is clear from the immense number of tourists visiting London which remains memorable.

Example 6: Topic: Paris is an attraction

Paris remains an awesome place for holidaying because of its architecture and historical monuments. This country is known for fun and romance and attracts many tourists.

Clincher sentence: Tourists from world visit this country for fun and admiring the beauty, which is again tourist attraction.

Example 7: Topic: River rafting

It is a river sport for youngsters and is often enjoyed in India. People visit from all over the world to watch this game of spirit and competition.

Clincher sentence: People enjoy watching the game of river rafting and India attracts tourists to participate and watch this fun loving sports.

Example 8: Topic: Ice Skating

Himalaya is a beautiful destination for this sport and many competitors they visit from rest of the world to compete. Himalaya range or drive is known for this sport every year.

Clincher sentence: It is clear that Himalaya range is known for Ice Skating and attracts many competitors from rest of the world.

Example 9: Topic: New York is an exciting city. People are with a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds plus a massive tourist draw, attracting visitors from all over the world. Furthermore, there are innumerable museums, attractions, restaurants and bars.

Clincher sentence: It is clear from the infinite variety of entertainment offerings that New York City is an exciting place.

Example 10: Topic: Pets help combat depression. Pets reduce loneliness by providing companionship and forcing their owners outdoors and out of isolation. When at home,  they act as silent confidants. Pets offer loving affection and unwavering devotion to their owners.

Clincher sentence: Pets can be hugely helpful in fighting depression.

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How to Write a Clincher Sentence That’ll Blow Your Readers Mind

The ability to write a powerful clincher sentence is essential for ALL types of writing (not just academic). It’s what separates mediocre writers from those who actually impact the lives of their readers.

But what exactly is a clincher sentence?

Well, it’s basically a closing sentence that sums up your main message with a BANG.

Most of what you read each day doesn’t make much of an impression on you. It doesn’t “stick”. You finish reading, move onto the next thing, and forget what you read 10 seconds later.

That’s because most of what you read doesn’t end with a clincher sentence.

A good clincher makes you think “Aww snap! Let me reflect on this for a sec.”  

Think of clincher sentences as a "Mic Drop Moment."

How to write a “mic drop” clincher sentence :.

There’s no one magic formula for writing a clincher sentence, but there are a handful of technique that tend to work well.

First let’s look at some of the 10 most effective techniques. Then we’ll move on to some examples.

The Quote - If you’re at a loss for words, try leaving the reader with a short inspirational quote that drives your message home.

The Twist - End with a takeaway the reader was not expecting.

The Takeaway - Close your message with a straightforward conclusion.

The Action - Psyche up your audience to take a specific action.

The Reflection Question - Sometimes the action is obvious. What the reader needs is motivation to act. A great way to do this is to end with a simple question that makes the reader reflect on their life (as it relates to your message).

The Takeaway + Action - A one-two punch combining the previous two techniques. Start by highlighting your key takeaway. Then finish her off by showing how it can be applied to the reader’s life.

The Analogy - Rehash your main points in your final paragraph. Then end it with an analogy that cements your message into their mind.

The Reminder - Remind the reader of something important regarding your message (e.g. a benefit, warning, tip, fact, argument, etc).

The Full-Circle - Repeat a key phrase (or emotional moment) used earlier in message. This might mean copying a memorable phrase word-for-word or simply referring back to a meaningful story you told earlier in the message.

The Golden Nugget - Leave the reader with a profound piece of wisdom that reinforces your message.

The Goosebump Giver - These types of clincher sentences are used a lot in movies and songs. Unlike the other techniques, goosebump givers don’t necessarily reinforce a takeaway or provoke action. Instead, they aim straight for the heart strings, creating a strong emotional reaction you won’t forget.  

Tips for writing a powerful clincher sentence :

  • Keep it short and simple
  • Don’t introduce new information
  • Imagine your audience’s emotions and mirror them
  • You want your audience to either strongly agree or fiercely disagree—lukewarm clinchers don’t get remembered
  • State you point with authority. Don’t be a wimp.
  • The more emotions you trigger, the better
  • The more thought-provoking, the better
  • The bigger the mic drop, the better

Clincher sentence examples (and other mic drop inspiration) :

Writing a clincher sentence from scratch can be tough.

So instead of inventing one out of thin air, let’s make life easier and take a shortcut.

Movies are one of the best sources for clincher sentence inspiration. By examining memorable movie quotes, we can dissect why a phrase was so memorable and then apply it to writing clincher sentences.

If you pay close attention, you’ll be surprised by how much clincher material is sprinkled throughout your favorite movies.

Sometimes it’ll be word-for-word, other times it’s simply a mic-drop-worthy idea.

Here are a few to get you started...  

The Takeaway (King Kong) :

the takeaway clincher

An impactful clincher that sums up what happened in the movie in one concise phrase.  

The Full Circle (Avengers Endgame) :

the full circle clincher avengers

For all you Avengers fans out there. This is the perfect example of the “Full Circle” strategy. The movie begins and ends with the same emotional phrase (while simultaneously tugging at the heartstrings).  

The Twist :

the twist clincher

Here’s a classic twist example. Just like in the movies, a key to writing an effective twist clincher is to sprinkle subtle clues throughout your writing.  

The Goosebump Giver (The Lion King) :

the-goosebump-giver-clincher.png

No explanation needed. *wipes away tear*  

The Quote (The Godfather) :

the quote clincher

Movies are full of popular quotes you can use as powerful clincher sentences. For example, this quote would be a perfect way to end an article on why small business owners should pay attention to what their competitors are doing.  

The Analogy (The Karate Kid) :

the analogy clincher

Here’s a clincher sentence example that isn’t actually used as a clincher in the movie itself. However, it’s so well known, that if you used it as an analogy to end your message, everyone would understand.

Movies aren’t the only place to find inspiration. Whenever you read a good blog post, pay close attention to how it ends. This is a great way to generate new clincher sentence ideas.

Here are some clincher sentence examples from blog posts.

There’s no need to overcomplicate clincher sentences. Remember, the main purpose is to make an impact on the reader so they continue thinking about your post. Sometimes simple trumps fancy.

For example, in this post on how to become a copywriter , Neville makes it painfully obvious what the reader should do.

Clever? No. Effective? Yes.

The-action-clincher-kopywriting-kourse.p

The Takeaway + Action

Here’s an example from my blog, Project Untethered. After writing a ginormous post that lists 100+ ways to make money while traveling , I didn’t just leave them hanging. No, I summed up my key takeaway and spurred them into action.

The Reminder

In this post about writing real estate listings , Neville uses a powerful Reminder clincher by simply turning it into a formula. This is an easy-peasy way to burn a message into the mind of your readers.

the reminder clincher kopywriting kourse

The Golden Nugget

A golden nugget doesn’t necessarily have to be some eloquent Buddhist mantra. It can anything that alters the reader’s perspective or “opens their mind”.

the golden nugget clincher kopywriting kourse

The Reflection Question

In this article on how to write faster , the call to action is crystal clear. But to make the conclusion even stronger, a simple clincher question was added.

Now, instead of just clicking over to the next article, the reader will take a second to reflect on how taking action could improve their life.

----- See how easy writing a clincher sentence can be?

Yes, you could spend hours writing your own clincher sentence from scratch.

But why make it more difficult than it needs to be?

With all the inspiration out there, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

You worked hard putting together a piece of killer content—your gift to the world. 

Don’t forget to wrap it up and stick on the bowtie.

Hope this helps! Sincerely, Mitch Glass

Mitch-Glass.jpg

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clinchers for essays

IEW

Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4

clinchers for essays

IEW teaches students to write with structure and with style. Style includes vocabulary. Structure is the elements found in compositions. Throughout the year, students progress through nine structural units.

After building a strong foundation with Units 1 and 2 and retelling narrative stories by using the Story Sequence Chart with Unit 3 , students advance to Unit 4. In this unit students write reports by summarizing a reference. When students write a short report, most often they turn to an encyclopedia, internet article, or a textbook for information. These sources typically have much more information than students need. Mr. Pudewa teaches students to “SOME-a-rize,” meaning students will include some facts from the source text but not every fact.

Instead of writing key words from every sentence, students form the KWO by taking key words from interesting and important facts found in a source text. Instructors and students start with a short source text included in all the theme-based writing lessons and video courses . Every Unit 4 writing assignment begins with a subject. The subject is the thing that is researched—the thing the assignment is about. A subject of a paper may be a person, place, event, animal, or issue. Each paragraph within the assignment is about a specific topic. The topic is the division of the thing that is researched—a thing within the subject.

If the subject (assignment) is farm, the possible topics (paragraphs) may be animals, garden, barn, layout, location, etc. If the subject is dogs (assignment), the possible topics (paragraphs) may be characteristics, senses, behavior, lifespan, breeds, play, domestication, etc. If the subject is Benjamin Franklin (assignment), the possible topics (paragraphs) may be childhood, family, inventions, almanac, Revolutionary War, etc.

When students are writing a report, facts must be organized into paragraphs. Initially younger students will be assigned one topic, which means they will write only one paragraph. As students grow in their writing abilities, they will write several paragraphs about multiple topics related to a single subject. Each paragraph will begin with a topic sentence, contain facts, and end with a clincher sentence.

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence tells what the paragraph is about. Key words are placed on the topic line. For a one-paragraph report, students write the topic word and one more word related to the topic. If the paragraph is about the usefulness of a hammer, the key words on the topic line may be hammer, useful . Every fact on the outline and every sentence in the paragraph then supports or proves the topic: how a hammer is useful.

When writing multi-paragraph compositions, follow the topic line pattern: subject, topic , one more word about the topic . If the assignment is about a horse, the key words on the topic line of the KWO for the first paragraph may be horse, care, imperative . Every fact on the outline and every sentence in the paragraph then supports or proves the topic: the care of a horse is imperative. The key words on the topic line of the KWO for the second paragraph may be horse, training, consistent . Every fact on the outline and sentence in the paragraph then supports or proves the topic: the training of a horse must be consistent. The three key words on the topic line determine the facts that students search for during the research process.

Facts are written on the other lines of the KWO. Instructors begin by reading the source text with the students and discussing the subject and topics. Encourage students to find interesting or important facts related to the topic. Students transfer those words to the KWO. The rules for writing the KWO remain: write 2-3 key words on each line and use symbols, numbers, and abbreviations when applicable.

Clincher Sentence

The clincher sentence reminds the reader what the paragraph is about. For this reason, it is the last sentence of the paragraph. The KWO ends with the word clincher . Students do not place key words on the clincher line. Instead, when they write their rough drafts, they repeat (same word) or reflect (synonym of the word) two or three key words from the topic line.

clinchers for essays

After students write their KWO, they should test it. To test a KWO, students put the source text away and use only their notes. If a note is unclear, students should check the source text and fix the KWO. After testing the KWO, students are ready to write a paragraph.

This sample paragraph is from Discoveries in Writing .

clinchers for essays

Provide plenty of practice for your students to master writing a strong, cohesive paragraph. Mastering the topic-clincher rule and ensuring that every sentence in the paragraph supports and illustrates the topic are foundational skills that students will use for the rest of their academic courses throughout high school, college, and beyond. If students can write one solid paragraph, they will be able to build paragraph upon paragraph into reports and essays of any length.

by Sabrina Cardinale

Finish with a Memorable Clincher

Printed Page 297

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Finish your conclusion with a clincher , something that leaves a lasting impression of your speech in your listeners’ minds. Once your speech ends, audience members will have countless demands on their time and attention. To make your presentation memorable, select and word your clincher carefully.

The clincher should take up only about thirty seconds in a five- to ten-minute speech. Rock musicians have been known to smash their guitars at the end of a show to leave a lasting impression. We would not recommend such mayhem in a speech, but there are a number of less destructive strategies you can use to make your speech memorable. Following are several ways to craft a good clincher.

Tie Your Clincher to the Introduction If you began your speech with a compelling anecdote or example, consider extending it in your clincher. One speech asking audience members to serve as volunteer tutors began with the story of Hector, a twelve-year-old at risk of dropping out of school because he had fallen behind. The presenter effectively touched again on Hector’s story in her clincher:

Remember Hector, the boy who was on the verge of dropping out in sixth grade? Ana, a student at this university, became his tutor and role model. Today, Hector has a B average in high school and has applied to several colleges. There are many more Hectors in our local schools, and your help as a tutor will make sure that there is a happy ending to their stories, too.

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End with a Striking Sentence or Phrase. There may be a single sentence or phrase that effectively sums up your speech. Advertisers and political campaign managers often use this technique because the words are easy to remember. For example, an advertiser refers to a product as “the one,” or a campaign manager describes his candidate as possessing “the right stuff for the job.” We do not recommend ending your speech with a trivial phrase or a catchy tune. However, do consider using memorable, relevant phrasing to conclude your speech.

A speech about Hmong history effectively concluded with a theme that had been evident in each main point:

The name Hmong means “free.” And no matter what continent we are living on, that is what we will always be—a free people.

Also, consider Manal al-Sharif, a Saudi women’s-rights activist who was jailed after posting a YouTube video showing her driving a car. (Women are forbidden from getting driver’s licenses in Saudi Arabia.) She used the following clincher in a speech to the Oslo Freedom Forum:

The struggle is not about driving a car. It is about being in the driver’s seat of our destiny. 8

Highlight Your Thesis. Rather than summing up your speech with a single key sentence, you may decide to use a few lines to reinforce the heart of your message. Consider an example from Sally Ride, the first American woman in space (who, incidentally, was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013). After ending her career as an astronaut, Dr. Ride became a dedicated advocate for improving math and science education for kids. Here is how she concluded her speech “Shoot for the Stars”:

When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of flying in space. And amazingly enough (I still cannot believe it to this day), that dream came true for me. Now it is up to all of us to ensure that this generation of students in school today has access to a high quality education so the boys and the girls can build the foundation that will enable them to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams too. 9

Conclude with an Emotional Message. Recall a speech or presentation that ended by appealing to your emotions. If you’re like most people, that speech left more of an impact on you than a speech that used only cold hard facts. Often, a clincher that delivers an emotional charge makes a speech particularly memorable—especially in a persuasive or commemorative presentation. For example, one student concluded a tribute to a beloved pet in the following way:

My mind flooded with memories: finding him as a tiny kit and nursing him to health with my own hands. He became my best friend. I let him go lovingly, with the same arms that held him fast as a baby. Good-bye, my friend—I’ll never forget you.

image

End with a Story or an Anecdote. A story that illustrates the message of your speech can make an effective clincher. Consider the following anecdote about Albert Einstein that a student used as her clincher in a speech advocating greater efforts to raise students’ self-esteem and prevent them from dropping out:

Over one hundred years ago, there was a boy who was considered “backward” by his teachers. They said the boy was mentally slow and adrift forever in his foolish dreams. His father said that when he asked the headmaster what profession his son should adopt, he was told, “It doesn’t matter; he’ll never make a success of anything.” 10

Who was that hopeless student? Believe it or not, his name was Albert Einstein. We must never give up on the mind of a child. Educators must convince every student that he or she is valued and capable of learning. Even one dropout is unacceptable.

Click the "Next" button to try Video Activity 10.3, “Clincher: Evokes Response.”

Insight Tribune

Ignite Your Mind and Illuminate Your World

10 Effective Examples of Clincher Sentences for Informative Speeches

clinchers for essays

Are you struggling to find that perfect ending to your informative speech? Do you want to leave a lasting impression on your audience? Look no further than the clincher sentence!

A clincher sentence is the conclusion to your speech, where you tie everything together and make your final point. It’s the last chance you have to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make them remember your message.

But what makes a good clincher sentence? It should be memorable, impactful, and directly related to your topic. In this article, we’ll explore 10 effective examples of clincher sentences for informative speeches.

1. The Call to Action

“Let’s work together to create a better future for our children and the planet they will inherit.”

A call to action is a great way to end your speech with a clear message and a sense of urgency. It can motivate your audience to take action or make a change in their own lives, based on the information you’ve presented.

2. The Powerful Quote

“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'”

Quotes can add credibility to your speech and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Choose a quote that is relevant to your topic and will resonate with your audience.

3. The Personal Anecdote

“I remember when I was in your shoes, trying to figure out my career path. But with determination and hard work, I found success.”

Sharing a personal anecdote can help you connect with your audience on a personal level and make your message more relatable.

4. The Surprising Fact

“Did you know that the largest living organism on the planet is a fungus? It covers over 2,200 acres in Oregon’s Blue Mountains.”

Surprising facts can capture your audience’s attention and make them remember your message long after your speech is over.

5. The Visual Imagery

“Imagine a world where every child has access to education, healthcare, and a loving family. That’s the world we’re striving to create.”

Using visual imagery can help your audience picture your message and feel emotionally connected to your topic.

6. The Rhetorical Question

“If we don’t take action now, what kind of world will we leave for future generations?”

A rhetorical question can provoke your audience to think and reflect on your message, leaving them with a sense of urgency to take action.

7. The Challenge

“I challenge each and every one of you to make a difference in your community. Together, we can create a better world.”

Challenging your audience to take action or make a change can inspire them to become more involved in your cause or topic.

8. The Optimistic Statement

“Although we face challenges ahead, I’m confident that with determination and hard work, we can overcome them and create a brighter future.”

Ending your speech on an optimistic note can leave your audience feeling hopeful and motivated to make a difference.

9. The Personal Thank You

“Thank you for listening today and for your continued support of our cause. Together, we can make a real difference in the world.”

Taking the time to thank your audience for their attention and support can leave a positive impression and encourage them to stay involved in your cause.

10. The Circular Ending

“So let’s remember the importance of education, healthcare, and a loving family. Because when we have those three things, we can create a better future for ourselves and for future generations.”

A circular ending can tie your speech together and leave your audience with a clear, memorable message.

In conclusion, the clincher sentence is a crucial part of any informative speech. Whether you choose a call to action, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote, make sure it’s memorable, impactful, and directly related to your topic. With these 10 effective examples, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Ross Douthat

The Best Case for Ukraine Aid

A destroyed Russian tank on the side of a dirt road in Ukraine.

By Ross Douthat

Opinion Columnist

The first year of the war in Ukraine seemed to vindicate Russia hawks. The belief that Vladimir Putin was a careful chess player whose ambitions could be constrained through negotiation, the belief that Ukraine couldn’t plausibly defend itself against Moscow and therefore didn’t merit support from an already overstretched America — these ideas seemed to dissolve in the first months of war, with Putin gambling and rambling while Ukrainian arms threw his forces back.

The second year of war has been kinder to realists and doves. Russia, as in many wars before, seems stronger in a grinding conflict than it did in the initial thrusts. Putin’s regime proved resilient against the West’s economic weapons, and against internal opposition as well; the death in prison of Russia’s leading dissident, Aleksei Navalny, looks like the latest example of the dictator’s ruthless settling of accounts. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian counteroffensive of spring and summer failed: A year ago there was still hope that a Russian retreat would turn into a rout, but since then stalemate has ruled the front.

The changed situation has created a division in the hawkish argument, visible as the U.S. Congress wrangles over further aid to Ukraine. On the one hand you still have rhetoric that seems to belong more to the first year of war, claiming that Putin is clearly losing the war (“This guy is on life support,” Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina, told his colleagues in the Senate debate), that aid to Ukraine is a cheap, effective way to degrade and defeat an American rival without fighting the Russians ourselves.

On the other you have arguments that suggest that the tide is turning against Ukraine, that Putin is getting ever stronger (“Russia’s capacity to produce military equipment has increased tremendously,” Denmark’s defense minister warned recently), that he’ll be ready to attack the Baltics or some other NATO country soon. The strange events this week on Capitol Hill, in which Representative Mike Turner, Republican of Ohio and a Ukraine hawk, teased secret intelligence about Russian superweapons in space, felt like an attempt to boost this narrative — emphasizing Russia’s increasing strength as the reason to keep on sending money and weapons to Ukraine.

The problem with the first argument is that it doesn’t match the changing situation on the ground. The problem with the second argument is that it raises a big strategic question: If Russia has gotten only stronger since we started funding the Ukrainian war effort, doesn’t that suggest that we’ve ended up overstretched after all, just as critics warned?

I think there is a good case for continued aid to Ukraine that doesn’t rely on either exaggerating Ukrainian successes or hyping Russia’s military-industrial complex. But it’s a case that’s hard to make under the sweeping terms that have framed our support for Ukraine to date.

The legislation that passed the Senate includes, ostensibly as a concession to skeptics, a provision requiring the Biden administration to submit to Congress a detailed strategic plan explaining how the aid will “hasten Ukrainian victory.” But as Keith Gessen of The New Yorker puts it, mildly, at this point most military observers are “a little hard-pressed to describe an actual military victory for Ukraine.” It’s more likely that there simply is no plausible path to a full Ukrainian triumph — or at least not one that’s compatible with defending America’s other interests around the world.

We are not giving Ukraine money, in other words, because we see a likely future in which Russia can be pushed back to the prewar lines of control. Instead, the best reason to continue sending aid is to make it easier to negotiate an armistice on terms favorable to Ukraine’s survival and resilience — since any such terms will become less and less favorable if we’re seen as abandoning the Ukrainians in advance.

I hope and believe that this is what the White House, beneath its wartime rhetoric, is currently seeking: not outright victory but the best possible deal to end the war. And certainly there are reasons, if that’s your goal, that you wouldn’t want to say so openly — you’d want to present yourself as planning for victory even if you’re actually ready to negotiate.

But the Biden administration has a domestic audience as well as an international one, and it might be easier to persuade domestic doubters — wavering House Republicans, especially — if the current aid package weren’t being presented as the clincher for a Russian defeat that isn’t actually in evidence, or the key to the sweeping victory that our prior investments have conspicuously failed to bring about.

These days that kind of promise — Triumph just around the corner! Victory waiting just beyond the next offensive! — evokes memories of Afghanistan and Vietnam, rather than confidence in American strategic prowess. What’s needed instead is something much subtler: a public argument that doesn’t concede too much to Russian aggression, but concedes enough to military reality to persuade Americans that they’re making an investment that will actually help bring the conflict to an end.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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Ross Douthat has been an Opinion columnist for The Times since 2009. He is the author, most recently, of “The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery.” @ DouthatNYT • Facebook

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Clincher Sentence (With 7 Examples)

    A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence reinforcing your key message. You'll find clinchers as the last sentence of a well-written blog post, essay, or book chapter; or at the end of a section in a blog post—before a subhead introduces the next section. A clincher sentence is a soundbite, communicating a nugget of wisdom.

  2. How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay

    Write a clincher: with the last sentence, leave your reader with something to think about For many, the conclusion is the most dreaded part of essay writing. Condensing all the points you've analyzed in a tidy little package is certainly easier said than done.

  3. The Study Dude—Closing Clinchers for Essays

    The clincher is the final sentence in your paper. It needs to be gripping, engaging, and provocative. It also needs to relate directly to your thesis statement. Here is a smorgasbord of clincher types with which to close your paper: Predict the Future Outcome.

  4. How to Write a Clincher Sentence (With 7 Examples)

    A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence reinforcing your button message. This article discusses how to write a clincher: What is a clincher? Examples of clincher sentences How to write a clincher (+ clincher starters) When to use a clincher sentence How to combine cliffhangers & clinchers How to write clinchers It happens to me stunning often.

  5. A Simple Guide to Understanding the Clincher Sentence With ...

    A clincher sentence can be defined as a statement, argument, fact, situation, or the like, that is decisive or conclusive. In academic writing, this is a statement in a expository paragraph which reiterates the topic and summarizes how the information in the paragraph supports the topic.

  6. How to Write a Clincher Sentence That's Memorable

    A clincher sentence is a concluding sentence that reinforces your main idea to give your reader a sense of finality. However, it's not a restatement of the exact words used to convey your main idea.

  7. What Is a Clincher at the End of Your Essay?

    What Is a Clincher at the End of Your Essay?. Essays end with a clincher, a final sentence that may reinforce an overall argument or leave the reader with an intriguing thought, question or quotation. The idea is to clinch or seize the reader's attention until the very end, finishing a piece of writing in a way that ...

  8. How to Write a Clincher Sentence (With 7 Examples)

    ONE clincher sentence is one conclusion statement (or final sentence) starting a paragraph, episode, essay, or article. Learn how on write a greater clincher. Skip to primary navigation

  9. Four Point Action Closing

    Therefore, a good persuasive closing is essential. A good action closing—or clincher—should include the following four points: clearly state what action you wish the reader to take. make that action easy through facilitating devices and careful wording. date the action—if possible and appropriate. provide a reader benefit as stimulus for ...

  10. How to Write an Effective Clincher: Tips and Techniques

    A good clincher is like a cherry on top of a cake, adding value to the entire piece of writing. Here are a few tips to help you write a perfect clincher. 1. Restate Your Thesis Statement. The easiest way to write a clincher is to revisit your thesis statement and rephrase it in a thought-provoking way.

  11. What Is a Clincher Sentence and How To Write One ...

    You can usually find clinchers in the last sentence. However, you can put a clincher in the paragraphs necessary to restate your ideas before beginning a new topic. The Clincher Quiz (a) A good clincher contains. new words and ideas; summary of keywords and ideas used; exact words of the essay (b) You can find a clincher in. the concluding sentence

  12. PDF Strategies for Essay Writing

    When you write an essay for a course you are taking, you are being asked not only to create a product (the essay) but, more importantly, to go through a process of thinking more deeply about a question or problem related to the course. By writing about a source or collection of sources, you will have the chance to wrestle with some of the

  13. What Is a Clincher Sentence and How To Write One (Definition & Examples

    As a paragraph be one comprehensive ... What is a Clincher Sentence? (Definition) A clincher sentence exists a finalized sentence is re-establishes an key statement of your article. Examples of Clincher Sentences It can find clincher sentences at every good piece, off technical for academic writing.

  14. 100+ Clincher Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips

    A clincher sentence is the final sentence in a paragraph or piece that wraps up its main point, providing a sense of closure and completion. Essentially, it's the "mic drop" moment in your writing that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. What is the best Example of a Clincher Sentence?

  15. Writing Mini Lesson #7- CLOSING SENTENCES AND CLINCHERS

    4. PRACTICE. Provide students with practice. Practice, Practice, Practice! Scaffold the practice. First, students identify closing sentences in paragraphs. Then students can write their own closing sentences or clinchers. This can be done by giving prompts and only writing the closing sentence or clincher for each prompt.

  16. What is a Clincher in an Essay?

    A clincher in an essay is the literary or narrational device you use to cement your readers' attention at the end of your essay and keep them hooked even after they're done reading; it is nearly always included in the conclusion. Explore this article 1 How to End Strong There are many ways to create a solid clincher.

  17. Clincher Sentence Examples in English

    A clincher sentence is defined as a statement, argument, fact, situation, or similar, determining or complete. In academic writing, this is a statement in a descriptive section that repeats the topic and summarizes how the information in the section supports the topic.

  18. How to Write a Clincher Sentence

    Think of clincher sentences as a "Mic Drop Moment." How to write a "mic drop" clincher sentence: There's no one magic formula for writing a clincher sentence, but there are a handful of technique that tend to work well. First let's look at some of the 10 most effective techniques. Then we'll move on to some examples.

  19. Understanding Topic-Clincher Sentences with Unit 4

    The rules for writing the KWO remain: write 2-3 key words on each line and use symbols, numbers, and abbreviations when applicable. Clincher Sentence. The clincher sentence reminds the reader what the paragraph is about. For this reason, it is the last sentence of the paragraph. The KWO ends with the word clincher. Students do not place key ...

  20. Conclusion vs Clincher: Differences And Uses For Each One

    A clincher, on the other hand, is useful when you want to leave a lasting impression on the reader, such as at the end of a persuasive essay or speech. In the rest of this article, we'll explore some examples of how to use conclusions and clinchers effectively in your writing.

  21. How to Write a Clincher Sentence (With 7 Examples)

    A clincher recording is a concluding catch reinforcing your key contact. You'll find clinchers as the last sentence of a well-written blog post, essay, or buy chapter; or at the close of a section in a blog post—before a subhead introduces the following section. The #1 Way in Energization Your Message & Electrify Respective Readers

  22. 10 Introductions and Conclusions

    The clincher should take up only about thirty seconds in a five- to ten-minute speech. Rock musicians have been known to smash their guitars at the end of a show to leave a lasting impression. We would not recommend such mayhem in a speech, but there are a number of less destructive strategies you can use to make your speech memorable.

  23. 10 Effective Examples of Clincher Sentences for Informative Speeches

    In this article, we'll explore 10 effective examples of clincher sentences for informative speeches. 1. The Call to Action. "Let's work together to create a better future for our children and the planet they will inherit.". A call to action is a great way to end your speech with a clear message and a sense of urgency.

  24. Opinion

    The Best Case for Ukraine Aid. The first year of the war in Ukraine seemed to vindicate Russia hawks. The belief that Vladimir Putin was a careful chess player whose ambitions could be constrained ...