Page 232 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
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Traps to Avoid
2 Avoid common mistakes in writing
conclusions.
Finishing an essay with grace and style is not always easy. Avoiding
two common mistakes will help you write a strong conclusion.
Sermonizing
One trap that some otherwise good writers fall into is lecturing a
reader who should be assumed to be on their side of the issue. After a
thoughtful, well-reasoned essay on why people turn to drugs, for
instance, a writer might be tempted to end the essay with a statement
such as “Stay away from drugs—you’ll be glad you did.” Such a
statement insults the reader, who should always be counted among
the “good guys.”
The only type of essay that should end with direct advice to the reader
is one in which direct advice is given throughout, such as an essay
