Writing Literary Analysis Essays: Writing the Conclusion | Grades 6–8

Writing Literary Analysis Essays: Writing the Conclusion | Grades 6–8

Help students write literary analysis conclusions that do more than simply repeat what they have already said. This no-prep lesson uses a Right-Side-Up Triangle Conclusion Planner to teach students how to move from a specific restated thesis to a broader, meaningful final thought.

Students learn that while an introduction moves wide to narrow, a strong conclusion moves narrow to wide.

Students Will:
- Restate a thesis without simply copying it
- Synthesize main points instead of listing them
- Connect ideas to a broader meaning or message
- Apply the “So What?” test to deepen their thinking
- Avoid introducing new evidence or arguments
- Write a purposeful final sentence
- Draft and revise a complete literary analysis conclusion

What’s Included:
- Teacher Directions for 1–2 class periods
- Student Overview + Mini Research Questions
- Right-Side-Up Triangle Conclusion Anchor Chart
- 5-Step Collaborative Group Activity
- 3 Student Planning & Writing Pages
- Color + printer-friendly black-and-white student pages

Group Activity
Students become conclusion planners and work together to build a Right-Side-Up Triangle Conclusion Planner. They move from restating the thesis → synthesizing key ideas → leaving the reader with a meaningful final thought before drafting and revising a complete conclusion.

Perfect For:
- Middle School ELA
- Literary Analysis Essays
- Essay Conclusions
- Paragraph & Essay Writing
- Text-Based Writing
- Novel or Short Story Studies
- Writing Workshop
- Sub Plans
- IB MYP Language & Literature
- Grades 6–8

IB MYP Language & Literature
Supports skills commonly developed in IB MYP Language & Literature, including organizing ideas coherently, synthesizing interpretations, developing conclusions, and communicating the significance of an analysis.
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