在英文文章中，一個段落 (paragraph) 通常包含三部分：主題句 (topic sentence)、支持句 (supporting sentence)、結論句 (concluding sentence)。
在介紹完主題句和支持句之後，小編今天接著來介紹結論句。
在介紹前小編先舉一個例子讓大家看看一個段落中的主題句、支持句、結論句的樣子，可以特別觀察它們有什麼樣的關係。
主題句：Canada offers a variety of interesting foods from coast to coast.
支持句：The west coast produces a lot of smoked salmon and tasty Nanaimo bars. Fiddleheads and butter tarts are common in central Canada. Quebec offers French-Canadian dishes such as tourtière (a meat pie) and poutine (French fries with cheese and gravy). Finally, the Maritime provinces are known for their lobster and salmon.
結論句：Wherever you go in Canada, you can find unusual and delicious food.
結論句 (concluding sentence) 是一個段落的最後一個句子，它標示段落的結束，並提醒讀者此一段落的重點。寫作結論句方的式包含簡摘段落的重點、或重申段落的主旨 (將主題句換句話說進行改述，且因為主題句此時已經經過支持句的充分發展與詳細說明，結論句通常可以寫得更具體而詳細) 。
一個段落的主題句與其簡摘段落重點的結論句的例子如：
主題句：To be a flight attendant requires some important characteristics.
結論句：To summarize, you need to be friendly, self-confident, and strong to become a flight attendant.
又如：
主題句：There are three important reasons why Marijuana should be legalized by the US government.
結論句：Marijuana should be legalized by the US government because it is popular, has widespread abuse that is difficult and expensive to police, and would be a profitable market to tax.
包含主題句、支持句、結論句的完整段落的例子則如：
主題句：A person can be a good communicator by being a good listener.
支持句：When speaking with someone, a good listener pays close attention to the speaker’s words while looking at his or her face. A good listener also shows interest by smiling and nodding. Also, posture is important; it can affect communication for both the speaker and the listener. For instance, sitting slumped in a chair makes a person seem passive, while a relaxed posture with the body bent slightly forward shows interest in the speaker and the conversation. Remember, too, that good communicators do not interrupt while someone is speaking; although interruption is active participation, it can be impolite.
結論句：In summary, meaningful communication means listening to others by using eye contact, facial expressions, and body language without interruption.
一個段落的主題句與其重申段落主旨的結論句的例子如：
主題句：My grandfather had more stories than a children’s library.
結論句：As you can see, my grandfather had an endless imagination that brought smiles to everyone around him.
又如：
主題句：Health concerns deter the use of Marijuana from being legalized.
結論句：Clearly, there is a significant correlation between the use of Marijuana and health risks that indicate that this substance should remain illegal.
包含主題句、支持句、結論句的完整段落的例子則如：
主題句：Native people create legends to explain unusual phenomena in their environment.
支持句：A legend form the Hawaiian is island of Kauai explains how the naupaka flower, a flower that grows on beaches there, got its unusual shape. The flower looks like half a small daisy — there are petals on one side only. The legend says that the marriage of two young lovers on the island was opposed by both sets of parents. The parents found the couple together on a beach one day, and to prevent them from being together, one of the families moved to the mountains, separating the young couple forever. As a result, the naupaka flower separated itself into two halves. One half moved to the mountains, and the other half stayed near the beach.
結論句：This story is a good example of a legend invented by native people to interpret the world around them.
需要特別留意的是，一篇短文中一定會有結論段來做總結，一個段落中則不一定須要有結論句。我們需要從整篇文章的脈絡來思考一個段落是否適合有結論句。在較長的段落中，結論句能幫助提醒讀者此一段落的重點。
標示結論句的轉承詞有：
To sum up, Therefore, Thus, All in all, In brief, In conclusion, In short, In general, Indeed, Finally, Lastly, Certainly, Surely, Clearly, As a result, As expressed, Overall, Because of this, For these reasons……
The evidence suggests that…
There can be no doubt that…
These examples show that…
We can see that…
The findings of the study would suggest that…
The findings from this study seem to indicate that…
Results of the statistical analysis revealed that…
此外，結論句也可以將現在的段落與下一個段落做連結，預示下一個段落的主題句將談論的內容，如：(筆者以【 】標示結論句)
Reconciliation has also brought benefits in the public arena. Debate around the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people dominated the mainstream media during the mid-to-late 90s, with a range of perspectives being heard. Not all voices were positive. Pauline Hanson, a former populist member of Parliament, was openly hostile to the goals of reconciliation, as was Henry Bosch, former National Companies and Securities Commission Head. 【However, while these and other voices appeared to signal a backward step in public opinion, there was evidence that ‘the majority of Australians are looking for opportunities to reconcile our past and present’ (Dodson 1999).】
This search for opportunities to reconcile is amply reflected in the response to the findings and recommendations of the recent report into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families (HREOC 1997)……
在此一範例中，第一段的結論句使用讓步子句 while 帶出第二段將談論的主要內容 “opportunities”，第二段就開始闡述其主要內容 opportunities。
而在一篇短文 (essay) 中的正文段落 (body)，結論句常重申其主題句，對主題句做更具體詳細的說明、連結回全文主旨、或表達作者對於主題句的看法 (類似結論段的 final comment)。我們可以從以下的短文範例來觀察：(筆者以｛ ｝標示各段落的結論句)
#範例一
Essay: Academic Success
Introduction: Most college students hope to achieve “academic success,” but they are not sure how to reach this goal. Of course, they know about the importance of note-taking skills and reviewing information before an exam. However, there are other strategies that can help. Juan Rodriguez discovered this in a particularly difficult calculus class. There are three specific strategies that helped him be successful: sitting in the front of the classroom, previewing information, and talking with classmates.
說明：開頭使用矛盾的論述作為開場白來引起讀者的興趣。接著提供背景資訊說明學生可能知道的學習策略包含作筆記和複習考試內容，但有些學習策略可能是學生不知道的。開頭的最後點出全文的主旨陳述，說明 Juan 在微積分課所發現的三個學業成功的策略，包含坐在教室的前面、做預習、和同學請教。此一主旨陳述的寫作方式也暗示了接下來正文內容的進行，接下來的各段落將依序說明坐在教室的前面、做課前預習、和同學請教這三個策略。
Body 1: Choosing to sit in the front of the class was one of his strategies. He had read that students who sit in the front pay more attention and are more engaged. In addition, professors are more likely to notice the students who sit up front. As a result of being closer to the professor, Juan found that he was more likely to participate in class discussions. The best part about this behavior is that it required almost no effort. ｛Juan took the first step toward improving his class performance by simply sitting in the front of the classroom each day.｝
說明：結論句重申本段主題句，並連結回全文主旨，指出坐在教室前面可以增進課堂表現。
Body 2: Another strategy that led to his increased academic success was previewing the information that the instructor was going to introduce. Juan would go over the new material the day before the lecture and come to class with an idea of that day’s lecture topic. He was more comfortable with the information because it was not new to him. In addition, by previewing the information, Juan was able to write down questions to ask the teacher in class. ｛Coming to class with an idea of that day’s lecture topic and some questions meant that Juan was much more likely to understand the new material.｝
說明：結論句更具體詳細地重申本段主題句，主題句僅指出預習上課內容，結論句則具體指出預習後獲得的結果與成效，並呼應全文主旨，這樣的策略有助於課業的成功。
Body 3: Finally, Juan found a classmate who was already good at calculus. By asking for his classmate’s help, Juan received different explanations from those of his instructor. Having this “expert” friend who explained difficult math concepts allowed Juan to process the subject more easily. He soon understood terms like variable and coefficient and was able to work out algebraic problems on his own. ｛Implementing this behavior greatly improved Juan’s understanding of the subject matter and improved his chances of success in the course.｝
說明：結論句更具體詳細地重申本段主題句，指出此一策略的成效，並呼應全文主旨，這樣的策略有助於課業的成功。
Conclusion: While many college students work hard to achieve academic success, not everyone knows what it takes to reach this goal. Students can learn and use the simple habits of sitting in the front of the classroom, previewing information, and talking with classmates. If a student makes these adjustments to his or her academic habits, as Juan did, he or she will likely be more successful.
說明：結論先敘述此一主題的背景，指出並非所有想學業成功的學生都知道應該怎麼做，以點出此一問題的重要性，讓這篇文章提供的做法顯出其價值。接著重申其主旨 ，複習作者提出的三種策略 (同時也是各段正文的重點)。最後的結語指出學生若使用這些學習策略，可能會讓自己的學業更成功的結果。
#範例二
Essay: Enjoying Your Camping Trip
Introduction: Each year, thousands of people throughout the United States choose to spend their vacations camping in the great outdoors. Depending on an individual’s sense of adventure, there are various types of camping to choose from, including log cabin camping, recreational vehicle camping, and tent camping. Of these, tent camping involves “roughing it” the most, and with proper planning the experience can be gratifying. Even with the best planning, however, tent camping can be an extremely frustrating experience due to uncontrolled factors such as bad weather, wildlife encounters, and equipment failures.
說明：本文開頭的主旨陳述指出造成帳篷露營很挫折的因素包含天氣不好、遇到野生動物、器材故障。
Body 1: Nothing can dampen the excited anticipation of camping more than a dark, rainy day. Even the most adventurous campers can lose some of their enthusiasm on the drive to the campsite if the skies are dreary and damp. After reaching their destination, campers must then “set up camp” in the downpour. This includes keeping the inside of the tent dry and free from mud, getting the sleeping bags situated dryly, and protecting food from the downpour. If the sleeping bags happen to get wet, the cold also becomes a major factor. A sleeping bag usually provides warmth on a camping trip; a wet sleeping bag provides none. Combining wind with rain can cause frigid temperatures, causing any outside activities to be delayed. Even inside the tent problems may arise due to heavy winds. More than a few campers have had their tents blown down because of the wind, which once again begins the frustrating task of “setting up camp” in the downpour. ｛It is wise to check the weather forecast before embarking on camping trips; however, mother nature is often unpredictable and there is no guarantee bad weather will be eluded.｝
說明：結論句表達了作者對於本段主題與主旨天氣不好而影響露營的看法，提供了查看天氣預報的建議並指出天氣難以預測的可能結果。
Body 2: Another problem likely to be faced during a camping trip is run-ins with wildlife, which can range from mildly annoying to dangerous. Minor inconveniences include mosquitoes and ants. The swarming of mosquitoes can literally drive annoyed campers indoors. If an effective repellent is not used, the camper can spend an interminable night scratching, which will only worsen the itch. Ants do not usually attack campers, but keeping them out of the food can be quite an inconvenience. Extreme care must be taken not to leave food out before or after meals. If food is stored inside the tent, the tent must never be left open. In addition to swarming the food, ants inside a tent can crawl into sleeping bags and clothing. Although these insects cause minor discomfort, some wildlife encounters are potentially dangerous. There are many poisonous snakes in the United States, such as the water moccasin and the diamond-back rattlesnake. When hiking in the woods, the camper must be careful where he steps. Also, the tent must never be left open. Snakes, searching for either shade from the sun or shelter from the rain, can enter a tent. An encounter between an unwary camper and a surprised snake can prove to be fatal. ｛Run-ins can range from unpleasant to dangerous, but the camper must realize that they are sometimes inevitable.｝
說明：結論句表達了作者對於本段主題與主旨遇到野生動物而影響露營的看法，提供了需先有心理建設的建議。
Body 3: Perhaps the least serious camping troubles are equipment failures; these troubles often plague families camping for the first time. They arrive at the campsite at night and haphazardly set up their nine-person tent. They then settle down for a peaceful night’s rest. Sometime during the night the family is awakened by a huge crash. The tent has fallen down. Sleepily, they awake and proceed to set up the tent in the rain. In the morning, everyone emerges from the tent, except for two. Their sleeping bag zippers have gotten caught. Finally, after fifteen minutes of struggling, they free themselves, only to realize another problem. Each family member’s sleeping bag has been touching the sides of the tent. A tent is only waterproof if the sides are not touched. The sleeping bags and clothing are all drenched. Totally disillusioned with the “vacation,” the frustrated family packs up immediately and drives home. ｛Equipment failures may not seem very serious, but after campers encounter bad weather and annoying pests or wild animals, these failures can end any remaining hope for a peaceful vacation.｝
說明：結論句表達了作者對於本段主題與主旨設備故障而影響露營的看法
，指出在遭遇了不好的天氣和野生動物的干擾後，設備故障可能會澆熄人們對於露營的希望的結果。
Conclusion: These three types of camping troubles can strike campers almost anywhere. Until some brilliant scientist invents a weather machine to control bad weather or a kind of wildlife repellent, unlucky campers will continue to shake their fists in frustration. More than likely, equipment will continue to malfunction. Even so, camping continues to be a favorite pastime of people all across the United States. If you want camping to be a happy experience for you, learn to laugh at leaky tents, bad weather, and bugs, or you will find yourself frustrated and unhappy.
說明：結論首先重申全文主旨，接著複習全文的重點，最後的結語給予讀者露營的建議。
從以上的範例我們可以看到，在一篇短文 (essay) 中的正文段落 (body paragraph)，結論句常重申其主題句，對主題句做更具體詳細的說明、連結回全文主旨、或表達作者對於主題句的看法 (類似結論段的 final comment)。
由此可見，一個正文段落 (body paragraph) 的結論句 (concluding sentence) 和一篇短文 (essay) 的結論段 (concluding paragraph) 很相似，結論句可以使用結論段中重申主旨、複習全文的重點、表明主題與主旨的重要性、表達作者對於主題與主旨的想法等元素來總結該段落。而由於結論句需要總結的內容篇幅遠少於結論段，結論句的長度也遠小於結論段，通常僅使用這些元素的其中之一來總結該段落。
而以筆者的經驗來說，結論句最為常見的寫法為重申主題句或表達作者對於主題句的看法。
最後，我們再來看一個段落範例，以更熟悉主題句、支持句、結論句的寫作。
主題句：If we are going to bring an end to climate change, we need to continuously adjust our habits so that we are using less energy and creating less waste.
支持句：Simple changes, like recycling and turning off the lights when we leave a room are a good place to start, but we can’t stop there. For example, when we are out shopping, we should carefully evaluate our purchases. A great deal of the Earth’s resources are put into producing and transporting goods, and when we buy things we do not need or things that are of poor quality, they quickly end up in the landfill, which is a waste of resources. With this in mind, we should all make an effort to buy fewer items of better quality based on our needs rather than our wants. It is also important to look for ways to further reduce our consumption at home. Any time we use disposable items, we should ask ourselves if there is a reusable alternative. For example, paper towels could easily be replaced with cloth rags. We can also look for ways to minimize our use of other valuable resources by shifting our daily habits towards more sustainable practices, like taking shorter showers, eating less meat and walking to nearby locations rather than driving.
結論句：If we all make an effort to continuously re-evaluate our habits, we can live greener and greener lifestyles that will reduce our demands on the environment and help stop climate change.
References: Longman Academic Writing Series, Great Writing, Steps to Writing Well
