Grades 6-9 Conclusion Starters — Printable No-Prep Guide

This Grades 6-9 conclusion paragraph sentence starters guide equips students with ten powerful transition phrases to summarize arguments. By providing concrete examples of strong endings, this reference sheet helps writers confidently wrap up essays without repetitive phrasing.

At a Glance

• Grade: 6-9 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2.F — Provide a concluding statement supporting the explanation.
• Skill Focus: Writing conclusion paragraphs
• Format: 1 page · 10 sentence starters · No answer key needed · PDF
• Best For: Writing reference and drafting
• Time: 5–10 minutes

Inside this single-page reference guide, students find ten distinct sentence starters for conclusion paragraphs. The resource functions as a visual anchor chart, offering academic phrasing like "Ultimately, what we have discovered is..." to improve writing. Because it is a reference tool, no answer key is required, making it an immediate addition to any interactive notebook.

This resource requires zero teacher preparation, making it an ideal print-and-go tool.

• Print (1 minute): Print a class set or upload the PDF to your digital platform.
• Distribute (1 minute): Hand out the sheet as students begin the drafting phase.
• Review (3 minutes): Read through the ten starters together, modeling how to attach a thesis restatement.

Total teacher prep time is under two minutes. It serves as an excellent standalone resource for substitute plans.

This guide is aligned to CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2.F: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented. It supports argumentative writing by giving students academic vocabulary to synthesize claims. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Introduce this reference sheet during the drafting phase, after direct instruction on conclusion structures. Students keep it on their desks to select a starter fitting their essay's tone. Alternatively, use it during peer review; if a conclusion feels abrupt, partners can suggest a smoother transition. Formative assessment tip: walk the room while students draft and note which starters are frequently chosen, ensuring they match the context. Expected integration time is 5 to 10 minutes.

Designed for Grades 6-9 students who struggle with essay organization and strong endings. It serves as an excellent differentiation tool for English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with IEPs who benefit from sentence frames. Pair this reference sheet with a direct instruction lesson on thesis restatement.

Mastering the conclusion paragraph is a critical step in developing mature, cohesive writing across all academic disciplines. This resource directly targets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2.F, helping students provide a concluding statement supporting the explanation. According to Fisher & Frey (2014), providing explicit scaffolds like sentence frames and starters significantly reduces cognitive load, allowing students to focus on synthesizing their complex ideas rather than struggling with initial phrasing. By equipping learners with these ten academic transitions, educators facilitate a smoother, more effective shift from guided practice to independent writing mastery. The consistent use of structured language supports not only improves the immediate quality of student essays but also builds long-term confidence in academic communication. This targeted intervention ensures that all students, regardless of their initial writing proficiency, have the foundational tools necessary to craft strong, impactful endings to their arguments and informational texts.