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What is the primary purpose of the conclusion of an essay?

  1. To restate the thesis in different words

  2. To provide a summary of the main points

  3. To directly address the reader

  4. To discuss the implications of the essay

The correct answer is: To provide a summary of the main points

The conclusion of an essay is meant to bring closure to the reader and leave them with a strong impression of the main points of the essay. Option A, restating the thesis, is important but not the primary purpose of the conclusion. Option C, directly addressing the reader, is not the main focus of the conclusion as it can be done throughout the essay. Option D, discussing implications, is also not the main purpose of the conclusion as it is more fitting to be included in the body of the essay. Therefore, the best answer is B as it captures the main purpose of a conclusion, which is to summarize the main points of the essay.