Guide to spelling, punctuation and grammar

E
XAMPLE
2
Here is another closing paragraph in answer to a question about whether
or not the play ‘Look Back in Anger’ by John Osborne revolutionised
British drama in the 1950s:
In conclusion, I would state that ‘revolutionised’ is
too strong a word to describe the impact that ‘Look
Back in Anger’ had on British drama in the 1950s.
However, it is fair to say that it was of great
importance, although, from the perspective of the
present day, it is perhaps difficult to estimate how
radical the play seemed to theatregoers in the 1950s.
To make that judgement, the state of British theatre
prior to ‘Look Back in Anger’ has to be assessed. As
has been demonstrated, British theatre of the period
was dominated by classic revivals and plays with
almost exclusively middle-class characters and
themes intended for middle-class audiences. ‘Look
Back in Anger’, at the very least, with its ‘angry
young man’ anti-hero, brought a new voice and
language to the British stage. From the perspective of
the twenty-first century, the play now seems rather
reactionary in its values and gender politics. The
fact that this was largely overlooked at the time is a
comment on how very conservative British theatre
was fifty years ago. In that context, it is perhaps
hardly surprising that ‘Look Back in Anger’ seemed
so revolutionary. 
‘In conclusion’ informs your reader that you are bringing the essay to a
considered ending and summarising your arguments. ‘I would state that’
leads into your judgement about the topic. ‘However’ qualifies that
judgement and develops that point. ‘As has been demonstrated’ refers
back to points you have made in the body of the essay. The last three
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4 – T
HE CLOSING PARAGRAPH

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sentences round off the essay by assessing the play’s attitudes from a
contemporary perspective, which leads to a final word about why the
play may have seemed so revolutionary at the time of its first staging.