What is the purpose of a conclusion in an essay?

The purpose of a conclusion in an essay is to provide a summary and closing thoughts. This part of the essay serves to tie together the main points and arguments presented throughout the body. By restating the key ideas in a concise manner, the conclusion allows the reader to reflect on the material and understand the overall significance of the arguments made. It often reinforces the thesis and offers a final perspective, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the writer's stance or insight on the topic.

The other options do not align with the primary role of a conclusion. Introducing new points or presenting statistics would detract from the focus of summarizing the existing arguments, while confusing the reader goes against the goal of clarity and coherence in writing.