Question

Read a partial outline for an argumentative essay.

1. Introduction: Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan
A. Claim: Truman’s choice to use the atomic bomb against Japan was the right one because it brought the war to an end, saved lives, and established a lasting peace.

[...]

4. Body paragraph: Using the bomb established a lasting peace.
A. Evidence: There has been no global war since WWII and no further use of nuclear weapons.
B: Counterargument: There have been many other wars since 1945, and other countries have developed nuclear weapons.
C: Conclusion:

Which of these sentences provides a strong conclusion for the fourth paragraph?
Using the bomb established a lasting peace and proved that it was a good idea to develop a nuclear weapon.
Truman was faced with a difficult choice in 1945, but he probably made the right decision.
Truman refused to use a third bomb on Japan or to use the atomic bomb against Korea because he was horrified by its effects.
Although there have been other wars since 1945, none have been as big as WWII or ended with as much devastation.

Answer 1

The fourth sentence: "Although there have been other wars since 1945, none have been as big as WWII or ended with as much devastation."

Why: it directly addresses the counterargument while reinforcing the paragraph’s main point (that the bomb helped prevent another global, devastating war), so it functions as a clear, focused conclusion. If you want it stronger, you could add an explicit link to deterrence—for example: "Although there have been other wars since 1945, none have been as big as WWII or ended with as much devastation, supporting the view that the bomb helped deter another global war and thus contributed to a lasting peace."