Conclusions
Conclusions, like introductions, can be difficult to write. Also like introductions, they have a certain structure that fits their function within the paper. The following highlights some of the elements crucial to developing an effective conclusion.
Reassertion of Primary Argument
To begin your conclusion, briefly mention your purpose in writing the essay. Remember that you should not simply restate your thesis. Do not copy and paste your thesis here. Invite your reader to reconsider the general thrust of your argument, given that he or she has now seen the specific elements of it.
Outline and Synthesis of Argument
Re-outline the main points of your argument. This is similar to the ‘road map’ in your introduction, in which you lay out the general structure of the paragraphs to come. Again, this should not be a simple reiteration of your introduction material.
Frame your arguments, show how they fit together, and point to their solidification within your overall theme—you want to draw conclusions of all the points you have made.
Prompt for Future Research
A common convention in writing conclusions is to consider what, if any, implications your research has provided that might lay outside of the scope of the paper. You should not introduce new material or arguments that you might have considered in your paper. You merely want to demonstrate points of interest generated by your paper. A common example of this is mentioning potential points of interest for further research.
Closing Statement
The end of your essay should mirror the beginning in strength and confidence. To put it simply, you want to go out with a bang. To accomplish this, spend time condensing as much punch as you can into one or two sentences. Some helpful tools are humor, metaphor, word-play, descriptive language, and appeal to reason.
Writing Lab