Conclusions

The conclusion is the final section of your paper. This is where you can finally synthesize your argument and present the bigger point that you have built towards. Whether you want to push for further research or gift the reader a new way to see the world, conclusions are your chance to give the paper life beyond the page.

What should a conclusion do?

A conclusion should “answer” your introduction. It should respond to the thesis and claims made, providing the reader with a sense of completion. Without it, the reader may not understand the point of your paper or feel that it did not pay off.

You can present research-informed solutions, push for further research, bring the argument into a less specific and more general context, or attempt to give the reader a new point of view.

In other words, the conclusion provides the reader with a satisfying finale, synthesizing your argument into something the reader can use. It should often give the reader an idea to walk away with, or the paper might just feel frustrating.

Ask yourself:

• Why did I write this paper in the first place?
• How do I bring my main points all together?
• How do I show that my paper argued my thesis?
• What am I hoping my reader gets out of this paper?

FOR THE END, AVOID:

• “Aha!” moments or plot twists. Do not surprise the reader. The ending should make sense.
• “In conclusion” or “finally.” Try to flow into the conclusion more naturally.
• Mismatching the tone.

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