Writing a Research Paper
The First Draft
Writing a conclusion
Just as there is no formula for an introduction,
there is none for a conclusion either. What form a conclusion will take
entirely depends on what precedes it. There are some rules of thumb to
keep in mind though:
-
Don't depend on your conclusion to sum up the body
paragraphs. Your paragraphs should flow naturally into one another
and connections should be made among them. Summary can be an important
function of conclusions but keep this part brief; readers know what
they've just read.
-
Don't simply regurgitate your introduction. Try to talk about your
topic in a new way now that you've presented all that you have about
it.
-
Point out the importance or the implications of what you've just
said on an area of societal concern. Again, this is the so
what? factor stated perhaps a bit more dramatically.
-
For analytical papers in particular, you could mention the lack
of conclusion in the field. This demonstrates that you understand
the complexity of the subject matter.
-
Perhaps propose what you feel is a natural next step to take in light
of what your argument is attempting to convince people of.
-
Don't end your conclusion with a quotation or with a statement that
could very well be the subject of another paper. The former deflects
attention away from you as writer and thinker; the latter deflects
attention from what you're saying in your paper.
Here are some additional thoughts on final words:
Strategies
for Writing a Conclusion from LEO
Essay
Conclusions from the UVic Writer's Guide
How
to Begin to Write: Organization, Introductions, Conclusions from
Roane State Community College OWL
Introductions
and Conclusions from Cleveland State University Writing Center,
plus some Sample
Conclusions
Writing
Conclusions from the Writer's Web
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