Why do we write conclusions?
Conclusions are our last chance as a writer to make our work relevant to the reader. You can think of the introduction as a way to bring the reader into the world of your paper. The conclusion is the bridge between your paper and the reader’s world. What do you want them to take with them?
Conclusions answer these kinds of questions for your reader:
- What is the most important point or information?
- Why is it relevant? Why does it matter?
- What should I do about it?
- What comes next?
- What are the benefits of this?
The challenge of writing conclusions
Many writers struggle to write conclusions because they feel they’ve already said everything they need to say. Taking a break from your paper can help. Time away gives you clarity and allows you to strategically choose what to write about. Think about your paper from the reader’s perspective. What do they need to hear from you? What do they need from you to be able to act on or apply this information?
Strategies for writing conclusions
ANSWER THE “SO WHAT?” QUESTION
Looking at your main arguments, ask yourself, “So what?” “Why should someone care about these ideas?” “What is the bigger picture?” Use those answers to explain the significance or purpose of your essay.
WHAT ARE THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS?
Indicate how the findings in your paper have wider applications or have influenced other areas or people.
RETURN TO A THEME/STORY/ANECDOTE FROM THE INTRO
If you begin the paper by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding.
PROPOSE A SOLUTION OR FURTHER STUDY
If your paper argues that a certain thing causes a problem or traces the history of that problem, ending with an idea for a solution demonstrates you have thought critically about that problem.
PULL IT ALL TOGETHER
Show your reader how all the individual points you made fit together as a whole. What is the big picture?
Things to avoid
- Summarizing the information in your essay without adding anything new.
- Focusing on “information” and not “meaning.” Make it relevant to the reader.
- Repeating yourself without adding any depth.
- Using phrases like “in conclusion,” which often substitute for a true conclusion.