Importance of the Conclusion
- Last impression on the reader
- Your writing ability
- Influences whether or not they will agree with you
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1. The function of the conclusion
a. A return to the 'big picture
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b. Functions and structure
- Look Back
- Restatement of the overall purpose
- Summary of the main points
- Evaluation
- Look forward (to the future)
- e.g. a recommendation
*not all conclusions have all functions above except a summary of the main points
2. Restate the purpose of the Essay
- Part of showing that the essay achieved its purpose
- Opening the conclusion
The purpose of this essay was to explore the influence of online courses on student's academic
- Sometimes implicit (involving restatement of issue/topic)
The problem of explaining why children acquire languages more easily than adults remains to this day
a. Examples of restating the purpose
- This essay has sought to shed light upon..
- This paper set out to show that..
- This essay examined how...
- This study has provided evidence for...
b. Common opening phrase
- In conclusion, the purpose of this essay was to...
- In summary,
- To conclude,
- To sum up,
*somewhat unnecessary if the section heading 'Conclusion' is present
3. Summarise the main points
a. General Rules
- Includes restating the thesis AND the key pieces of supporting evidence
- Don't try to include everything
- Use different words as far as possible; not simple repetition
b. Language for Summarising The Main Points
- This paper has shown that..
- A key finding of this study is that..
- It was argued that..
*give the key points by referring to the questions/instructions
- With regard to [aspect of essay question], it was argued that..
- In terms of [aspect of essay question], X was identified as..
c. Example
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Conclusion -> summarise and give the verdict!
d. How long should the conclusion be?
- Less is more (make it as concise/short as possible)
- One paragraph
- Maximum of about 10% of essay length
4. Evaluation
- Show the significance of the findings
- Statute within a larger context
a. Example 1
Broader importance
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b. Example 2
Implications
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c. Evaluation: Limitations
- Scope, omissions
- Mention only if necessary
- Linking to looking forward
Language for noting limitations
- It was not possible to consider..
- These findings cannot necessarily be generalized to X, because...
- It is unclear whether ,,,
5. Look Forward
- Recommendations; future directions
- Shows awareness of your field
- Positions you as a mature writer/researcher
Language for looking forward
- Future research should consider...
- Future studies, focusing on X, would shed light upon..
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