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Conclusions Joseph Cheatle English Composition
Overview • Typically, a conclusion wraps up the paper that you have been writing. Conclusions are extremely difficult to write (just like introductions) and functions to frame your thoughts and bridge your ideas for the reader. This is a chance to have a last word on the subject, summarize your thoughts, a final say, demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and propel your reader to a new view of the subject. This is also a chance to make a final good impression and end on a positive note.
General Information • Restate your topic and why it is important • Restate your claim/thesis • Address opposing arguments and explain why readers should align with your position • Call for action or overview future research possibilities
Effective Strategies • “So what?” • Return to theme or themes in the introduction • Synthesize • Include a provocative insight or quote • Propose a course of action, solution, or questions for further study • Point to broader implications
“So What?” • Why should anybody care about what you are writing? • Why is your writing important? • This strategy can also be used to develop your ideas or your draft.
Return to the theme(s) in the introduction • Strategy brings readers in a full circle • Refer back to introduction • Use key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction
Synthesize • Synthesize, don’t summarize • Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper • Show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together • Pull it all together!!!
Include a provocative insight or quote • Use the quote to anchor your conclusion • Discuss larger issues that the quote raises
Propose a course of action • You can propose a course of action, solution to an issue, or questions for further study. • This strategy helps readers understand the broader implications of your argument
Point to broader implications • For example, you could point out Atwood’s or Palahniuk’s work on future writers • You could point out the implications of your work in understanding the past or moving forward into the future.
Last Thoughts • Do not introduce new information in your conclusion • Do not begin with overused phrases such as “in conclusion”, “in summary,” or “in closing.” While they work in speeches, they come across as wooden in the paper. • Do not state the thesis for the first time in the conclusion • Do not end with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes • Do not make sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of your paper • Do not include evidence that should be in the body of your paper • Should be a full paragraph (not three sentences) • End on a strong note
Sources • OWL at Purdue http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/724/04/ • The Writing Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/conclusions.html