Writing the Conclusion

1. Writing the Conclusion English 2H Research Paper

2. Transition + Re-state Thesis • To begin the conclusion of your research paper you will need to… • Transition • Re-state your thesis statement in a unique way • Example: • To conclude, cell phones have numerous benefits in the academic setting and, thus, should be permitted. • Ideas for transitions: • To conclude, To close, Conclusively, All in all, Therefore, Quite obviously, Thus

3. Refer to your contentions • After you transition and re-state your thesis, you will need to reiterate your contentions. • You should NOT simply list your contentions. • Instead, you should encapsulate the main ideas inherent in these contentions in a succinct way—in two or three sentences. • Example: • Indeed, evidence shows that cell phones have numerous uses in high school courses, primarily in helping students access and organize homework. Furthermore, these devices prove beneficial in emergency situations such as school shootings or bombings.

4. Reference your hook • After re-emphasizing your contentions (in a succinct way), you should make a reference to your hook. • The idea is to link your conclusion to your introduction. • They should be mirror images of each other, in a sense. • Example: • With statistics showing that increasing numbers of Americans own and use cell phones on a daily basis, it seems counter-intuitive to deny students the use of these handy devices in the school setting.

5. End with a bang! • After referencing your hook, you need to tie everything up and end with a bang! • You want to write your last sentence in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. • After all, this is the very last thing they will read in your paper, so make it good! • Example: • As cellular technology continues to change and expand in society, the question should no longer be whether cell phones can be used in the high school setting; instead, the question should become how can they be best used to enhance the academic environment.

6. Put it all together. • When you combine the aforementioned elements, your conclusion should look something like this: • To conclude, cell phones have numerous benefits in the academic setting and, thus, should be permitted. Indeed, evidence shows that cell phones have numerous uses in high school courses, primarily in helping students access and organize homework. Furthermore, these devices prove beneficial in emergency situations such as school shootings or bombings. With statistics showing that increasing numbers of Americans own and use cell phones on a daily basis, it seems counter-intuitive to deny students the use of these handy devices in the school setting. Therefore, as cellular technology continues to change and expand in society, the question should no longer be whether cell phones can be used in the high school setting; instead, the question should become how can they be used to enhance the academic environment.