How to Write a Good Conclusion to a Higher Essay

1. Howto Write a Good Conclusion to a Higher Essay

2. With a conclusion, there are no ‘rules’ like SEAF for an introduction, but a good conclusion should have several features. It should: • be detailed, but not repetitive; • summarise the main points, without just repeating your argument; • answer the question, in a non-superficial manner; • have a good quote, to give it a bit of ‘punch’ Remember, your conclusion is the climax of your essay, so it should be the best bit!

3. Question: (2000 Paper I) ‘To what extent was the granting of the right to vote to women due to their role during the First World War?’

4. There are many reasons why the First World War was a catalyst for the extension of the franchise to women and in general. It is not simply the case that women’s role during the war earned them the vote. The contribution of women in all areas of employment undoubtedly won hearts and minds for the cause of women’s suffrage; but to say that women were granted the vote purely because of their role during the First World War is simplistic. Attempts had been made to enfranchise women before the war and, it seems likely that had the war not intervened, women would have been enfranchised sooner. What the war did do though, was to make it easier for the government to grant women the vote. As AJP Taylor said ‘war smoothed the way for democracy, it is one of the few things to be said in it’s favour’. The wording of the question should appear in your conclusion and has been underlined here.

5. Question: (2000 Paper I) ‘How important was the role played by political pressure groups in the growth of democracy in Britain between 1860 and 1914?’

6. It is clear that political pressure groups played a crucial role in the growth of democracy in Britain between 1860 and 1914. Pressure from the Reform League and the Reform Union was particularly important in the passing of the 1867 Reform Act. The role of the much-overlooked NUWSS in their 30-year campaign to enfranchise women also contributed to eroding opposition to the cause and winning over much political support, especially in the Labour and Liberal parties. Undoubtedly much of the pressure from the WSPU was counter-productive, but the contribution of this group to keeping the idea of women’s suffrage on the political agenda cannot be ignored. However, many of the acts passed between 1860 and 1914 were not due directly to political pressure, but more to gradual social and economic change. It was changes in the distribution of Britain’s wealth and population which created an inexorable pressure for democratic reform. Industrialisation and urbanisation, together with the resulting improved communication and education were by far the most important reasons for the growth of democracy in Britain between 1860 and 1914. Milicent Fawcett’s comment on the reasons for the enfranchisement of women could equally be applied to the general growth in democracy in this period. ‘It will be a political change based upon social, educational and economic changes which have already taken place.’

7. Now you try: • Question: (2000 Paper I) ‘How effectively did the Liberal Governments (1906 – 1914) deal with the problem of poverty?