The Conclusion
The conclusion should be more than a summary or a restatement of the thesis. A good conclusion provides closure and a memorable ending to your paper that leaves a strong impression on the reader. It reminds the reader of your thesis and may attempt to put the thesis into a broader context. Here are some possible approaches:
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Restate thesis and reach beyond it. |
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Close with an effective quotation. |
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Comment on the work in the context of the author’s overall accomplishments. |
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Compare past to present. |
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Offer a solution or theory. |
Avoid certain mistakes in the conclusion:
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Afterthoughts or additional ideas. Now is the time to conclude, not to begin a new thought. |
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The use of closing transitional words such as “thus,” “in conclusion,” or “finally.” |
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Stopping at an awkward spot. |
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Questions that raise new issues (rhetorical questions that restate the issues are acceptable). |
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Fancy artwork |