Table of contents
5 min.
Confusion about conclusion? We unlock the secret to unforgettable endings. Learn everything you need to know to put the perfect end to your research and leave a lasting impression.
Have you reached the end of your thesis, essay or research paper, only to find yourself unsure of how to wrap it up effectively? Crafting a compelling conclusion is easier said than done. It's the final impression you leave on your reader, and getting it right is crucial for tying together your arguments and leaving a lasting impact. To do that, there are a few important things to consider. In this article, we'll show you how to write a great conclusion. Discover five valuable professional tips and learn the art of adding weight to your final words. Let's go!
The conclusion is the final point of an academic study. As such, it fulfills a variety of functions. Not only is it the place to answer your research question, summarize your findings, clearly formulate conclusions and emphasize the relevance of your research in the respective field; it is your chance to leave a lasting impression, impress your readers one last time with the brilliance of your arguments and encourage them to reflect. The conclusion also provides space for an outlook on future research directions and questions arising from your findings.
How long a conclusion should be depends on various factors. These include, for example, the scope of the work, the complexity of the topic and the requirements of the respective discipline or subject area. As a rule of thumb, the conclusion should be short and concise without losing substance or clarity – around 10-15% of the total length of work is sufficient.
A healthy balance between substance and brevity is important: A conclusion that is too short could give the impression that key points have been neglected or that the work has not been adequately concluded. On the other hand, too long a conclusion can detract from the clarity and overall flow of the work, especially if repetitive or superfluous information is presented.
If you want to write a perfect conclusion, you need to take into account the various functions as well as an optimal length. Let us now tell you how to do this.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. How do you write a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression? Here are five professional tips to make sure your conclusion does 100% justice to your work.
A crucial aspect of a powerful conclusion is restraint—specifically, resisting the urge to introduce new arguments or evidence. This is akin to adding a plot twist in the final scene of a movie; it confuses the audience and muddies the narrative waters.
For instance, if your work has meticulously argued the benefits of a plant-based diet through various studies, suddenly presenting new research on vitamin supplements in the conclusion would distract from the cohesive message you've built.
Presenting new information could surprise the reader and make them feel unprepared or have difficulty placing the new information in the context of the work.
Also, because the conclusion is a comparatively short section, it does not provide enough space to adequately analyze or discuss new information. The addition of new information could lead to it being treated superficially or not being sufficiently related to the topics already covered.
While your introduction sets the stage for your study by introducing the topic, providing background information, and presenting the thesis statement, your conclusion revisits and reinforces these key points to bring the discussion to a full circle.
By returning to the thesis statement, i.e. the main argument or central claim of your research, you remind the reader of the overarching purpose and focus of your work, effectively bookending it and providing a cohesive structure. The aim is to explain how the evidence and analysis presented in the body of your work support and validate your thesis.
For example, if your piece began with a question about the importance of environmental conservation, your conclusion should revisit this question, now armed with the insights and arguments developed throughout your study. To justify the study’s relevance and importance, explain its significance by considering the broader implications of your findings or arguments within the context of your field or topic.
Here's how you can do it:
“Our examination of the importance of environmental conservation has underscored its critical role in safeguarding the planet for future generations. From protecting biodiversity to mitigating the impacts of climate change, the need for conservation efforts is more pressing than ever.
By recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and ecosystems, we can work towards a sustainable future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize environmental conservation in our policies, practices, and daily lives to ensure a healthy planet for generations to come.”
Effective summarization is about recapitulating the journey and development of your reasoning. It involves focusing on the main arguments, findings or contributions of your work. Highlight the most important aspects of each section or argument with a few concise sentences. The idea is to provide your readers with a clear overview of the key takeaways without going into the details again.
Imagine you've discussed the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. Here’s a possible way of how to recap the main findings concisely but comprehensively.
“Our research has highlighted the complex relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health. We began by examining the prevalence of social media among adolescents and the potential risks it poses to their well-being. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we identified various factors that influence the impact of social media, including the type of platform used, the frequency and duration of usage, and individual susceptibility factors such as pre-existing mental health conditions.
The analysis of empirical studies revealed both positive and negative effects of social media on adolescent mental health, including increased social connectivity and support, as well as heightened risk of cyberbullying, negative body image, and depression. Furthermore, we discussed the importance of understanding these nuances in order to develop targeted interventions and support systems for adolescents navigating the digital landscape.“
This summary succinctly presents the key points of the study, such as the research focus, main findings, and implications, to provide a comprehensive overview of the research’s contributions.
Providing an outlook in the conclusion involves offering insights into potential future developments or areas of research related to the topic discussed in your work. Thereby you not only demonstrate the ongoing relevance of your research, but also encourage future scholars to continue exploring the topic and build upon or extend your work.
This could be done by discussing future challenges and opportunities that may arise, such as emerging issues, evolving trends, or changing dynamics within the field; highlighting technological advancements or innovations and considering how these developments might influence research, practice, or policy in the field; identifying promising solutions or strategies that could be pursued to address future challenges or capitalize on opportunities, whether it be interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of diverse perspectives, novel approaches, best practices, or lessons learned from past experiences.
In doing so, however, don’t forget that the primary focus should remain on summarizing and concluding your current research. So be concise and avoid getting into detail.
Consider something like this:
“Looking ahead, the future of environmental conservation presents both challenges and opportunities. As we continue to grapple with pressing issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, it is clear that concerted efforts are needed to address these complex problems.
However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Emerging technologies, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture practices, offer promising solutions to reduce our ecological footprint and promote conservation efforts.
Furthermore, interdisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between science, policy, and community engagement will be essential for achieving meaningful progress in environmental conservation. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and collective action, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for both humanity and the planet.“
A powerful ending statement helps leave a lasting impact on the reader, resonating long after they have finished reading your work. Your statement should prompt them to think critically or see things from a different perspective. One effective way to achieve that is using language that evokes strong emotions (e.g. with vivid imagery, compelling metaphors or persuasive rhetoric) in order to elicit empathy, passion, or determination, and combining it with a compelling call to action that encourages the reader to take action or consider the implications of your work in their own lives or in the broader context.
Here’s an example:
“Healthcare is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a basic human right that should be accessible to all. Let us strive for a world where no one is denied care due to financial constraints or systemic inequalities. Together, we can build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.“
Another method is to create urgency by conveying a sense of pressing importance or immediate necessity in order to emphasize what is at stake and motivate readers to act swiftly. There are several means to do that, ranging from strong and assertive words, such as urgent, crucial, time-sensitive, or critical, to explaining the devastating consequences of inaction or delay, invoking emotions such as fear, concern or empathy, to providing compelling evidence or statistics.
“Education is the foundation upon which our society is built, yet millions of children around the world are being left behind due to lack of access to quality education. With each passing day, their futures hang in the balance, as they are denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
The longer we delay action, the wider the gap becomes between those who have access to educational opportunities and those who do not. The urgency of this moment demands bold and decisive action. The future of our world depends on it, and the time to act is now."
Ending in such a strong way not only leaves a lasting impression but also elevates your conclusion from a mere summary to a motivational beacon.
Alternatively, end your text by posing a question that encourages readers to think about the implications of your argument. Such an interactive approach ensures that the impact of your work doesn't end with the last sentence. Instead, it lingers in the minds of your readers, prompting them to think, question, and act. This ongoing engagement with the topic keeps the dialogue alive, making your conclusion a catalyst for continued exploration and discussion.
“In a world increasingly shaped by automation and digitalization, what does it truly mean to be human? How do we reconcile the potential benefits of technological advancement with the ethical and societal challenges it poses?“
Now it's your turn! If you stick to these guidelines, nothing stands in the way of a successful conclusion.
In case you are still struggling, no need to worry. We are here to help you take your writing to the next level.
Knowing how to write a great conclusion is one thing, actually doing it another that comes with certain challenges. Finding the right balance between providing a concise presentation of the key points without simply repeating what has already been said, and ensuring that all important aspects of the argument are addressed can be tricky. Like summaries, conclusions too require the ability to focus on the essential and express complex ideas or concepts in your own words without distorting the meaning. If you lack those crucial skills, you run the risk of ruining the finish of your hard work.
Why take any chances if professional help is just a click away? Make sure your term paper, thesis, essay or article gets the ending it truly deserves.
✔ Editing Service: Polished & Proper – we carefully revise your conclusion to ensure maximum clarity, coherence, and total effectiveness.
✔ Paraphrasing Service: Speak with one voice – we keep the tone in perfect harmony with the rest of your work and guarantee a formal, academic style from start to finish.
Unleash your full potential & write conclusions like bever before!
8 min.
6 min.
Register
Log in
ghostwriting.com - Texts that keep their word©
© EXCELLENT Business LTD. All rights reserved.