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University of Lynchburg

/ Academics / Alton L. Wilmer Writing Center / Wilmer Writing Center Online Writing Lab / Drafting a Document / Conclusions

Conclusions

Often the most difficult aspect of a paper, crafting a conclusion is crucial for closing out any form of writing assignment.

Conclusions look different depending on the genre of work. Here are some examples:

Argumentative Essay

Call to action/warrant, summary of argument

  • Don’t be too repetitive! It’s not enough to simply restate what you already said.
Humanities Essay

Summary

  • As in an argumentative conclusion, be sure that you do not simply restate facts already discussed in the body of the essay.
Scientific/Research Paper

Discussion, “So what?” statement

  • Discussions often consist of writing about why research findings are relevant and what they mean for a certain population.
  • “So what?” prompts the writer to think more critically about why findings are important, and it drives them to find implications for their research and to write about what else could be done in future studies.
Literary Analysis

“So what?” statement, important quote from the work being analyzed

  • Like a research discussion, the “So what?” statement here prompts the writer to explain why their analysis is important and why it is relevant.
  • When integrating a quote into a conclusion, it is crucial that one does not bring in any new source material or information. Quotes are acceptable as long as they pertain to a work already discussed in the body of the essay.
  • The quote should tie things together, almost like a summary, but with a certain profoundness that gives the conclusion meaning.

Things to Focus on:

  • A summary can be helpful, but don’t overdo it. Focus more on synthesis than summary (UNC)
  • Creativity! Put a spark of ingenuity into a conclusion, focusing on broader implications.
  • Draw ideas from the introduction. If you can introduce a subject well, starting broadly and moving toward specificity, you are also capable of doing the opposite leading into a conclusion.

Works cited:

  • “Conclusions.” The Writing Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 15 Mar. 2021. Accessed 1 April 2021.