Conclusions

1

• Conclusions
• Sustain the readers interest by using the
  conclusion to extend, not just repeat the
  argument.

2

• Functions of the concluding paragraph
• To make one last effort to convince the reader.
• To suggest larger implications now that the
  evidence has been presented.
• To provide a sense of closure

3

• Strategies for writing effective conclusions
• Indicate how you main point fits into the larger
  context.
• Explain the implications of your research and
  interpretations.
• Make recommendations for future research.

4

• Poor conclusions
• The unnecessary summary (only lengthy, complex
  papers need this).
• The empty cliche So ends the analysis of .
• The unnecessary announcement And in conclusion,
  .
• The trite truism And as for the future, only
  time will tell.
• The fade-out Researchers have so much more to
  do in this area.
• The wild surmise From this we see the utter
  futility of trying to help another person.
• The mirror image (most common problem) merely
  repeats the thesis and summarizes the main
  points.

5

• Leave a memorable impression
• Say something that will continue to simmer in
  the readers minds long after he or she has put
  down your essay. To leave this memorable
  impression, try . . .
• giving a thought-provoking quotation
• describing a powerful image
• talking about consequences or implications
• stating what action needs to be done
• ending on an interesting twist of thought
• explaining why the topic is important

6

• Example conclusion
• Above all, teachers need to inform themselves
  and the rest of the school community so that
  together they can develop a policy to discourage
  bullying. By educating themselves about bullying,
  teachers and parents have the knowledge to set up
  effective programmes and structures both within
  the classroom and for the whole school.
  Furthermore, by removing the opportunity for
  children to bully, providing children with a
  stimulating environment, and giving them the
  tools to deal with conflict appropriately,
  teachers can reduce children's inclination to
  bully. Although bullying will never be fully
  eradicated and must be dealt with as soon as it
  occurs, increasing awareness of the problem is
  making schools a safer and more enjoyable
  environment in which children can learn.