As you take on any academic writing task, you always bump into the question of what to write. You decide on what should be covered within this topic and make up an approximate structure for your paper. A small but very important question still remains: how should I arrange the introduction and conclusion of my paper?
For some students, it seems easy to make up a few words to summarize your topic. But a fine conclusion is not exactly a summary. In this article, we will give a few tips on how to end your academic paper in the most appropriate way.
The power of an introduction and conclusion
Though they are short, you should not underestimate the importance of these two sections. You always need a precise and clear introduction, especially if the topic is complex or new to your readers. Conclusions, on the other hand, should not be a paraphrase of what has already been said. This is the part that makes your final point and motivates readers to explore more about your topic. After making a good first impression, it is also important to say a powerful final word on the key takeaways of this essay.
The most common mistakes we make while writing conclusions
To many, writing conclusions seems easy. After all, you do not need to add any new data, argumentation, or analysis in it. But this is a tricky point. As we have already said, a conclusion is not a summary. Here are the most common mistakes we make while writing the final section of an academic paper.
Paraphrasing the thesis statement of your essay
It happens when you do not know what to write. We normally insert a thesis statement before analyzing it in the main part of the paper. It is highly ineffective simply to repeat your point in the concluding chapter.
Summarizing what has been already said
You can provide a summary as a separate kind of paper for readers who have no time to proceed through the argumentation you provide in the paper. But it is not what you need to put in conclusions. Assume that readers do not want a summary, as they have already read the rest of the paper.
Questioning your own opinion
This is one of the worst things to do in your concluding section. You’ve written this essay to persuade readers that your point on this subject matters. Even if you cannot be 100% right with your statement, present its strong points. Tell readers how your study is relevant to them.
Discussing points not mentioned in your essay
Contrary to repeating your statement, you may be tempted to intrigue readers with some things you did not touch upon in your paper. It can be useful as “a prospect for further research,” but again, it is not relevant to your point and its argumentation. So, try to preserve the link with the rest of your paper in your final section.
How to write a conclusion that works
Now you might wonder about the things that make a good ending to your paper. The aim of conclusions is to synthesize your ideas and explain why your point is important. Also, it is your chance to make a positive impression about your topic and motivate readers to explore it further.
Figure out the way your topic is relevant to the reader
If you have written the entire paper on a topic, it must be important to others in some way. In your conclusion, write why people should care about this subject. It can make their lives better or, at least, it may push others to think in a new direction.
Show how your statements correlate with examples
Instead of giving a summary of what you already have, point out how your ideas have evolved due to the findings presented in your paper. Do not delve into details or present any new information. Just explain the contribution you are making with this paper.
Propose a solution to the problem you put in this essay
If you are pointing out a problem in your writing, suggest how you would solve it. Do not complain if something is wrong with your subject. Instead, propose possible ways for improvement. It will immediately add plenty of meaning to your writing.
Mention how your subject can influence a broader area of research
You already know that readers care about the problem you put forward in your essay. Now it is time to show how your subject influences a sphere as a whole. And of course, there is the prospect of further research. Include a few sentences about it into your conclusion.
Instead of an afterword
Now, it’s our turn to say a few final words. Writing a conclusion for an academic paper may be tougher than it seems. Still, you can always create a good final section if you care about your topic. Do not get annoyed, emotional, or too intrigued as you write conclusions. Instead, keep your point strong and be positive about future developments in your subject.
