How to Write a Conclusion

Style Tips for Academic Essay Summaries

Jan 16, 2009 Rachael Scott

The structure and style of the concluding paragraph of an academic essay present a challenge to many young writers.

Often students are told to restate the thesis and the main points presented in their essay. Should they re-write the first paragraph minus the hook? That is absolutely preposterous.

Some may argue that the summary is not the place to introduce new ideas. On the contrary, why would anyone bother reading a simple summary of what they just read? Does the writer presume them to be unintelligent? If the concluding paragraph offers no new insights there is no reason to read it.

Good conclusions are not simple summaries. They are the final flourish that pushes readers to gather up all the knowledge they have just absorbed and take it to the next level of understanding.

“So What?”

The So What conclusion is used by writers to summarize the main points and expand the central idea or thesis. From the reader’s perspective the question is “So what? Why are you telling me this? What great relevance does this have for my life or society or within the scope of history?”

A writer may use a So What conclusion for most any essay. Rather than restating the thesis and substantiating points, pose them as a question. What does it mean that… ? Then provide a profound new insight into the motives

“What If?”

The What If conclusion allows writers to play devil’s advocate. It turns readers on their heads. Of course, the summary of the central idea and thesis is presented, but with a dark twist. The writer introduces a new concept or a new question that challenges the reader to decide whether or not to accept the ideas presented in the essay. Basically, the writer asks, What if these assumptions are all wrong?

What If conclusions are not often used in persuasive essays but as literary or philosophical devices. Sometimes the outcome of the reader’s decision is not the critical point. Sometimes the point is just to make them believe and then doubt those beliefs.

“Now What?”

The Now What conclusion is used in most academic scientific papers in place of summaries because again, rote summaries are useless. After following the scientific method, researchers propose the next step. Try using phrases like More studies need to be done to understand…

Now What is powerful. It can move people beyond belief into action. When change is needed, there must be suggestions for how to start. Writers fail if they present ideas that stir desire to act, but present no first step into action.

Conclusion

So what does it matter if you turn in a paper with an amazing conclusion instead of a simple summary? Will your professor care of even notice? What if regurgitated summaries are all that people want and expect? It surely is enough to get by. Then again, what if no one expects more from you because they have no idea what you are capable of thinking or writing? Now what if instead of satisfying expectations you choose to raise the bar for yourself and everybody else? It means that in the world of words you are a super star.

Sources

Thanks to Susan Bauska, my high school English teacher at Annie Wright. She taught me how to write essays.

The copyright of the article How to Write a Conclusion in Academic Writing is owned by Rachael Scott. Permission to republish How to Write a Conclusion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Writing Conclusions