Which Is Not Part Of A Conclusion Paragraph

What Doesn't Belong in Your Conclusion Paragraph? A Comprehensive Guide

A strong conclusion paragraph is the final flourish of your essay, research paper, or any written piece. It's your last chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader, reinforcing your main points and solidifying your argument. However, a common mistake is including elements that detract from its power and impact. This comprehensive guide will explore what definitively does not belong in a conclusion paragraph, equipping you to write a conclusion that resonates with clarity and force.

Beyond the Summary: What to Avoid in Your Conclusion

The conclusion isn't merely a rehash of your introduction or a summary of your body paragraphs. It's an opportunity to synthesize your ideas, offer a final perspective, and leave your reader with a lingering thought. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Introducing New Information or Arguments

One of the cardinal sins of conclusion writing is introducing entirely new information or arguments. Your conclusion should focus on wrapping up existing points, not presenting fresh ones. Introducing new material at this stage confuses the reader, undermining the sense of completion and leaving them with unanswered questions. Remember, the conclusion is for synthesizing, not adding.

Example of what NOT to do:

"In conclusion, the evidence supports the impact of social media on teenagers. However, a new study suggests that the effects might be even more significant than previously thought, pointing to a correlation between social media usage and increased instances of sleepwalking."

The underlined portion introduces a completely new piece of research, disrupting the flow and undermining the sense of closure.

2. Overly Long or Rambling Conclusions

Brevity is key in a conclusion. While you need sufficient space to effectively summarize and synthesize, a long, rambling conclusion dilutes its impact. A concise and focused conclusion leaves a lasting impression; a lengthy one can bore and confuse the reader. Aim for a conclusion that is proportionate to the length of your paper – typically shorter than the introduction.

How to avoid this:

• Use strong topic sentences: Each paragraph in your conclusion should have a clear topic sentence leading into the point.
• Be direct and to the point: Avoid unnecessary details or tangents.
• Edit ruthlessly: Remove any unnecessary words or phrases that don't contribute to the overall message.

3. Apologizing or Downplaying Your Argument

Avoid phrases like "I may be wrong," "This is just my opinion," or "I'm not sure if this is entirely accurate." Such expressions weaken your argument and undermine your authority. You've presented your evidence; now stand by your conclusions with confidence.

Instead of:

"In conclusion, while I tried my best, I may be wrong about the connection between climate change and rising sea levels."

Try:

"In conclusion, the overwhelming evidence strongly suggests a significant link between climate change and rising sea levels, highlighting the urgent need for global action."

4. Repeating the Introduction Word-for-Word

While your conclusion should connect back to your introduction, avoid simply restating the introductory paragraph verbatim. This demonstrates a lack of originality and analytical depth. Instead, synthesize your findings and show how your argument has progressed and evolved throughout the paper.

Instead of:

"In conclusion, just like I stated in the introduction, climate change poses a significant threat to our planet."

Try:

"In conclusion, the analysis of [specific evidence] presented in this paper has reinforced the significant and multifaceted threat posed by climate change, underscoring the urgency for global action and innovative solutions."

5. Introducing Irrelevant Anecdotes or Examples

Your conclusion should focus on synthesizing your main points, not introducing new anecdotes or examples. These additions will only distract the reader and detract from the overall coherence of your argument.

6. Making Unjustified Claims or Predictions

While your conclusion can offer insights and perspectives, avoid making claims that are not supported by the evidence presented in your paper. Similarly, avoid speculative predictions that are not grounded in your analysis. Stick to what you've established.

7. Using Weak or Vague Language

Avoid weak phrases such as "It seems," "It might be," or "I think." Use strong, assertive language that reflects your confidence in your conclusions. Precise and confident language enhances your credibility and strengthens your overall message.

8. Ending with a Simple Summary of the Main Points

Summarizing main points is important, but don't let it be the only thing your conclusion does. A simple summary lacks impact and doesn't offer a satisfying sense of closure. Develop a synthesis of your points and provide a concluding thought that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

9. Using Clichéd or Overused Phrases

Avoid clichés such as "In closing," "To sum up," or "In a nutshell." These phrases are overused and lack originality. Instead, strive for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach.

10. Focusing on Minor Details

Don't get bogged down in minor details or insignificant aspects of your argument in the conclusion. Concentrate on the overarching themes and significant findings. This will prevent the conclusion from feeling disorganized or unfocused.

Crafting a Powerful Conclusion: Best Practices

Now that we've explored what to avoid, let's delve into how to craft a compelling and effective conclusion:

1. Restate Your Thesis (But Don't Simply Repeat It)

Your conclusion should revisit your thesis statement, but not by simply repeating it word-for-word. Instead, restate it in a more sophisticated and nuanced way, reflecting the insights and arguments you have developed throughout your paper.

2. Synthesize Your Main Points

Briefly summarize your main points, demonstrating how they support your overall thesis. This synthesis should be concise and avoid simply listing each point individually. Connect the points to create a cohesive and logical narrative.

3. Offer a Final Thought or Perspective

Your conclusion should offer a final thought that leaves the reader with something to ponder. This could be a reflection on the implications of your findings, a suggestion for future research, or a broader perspective on the topic.

4. Leave a Lasting Impression

Aim to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Your conclusion should be memorable and thought-provoking, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the topic.

5. Maintain a Consistent Tone and Style

Ensure your conclusion maintains the same tone and style as the rest of your paper. Consistency in tone and style creates a cohesive and professional piece of writing.

Conclusion: The Power of a Well-Written Ending

A well-crafted conclusion is more than just a summary; it's the final statement of your argument, a lasting impression you leave on your reader. By avoiding the pitfalls outlined above and focusing on the best practices, you can create a conclusion that is both powerful and effective, solidifying your argument and enhancing the overall impact of your work. Remember, your conclusion is the final opportunity to persuade, inform, and engage your audience—make it count!