A good conclusion in a piece of writing, whether it's an essay, research paper, or any other form of written work, should effectively wrap up the main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some key characteristics of a good conclusion:
Restate the Thesis: Summarize the main argument or thesis statement of your paper in a concise and clear manner. This reminds the reader of the central point of your work.
Summarize Key Points: Briefly recap the key points or arguments you've made throughout your paper. Don't introduce new information or ideas in the conclusion.
Emphasize the Significance: Explain why your topic and the arguments you've presented matter. What is the broader significance or implications of your work? Why should the reader care?
Provide Closure: Conclusions should give the reader a sense of closure, signaling that the discussion is coming to an end. This can be done by using phrases like "In conclusion" or "To sum up."
Avoid Repetition: While you should restate key points, avoid simply repeating what you've already said in the body of the paper. Instead, rephrase and synthesize the information.
Offer a Call to Action or Reflection: Depending on the type of paper, you might suggest a course of action, pose a thought-provoking question, or encourage the reader to think further about the topic.
Avoid Introducing New Information: Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or evidence. Stick to the information presented earlier in your paper.
Keep it Concise: Conclusions should be relatively short and to the point. Avoid unnecessary verbosity or adding information that doesn't contribute to the conclusion's purpose.
Use a Strong Closing Statement: End with a powerful, memorable sentence that leaves a strong impression on the reader. This final sentence should reinforce your main message.
Remember that the quality of your conclusion can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of your writing. It's the last opportunity to leave a strong impression and convey the significance of your work to the reader.