Conclusion: DOs and DONTs

When its time to write your conclusion, there are a few things you need to
remember so you dont end up omitting valuable information or adding
information previously unmentioned or irrelevant.

DOs
a. Give the reader the feeling that the discussion has been brought to a
b.
c.
d.
e.

definite end.
Give the reader a final impression of what you think should happen next.
Restate, perhaps, the thesis in a different form for emphasis.
Mention the causes, effects, and solutions briefly but effectively.
Here are some ways you can end your essay:
i.

Write a summary of the main points.

ii.

Make a final generalization.

iii.

Give a direct answer (solution) or an indication that there is no pat

answer (solution)

iv.

Make a final inference or suggestion.

v.

Include a thought-provoking question or quotation.

vi.

Call for action or offer a challenge.

vii.

Provide a forecast.

viii.

Write a relevant analogy, anecdote, or incident

ix.

Include a striking example.

DONTs

Perhaps equally important to the things you should do are the things you should
NOT do. If you dont follow the tips, your paper may suffer as your conclusion may
be too weak and render some your ideas invalid.
a. Do NOT include ideas not mentioned previously in your essay.
b. Do NOT rewrite your thesis statement. Paraphrase it.
c. Do NOT have such starts: I strongly believe , I personally think Remember
the tips included in the video about writing an effective conclusion. Your essay is
NOT about what you think; rather, its about presenting convincing facts.
d. Do NOT summarize your essay. What you write should imply what you think. The
message should be embedded in your conclusion.
e. Finally, do NOT leave loose ends.