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Conclusions

What are the main functions of conclusions?: Conclusions have to be consistent with the rest of the essay. The two main functions of a conclusion are to summarize the main points or theme of the essay and to make observations, predictions and/or recommendations.
What information should a conclusion contain?: A conclusion may contain a restatement of the main information in the body of the essay. However, it should not contain new information.
Is your attitude towards, or position on the theme of the essay restated or stated for the first time in the conclusion?: At some point, in most essays, you will be required to state your own attitude or position towards the topic. Most academic essays are argumentative in character, requiring you to take a position and defend it with evidence. Sometimes, you will want to state your position at the outset. At other times, you will want to weigh the evidence, and only reveal your position in the conclusion of the essay.