Review your conclusion

Conclusions must not just summarise your work. They must provide some change or action that shows a result of reading your essay. Which of the above conclusion is the best? Why? Review it critically using the questions below as a guide.

1. Is there a clear relationship between your examples and your conclusion?
2. Are the main points summarized in a logical and coherent way?
3. Have you referred to the introduction and shown how you have answered the concerns or questions you have raised?
4. Is it appropriate to mention further work or research that needs to be done?
5. Do you need to emphasize that your conclusions have conditions?
6. Have you avoided introducing new material?
7. Are your recommendations based on your arguments?
8. Does your conclusion restate your position, or state it for the first time?

Task: Examine an essay that you wrote recently. What has been your position? Where (if anywhere) have you stated your position? Would the essay be more powerful if the position were stated at the end?