Conclusions

Purpose

· Brings writing to a close

· Ties up any loose ends

· Clarifies certain points

· Leaves the reader with a final thought

· Conveys the importance of your message

· Draws final conclusion for the reader

· Infers or states something not previously expressed—this is not to introduce a new idea but to see material from a fresh perspective

Effective Types of Conclusions

· Restate the central idea or purpose

· Refer to something in introduction to come full circle

· Quotation: may be similar to one used in the introduction

· Allusion: refer to a historical or mythological figure or event, putting your topic in a larger framework

· End with a glance at the reader; suggest his or her next move (persuasive)

Don’ts:

· Don’t always summarize

· Don’t introduce a totally new point

· Don’t apologize for your work