The conclusion is the final part of your Extended Essay and the moment where you directly and confidently answer your Research Question. It is not a summary of the essay and it is not the place to introduce new evidence.
Ask Yourself: “If the examiner only read my conclusion, would they understand the full argument and its significance?”
What a Conclusion Must Do
Directly Answer the Research Question
This is the single most important element. A high scoring conclusion does not:
repeat the question
hint at the answer
summarize the essay
It clearly states states the answer in one or two precise sentences.
Example: Overall, the evidence shows that...
Justify your answer using the strongest evidence
Briefly show why your answer is well supported. This is not new analysis. You simply bring together the key insights that make your answer convincing.
Acknowledge Limitations
Every investigation has limits. You may consider:
sample size
case study narrowness
lack of available data
methdological constraints
theoretical limits
This show maturity and earns marks for Criterion D.
Example: Although the investigation is limited by...the evidence is stikll sufficient to...
Explain the Signficance of your Findings
Significance might include:
contribution to understanding a text
implications for a theory
relevance to a real world issue
insight into a cultural, political, or scientific question
Avoid All New Evidence
If it was not analyzed earlier in the essay, it cannot appear in the conclusion. No new quotes, no new data, no new examples.
What a Conlusion Should NOT Do:
introduce new evidence
re-tell the essay
list every point again
change the RQ
make claims not supported in the body
include emotional or persuasive language
A Clear Three-Part Structure Students Can Follow:
Answer the RQ: Provide a clear, evidence-based answer
Comment on the qualityof the answer: Explain how strong it is and acknowledge limitations.
State the Significance: Explain why your findings matter.
Conclusion Example from Global Politics: This investigation concludes that framing strategies had a measurable influence on public support for immigration policy. This is supported by the consistency between linguistic choices in political speeches and shifts in opinion poll data. Although the study is limited to two parties and one national context, the evidence remains strong enough to show that political framing shapes how citizens interpret policy debates. This finding contributes to broader discussions about democratic communication and political persuasion.