Small groups of students are supplied with a short research essay without a conclusion [using an abridged version of a student’s essay from a previous semester]. They read the essay and then write a conclusion that effectively summarizes the main points, restates the thesis, and reflects on the significance of the research. Each group might be given the same essay to see how different groups write the conclusion for it, or each group could be given a different essay. 

Small groups of students can be given a sample conclusion from a previous student essay which only summarizes the essay’s thesis and main points. Students have to use that information to brainstorm and do some online research to create short podcasts where they discuss the real-world implications of the essay’s argument. 

Alternative to the podcast activity above. Students use the information in the sample conclusion to explore the research impact and create an infographic that visually represents the main findings of the research and its broader real-world implications. 

To encourage forward-thinking and scholarly engagement, students can work in pairs to help each other brainstorm about how they can conclude their research essays by proposing potential areas for future research related to the topic. They should explain why these areas are important and how they might extend the current findings.