Conclusions

• Conclusions are often the most neglected part of an essay. Many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper. Understanding how to finish strong is essential and this presentation should help you complete great conclusions that tie your whole essay together.

• Let's face it- by the time we get to writing the conclusion for our paper, we're exhausted! Oftentimes, we simply, "restate the thesis" and summarize what we've already said. In this presentation, you'll learn why doing that alone, isn't enough and examine techniques designed to foster better conclusion writing. Your conclusion should do a minimum of the first four things, and ideally at least one or the last three:

1) Restate your thesis

2) Answer the “So What” Question

3) Return to the themes of the introduction?

4) Synthesize, NOT Summarize the information presented in the body paragraphs

5) Pose a question to push the reader to learn more?

6) Present a conclusive answer

7) Point to the broader implications of your subject matter.

• For those who prefer to read the slides and presentation transcript, click HERE to see the original powerpoint and notes.

• See below a template to help you develop your strong conclusions.