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| A conclusion should: | |||
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1•
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Reaffirm your thesis statement; | ||
| Summarize what your essay argues or sets out to demonstrate. However, don't simply repeat things that were in the paper; they've read it. Rather, prove that your points are legitimate by fitting them together. | |||
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2•
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Give the essay a sense of completeness; | ||
| Echo the introduction. In other words, direct the reader to the introduction by bringing your idea full circle. This technique allows you to really drive your point home. | |||
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3•
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Leave a final impression on the reader; | ||
| By demonstrating how your ideas word together you can create a new meaning. However, you don't have to present new information - explain what binds or unifies your ideas, mainly describe how they are related. | |||
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| How can I accomplish these three tasks? | |||
| Answer the questions "So What" and "Who Cares" | |||
| It sounds ridiculous but it works. By answering these questions, you will approach your conclusion more effectively. Not only do these questions allow you to brainstorm and organize your thoughts, their answers provide the information that a conclusion demands. Asking "So what?" allows you to explain the significance of your paper - it stresses the importance of your thesis. The response to "Who cares" allows you to apply your paper to a general audience and think inductively - that is, go from specific examples to a general statement (just like in your thesis!). | |||