Need help figuring out what to write in conclusion? Do you worry that your teacher might lower your grade because of this? In this material, you will learn how to conclude a research paper that will please the teacher and emphasize the advantages of your study.
The conclusion is one of the most critical components of your research paper. Because it sums up the whole assignment and helps to create the final impression of the paper, some readers begin their acquaintance with the text with a short closure. That is why it is worth paying particular attention to writing the conclusion.
How to write a conclusion paragraph, and why is it important?
A research conclusion is a paper discussing what you did and your decisions. Here you need to talk about the research methods, why you chose them, and how important your research is.
These are the main components of a reasonable conclusion statement. Because after reading this information, the reader can decide whether he should study the entire text of your paper. Your research will likely succeed if your findings are exciting and worth attention.
Main points of the good conclusion
There is no universal structure of a conclusion, but some components must be in this part of the paper.
- First, formulate problems and tasks that you have researched. You can talk about what you have studied in other words.
- Methods that were used in the study. Without details, you can just list them.
- Key results that you have received by conducting research.
- Your thoughts and conclusions on the research topic.
- If you received additional conclusions for a research paper unrelated to the study, discuss them in the finale.
Most and foremost, stay short when writing your research conclusion!
How to write a good concluding paragraph: 5 fundamental steps
So, let’s figure out how to write a substantial research conclusion highlighting your paper’s merits.
Step 1: Reread your research.
Refresh everything you wrote. Review what challenges you faced, what paper you did, and what you got. You need all this information when writing a conclusion.
Do not worry that you can repeat some thoughts in your text after reading. Most likely, no one will read the paper in detail, and the conclusions will not completely copy your research.
Step 2: Describe the investigated question.
The good idea is to start a conclusion for a research paper from the main problem. Write why you did the research and what problem you wanted to solve. Write it in different words and with different wording. Choose the one that suits you the most. Your job here is to remind readers why you did the research and what you wanted to achieve.
Step 3: Describe the research methods you used.
To write a scientific conclusion, briefly describe what you did and why. For example, if you just studied literature, write about it; if you did research or some experiments, also tell about it.
Avoid standard phrases, and try to formulate thoughts in your style.
Step 4: Briefly describe the obtained conclusions.
Summarize all the work you have done and what results you got. Then, describe your conclusions and thoughts on this issue, and also tell us what you propose based on the results obtained.
Think about how, in practice, your research paper can affect the problem you are investigating, and write your thoughts on this.
Step 5: Check your research conclusion.
Reread what you wrote and remove the excessive details. Your task is to remain concise and specific. Leave only the critical information. Also, avoid clichés and stock phrases. They add volume to the research paper but are of no use.
Remove all types of typos and errors; remember that many who will read your research paper will form the first impression of the paper from the closure.
After everything is ready, make the research paper conclusion according to your university’s requirements and reread it.
Conclusion writing checklist
Practical conclusions help to focus the research paper reader on the most critical points and show your point of view on the issue again. It is an additional method to show the importance of your research paper.
Therefore, here is a short checklist to write a good conclusion for a research paper.
- In conclusion, the topic of the study and its importance is once again described;
- You recalled the conclusions that you received during the study;
- In conclusion, there are suggestions for further development of the issue;
- There are no errors, typos, or logical inconsistencies in the decision;
- The conclusion is written according to the rules of registration at your university;
- The conclusion impresses the reader and helps to end a research paper;
- In conclusion, there is no new information that you did not mention in the study;
- There are no inspirational words or personal assessments in the text of the conclusion.
If your conclusion meets this checklist, you have done excellent research and can submit the research paper for review.
Different conclusion paragraph formats
Let’s look at the features of conclusions in different research paper design styles.
MLA
The main feature of conclusions in the MLA style is that this part should connect the end of the research paper with the beginning. That is, the reader does not need to reread the entire study to understand what it is about and what ideas are voiced in it. It looks like a summary.
There should be no new ideas. But if you want to add a call to action based on your research, it is best to do it in this paper part.
The number of words in the research essay conclusion should not exceed 10% of the total volume of the article.
APA
The APA conclusion has the same purpose as the previous style: to repeat the main idea of the study and draw a line.
The main goal is that the research paper’s summary should be clear. Instead, each next thought should confirm the previous one and add up to one understandable, logical text.
Between all the conclusion parts of the research paper, there should be a connection that the reader should comprehend.
Chicago
This style does not define special headings or subheadings for pins. Therefore, the conclusion should be even shorter and more straightforward. It usually occupies the last paragraph.
It is essential to pay attention to the fact that there are no new thoughts and ideas in the conclusion, and the last paragraph summarizes the text of the research paper.
ASA
The ASA style also does not provide special headings or subheadings for pins. Instead, they are spread out in the last paragraph and summarize your thoughts. Since the section should be short, you need to formulate the main idea of the study very clearly and briefly.
The paragraph with conclusions should take up about 5% of the total words and should not contain unnecessary or irrelevant information.
AMA
Writing a research paper in the AMA style does not imply special requirements for conclusions. However, it should correspond to the research paper’s topic and give a complete impression of your research. Like in other styles, you can again voice the problem under study, write the main conclusions, and make a call to action based on the data received.
Remember that the conclusions should not contain superfluous words, only the main essence.
Difference between great and bad conclusions
It’s time to discuss the main features of an effective and bad conclusion.
A good conclusion needs to convey the main idea of the research paper. After reading such a conclusion, the reader must want to study the entire investigation or decide that your research was poorly done. It’s up to them.
Besides, you can find new ideas, irrelevant information, and standard words in the bad conclusion. Here is the sample: “In conclusion, I want to say this is an important problem.” Such sentences do not carry any semantic load nor give the reader anything. You don’t need to include in a conclusion paragraph such information.
A good conclusion reminds the reader of the issue being investigated and briefly summarizes the findings. Additionally, the reader knows whether or not to read the whole paper because the conclusion creates a general impression.
Here are some ways to improve your summary:
- Don’t be afraid to use reader dialogue and rhetorical questions. It will bring your paper to life.
- Use vivid images and precise words to convey the message you need accurately.
- Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself with the whole text. You can use other words to repeat the meaning.
- Pay attention to other points of view and counter-arguments, and tell why you disagree with them.
Use these tips to create your strong conclusion!
Research paper conclusion example you can use
Next, you will see an example of a conclusion for a research paper. You can use it as a layout or template for your paper or use it as a good example.
“It is difficult to overestimate the importance of sport for human health. Physical activity helps to maintain a good mood, well-being, cope with stress quickly and stay productive. Also, playing sports affects the number of fat deposits in the body and helps maintain the correct heart rate and health. Scientists have proven that just 45 minutes of physical activity daily reduces the risk of heart attacks by two times, obesity by four times, and diabetes three times. Also, sport positively affects the functioning of the joints and life expectancy. In addition to the positive impact on all aspects of life, it is worthwhile to understand that working with high loads and weight can negatively affect health. Therefore, before engaging in professional sports, it is necessary to undergo a complete medical examination. Despite all the risks, the benefits of regular sports activities are much higher. Moreover, loads can be considered a simple daily walk and targeted fitness classes. In this study, you saw how the amount of physical activity affects the quality of life. So choose the right sport and enjoy it.”
That’s it. Use these tips and secrets whenever you’re obliged to make a conclusion for a research paper!
