When asked about the conclusion of research paper, most students will say that it is insignificant. Why? “Because it is at the bottom. Who will have the time for it?” Or worse still, “provided my intro and body are okay, the conclusion doesn’t matter.”
However, this should not be the case. Concluding a research paper is as important as starting it. In a moment, we will see why this is the case. So, journey with me as we embark on this thrilling adventure!
What is a Research Paper Conclusion?
A conclusion is the last part of your essay or college paper showing the end or results of your deliberations. In other words, the conclusion paragraph is a summation of your arguments after presenting your case.
It serves the following purposes:
- Restates the thesis statement
- Acts as a take-home for your reader
- A reminder and reiteration of the main points
- Gives your paper a formal ending rather than an awkward one
The list is not exhaustive, but from the numerous research paper conclusions examples, one can realize how essential this part is for your paper. When a person reads your conclusion and no other part, he should find a kind of abridged version of the entire article with ease.
What to Avoid in the Conclusion of a Research Paper
Just like any other part of a paper, a conclusion has its commandments. Breaking them would amount to severe repercussions, you wouldn’t want that, don’t you? Now, let’s have a look at these plagues that you should keep off from:
- Clichés
- Repeating your thesis word for word
- Concluding with minor points
- Introducing new information
- Undermining yourself
- Having a boring summary
Do not turn off your readers with boring words such as; “in conclusion,” “as I finish,” and many others. They would only but make your paper look bland.
Instead of this, showcase your paraphrasing prowess here.
Who knocks out an opponent with a weak left-hand punch? Finish off with a banger!
It will destruct your readers and the general flow of your research paper.
Phrases such as “I think,” “I may not be an expert, but,” and “I fell” make your reader doubt all that you have said.
Reiterate your main ideas with a thought-provoking conclusion, not repetitions.
Now let’s see how to strategize and present your conclusion professionally.
How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper
A research paper conclusion requires that you have several skills to craft it effectively. It is important to note that other crucial parts lead us to the outcome. These parts include:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Results and Discussion
- Conclusion
- Bibliography or references
For you to arrive at a killer concluding paragraph, you need to craft the parts preceding it very well. If the introduction, methodology, results and discussion are not at par, then your last paragraph is as good as dead.
Make sure that your:
- The abstract is clear and to the point
- The introduction is a hook to your readers
- The methodology is easy to follow
- Results and discussions are interpretive and expansive
Only then can you be sure of a top-rated conclusion that will leave you the reader (instructor) envious of your paper. The best outcome is a result of the best intro and body. They have a mutual relationship such that eliminating one would be a death sentence to the other.
Let’s look at how to start a conclusion for a research paper:
- Briefly restate the topic
- Rephrase the thesis statement
- Summarize your main points in brief
- A call to action where appropriate.
It should be short (one sentence at most) with an explanation of why it is essential. If you were writing on a topic like the effects of COVID-19, this is how to do it:
“COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory syndrome with devastating effects across a wide spectrum.”
Do not make it too similar to the original one stated. A research paper conclusion example of a thesis restatement would be:
“Following its ravaging spree, the disease has brought forth physical, psychological, economic, and social impacts.”
Give your reader a recap of your arguments in the body paragraphs without introducing anything new. For example:
“Physically, the disease has left some paralyzed. Many patients have also had to deal with stigmatization while most countries have gone into economic recession.”
In our last bit of this segment, we look at how to close a research paper (after implementing the three points discussed above):
Once you’re through, urge your reader to do something. In our case, we can say:
“Since there is no vaccine to this virus yet, it is important to prevent and reduce the risk of infection. Remember, you can get it, I can get it. So, let’s all play our parts diligently.”
However, note that not all research papers should have a call to action, such as literary criticism.
Conclusion Paragraph Example for Research Paper
Use this sample for your inspiration on how to write a research paper conclusion that will guarantee you an “A.”
“Teenage pregnancies are on the rise like bush fire. As a result of this, the society is having more and more young parents every day. The sad state of affairs has contributed to school dropouts and rampant cases of abortions. We all have a responsibility in turning this around, it can be done!”
Remember the golden rule; short is sweet. Ensure that your sentences are brief yet carrying the intended message.
Now, this is important: The research paper conclusion should send off your reader in style. Let him/her go away saying to himself, “how I wish I wrote like this person.”
Conclusion Transitions For Research Papers
As we take our final bow on this subject, here are some transitions hand-picked by our experts to get you going. You won’t find these top-level tricks anywhere else:
- We can see
- It is clear
- As the research has demonstrated
- To review
- Taking everything into account
- To put it all together
- To wrap it all up
You must be eager to see how I conclude this post too. Well, to quench your curiosity, scroll down.
A research paper conclusion is no doubt a hidden gold mine. Putting into consideration the deliberations above, you can be able to explore this treasure and reap big! Go ahead and try them out. It will amaze you how much your instructor will award you.
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