This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer
strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate your
drafted conclusions, and suggest conclusion strategies to avoid.
Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of
papers to write. While the body is often easier to write, it
needs a frame around it. An introduction and conclusion frame
your thoughts and bridge your ideas for the reader. Just as your
introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from
their own lives into the “place” of your analysis, your
conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the
transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will
help them see why all your analysis and information should
matter to them after they put the paper down. Your conclusion is
your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion
allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised
in your paper, to summarize your thoughts, to demonstrate the
importance of your ideas,