5 Most Effective Ways to Conclude a Research Paper

In the realm of research papers, the conclusion serves a dual purpose: summarizing your findings and highlighting their significance. Here's a breakdown of the key elements that make a strong research paper conclusion:

• Reminding the Reader: You'll want to start by briefly reminding the reader of your central research question or thesis statement. This helps refresh their memory and sets the stage for the key takeaways.

• Concise Summary: Next comes a concise summary of the main points you argued throughout your paper. Avoid simply restating everything you've already covered. Focus on the most significant findings and how they support your thesis.

• The Bigger Picture: This is where you elevate your research beyond the specifics. Explain how your findings contribute to your field of study. Are there any real-world implications of your work? This is where you showcase the importance of your research.

• Looking Ahead (Optional): You might also consider suggesting potential areas for future research. This could stem from limitations of your study or unanswered questions that arose during your investigation. It shows a forward-thinking approach and acknowledges the ongoing nature of knowledge discovery.

• Leaving a Lasting Impression: Finally, conclude with a thought or impression that ties back to your research topic. This could be a reiteration of the significance of your findings or a final question to ponder.

Now, let's contrast this with how conclusions function in other writing styles:

• Creative Freedom: In creative writing, the concluding goal might be quite different. The focus may shift towards leaving a lasting emotional impact or prompting the reader to think further. The structure might also be more flexible, allowing for open-endedness to achieve the desired effect.

• Persuasive Power: Persuasive essays, for instance, might prioritize a call to action in the conclusion. Here, the ending would be crafted to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.

The key takeaway is that the strongest conclusion aligns with the overall purpose of your writing. In research papers, it's about emphasizing the impact and value of your findings. For other writing styles, the concluding strategy will adapt to best suit the type of message or response you aim to achieve.