Conclude Like a Pro: Crafting Impactful Endings

What is the main purpose of a conclusion in a research essay?

• To summarize the thesis for readers who forgot it

• To introduce new evidence for future consideration

• To consolidate the argument and place it within scholarly discussion

• To add personal opinions and anecdotes

The conclusion should restate the thesis exactly as it was presented in the introduction.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Why is it problematic to introduce new evidence in the conclusion?

• It could confuse the reader and weaken the argument

• It makes the conclusion more complex and interesting

• It helps strengthen the argument at the last minute

• It’s expected in most academic writing

Which of the following is NOT an effective strategy for concluding an essay?

• Re-analyzing an earlier quotation

• Issuing a call to action based on the third storey of your thesis

• Compactly stating your final argument

• Ending with a rhetorical question that introduces new issues

A conclusion should avoid simply __________ earlier sections but should synthesize the argument's key points.

According to the "5Cs Conclusion Formula," what does the "Close the Loop" step involve?

• Introducing a new question for readers to consider

• Summarizing the main points again

• Adding more scholarly sources

• Referring back to the introduction to bring the argument full circle

Which strategy helps connect your conclusion to broader scholarly discussions?

• Re-analyzing a quote from a scholar that was introduced earlier

• Summarizing all of your body paragraphs again

• Introducing new statistics at the end

• Ending with an unrelated personal story

Which of these is an example of a weak concluding strategy?

• Answering the broader question posed by the third storey of your thesis

• Reanalyzing an earlier quote to emphasize scholarly engagement

• Compactly stating your refined argument

• Introducing a new idea in one sentence and then ending the essay

Which of the following strategies can effectively conclude a research essay?

• Present a relevant statistic to highlight the argument's broader significance

• Ask a rhetorical question about future research directions

• Introduce new counterarguments

• Avoid summarizing or concluding the argument altogether

It’s acceptable to end an academic essay on an un-analyzed quote if it’s compelling.

• TRUE

• FALSE