Essay Conclusion

Peace, ho! I bar confusion.

‘ Tis I must make conclusion

Of these most strange events.

(As You Like It 5.4.124-6)

Think of your introduction and conclusion as a unit.   The end mirrors the beginning.   This may sound familiar, may seem like we’re asking you to summarize your essay or restate your introduction, but a strong paper ends with something that is almost the opposite of that sort of   technique.  

Your Introduction:
1. Common Ground
2. Problem
3. Point: gist of the solution to the problem

Your Conclusion:
3. Point: gist of the solution to the problem
2. Remaining Ignorance
1. Further Research or Analysis

Your introduction ends with the gist of your solution (point).   Your conclusion can begin with your main point restated in language more specific than the point in the introduction.

• Your introduction offers a problem to be solved, something that isn’t known.   Your conclusion can discuss why it’s important that you solved that problem.
• Your introduction begins with an accepted opinion, common knowledge, or a statement of previous research or understanding of an issue.   Your conclusion can end by pointing to what questions might still be asked, what might become the topic of further research.