A conclusion is an idea reached after analyzing a series of data or circumstances. It is generally the result of several previous steps or stages, since the conclusion arises from reasoning whose validity is derived from what has been previously stated.
In philosophy, syllogisms are a form of deductive logical reasoning consisting of two premises and a conclusion that follows from them. For example:
- 1st premise: All men are mortal.
- 2nd premise: Socrates is a man.
- Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.
In addition to being part of logic , conclusions often appear in research, arguments , studies, and dissertations. In these genres, the objective is to establish something as true, valid, or possible through the development of reasoning. Therefore, a conclusion must be consistent with the premises that support it or with the information previously presented.
Remember :Expository texts ( such as theses, monographs , and research papers) usually have the following structure:
- Introduction. This is the presentation of the topic.
- Development. It is the clear and orderly presentation of all relevant information about the topic.
- Conclusion. This concludes the text.
- See also: Phrases to begin a conclusion
Characteristics of a conclusion
Conclusions can be written or oral, depending on the topic being discussed. Some of their characteristics are:
- Validity. A conclusion must show how it is arrived at, that is, how the final reasoning follows from the premises or from what was previously argued.
- Constructive elaboration. A conclusion should be a personal construction, that is, your own thought that follows from what has been stated, and not a mere summary of what has been said previously.
- Brevity. A conclusion can vary in length, depending on the topic addressed. Oral conclusions are usually brief, while written conclusions can run to several pages. However, it’s important to be as concise as possible and express your ideas directly and clearly.
- Relevance. It’s recommended that the information in a conclusion be key to the topic, meaning digressions and ideas that aren’t central to the argument should be avoided.
How do you write the conclusion of an essay?
The way you write a conclusion will depend on the genre, the topic, the context, and other factors. However, in general terms, the following recommendations can be followed when writing a conclusion to a research paper:
- Review and synthesis. First, it’s a good idea to review what was previously presented and summarize the main ideas presented; that is, return to the premises used as a basis. This will help establish how the conclusion logically follows from the discussion. It’s important to avoid redundancy, so when returning to previous ideas, it’s important to do so in a new and distinct way, explaining rather than repeating.
- Return to the initial problem. Based on the above summary, we can return to the initial approach made in the introduction regarding the problem identified or the general hypothesis of the work, to verify whether the proposed objectives have been achieved. In this way, we reemphasize the main idea we are seeking to support, and we can also analyze what new knowledge or ideas the research contributes.
- Scope and final reflections. To conclude, you can offer a review of the text’s relevance, scope, and limitations, and then suggest possible avenues for further exploration of the topic in the future. You can also offer general final reflections on the topic addressed.
Please note: Conclusions are often introduced by specific phrases or characteristic expressions. For example: therefore, then, subsequently, consequently, in conclusion, hence.
Examples of conclusions
- Conclusion of an essay on freedom of the press
Based on the above, we can conclude that in various regions of Latin America, press freedom is being threatened by media conglomerates, which monopolize information and transmit it in a biased manner to influence public opinion in favor of their own interests and those of the large economic and political groups they represent. In light of this, we consider it imperative to establish state policies that favor the diversity of voices and prevent the concentration of mass media in a few hands, since this irreparably damages pluralism, culture, and democracy in general.
- Conclusion of a study on gender equality in sport
Based on what has been presented so far, it is clear that progress towards gender equality in sports has been considerable over the last ten years, but there is still a long way to go. Therefore, it is essential that different political sectors continue to promote and support women’s sports. But not only that: it is essential that educational policies aim to dismantle the gender stereotypes that, well into the 21st century, continue to weigh on different population groups. It is time for the gender and diversity perspective to become a central element in all areas of society, so that we can achieve real and lasting equality of opportunity.
- Conclusion of a research paper on vaccines
Based on the data presented, it is concluded that the new vaccines are effective and safe, and that the risk of side effects remains much lower than that of contracting the disease. Therefore, it is essential to continue vaccination campaigns and raise public awareness about their importance.
- Conclusion of a research paper on virtual education
From all the information presented in this research, it is clear that virtual education has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before implementing it at any educational level or setting. While distance learning can present problems and shortcomings for young children, for adolescents and adults, virtual learning is a tool that can complement (and in some cases replace) in-person learning in terms of content delivery. For future work, the question remains as to whether the sociability affected by this type of education can be remedied by implementing complementary activities that involve face-to-face interaction between participants.
- Conclusion of a survey on the use of social networks
Based on the survey data, we can conclude that social media can offer many tools and benefits to those who use them, but this is only true when users leverage them properly and use them with moderation and awareness. Related to this, the survey results showed that when social media usage exceeds the recommended time, this backfires on users, creating a dependency that ultimately leads to suffering.
- Conclusion of a campaign for environmental care
In conclusion, we can affirm that the environmental issue concerns us all and is urgent. There are a wide variety of actions that can be taken to protect the planet, both individually and collectively, both privately and publicly. That is why we invite all those who wish to join the “Let’s take care of the planet now” campaign.
- Conclusion of a company’s annual balance sheet
In conclusion, we can note that sales have increased considerably, due to the new policies implemented by the company, as described above. It is essential to continue along this path next year and intensify advertising campaigns for all of the brand’s products in order to sustain this level of growth.
- Conclusion of a school report
Considering the student’s performance throughout the entire academic year, it is concluded that the student has met the proposed objectives and acquired the knowledge necessary to pass the year. Thus, the student is promoted to the next grade.
- Legal conclusion
Every national law should comply with internationally accepted laws. Thus, laws protecting children’s rights must be respected by all nations. In conclusion, all national and provincial laws must explicitly contain these provisions and must not contain other laws that conflict with them.
