Coursebook Lesson 7: The Conclusion

Coursebook Lesson 7:

The Conclusion

From: Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper Coursebook by Jill Pavich

Key Terms

Reflection: A thought, idea, or opinion formed after careful consideration of information or experience

Relevant: Directly related to the issue being discussed

Foreshadowing: A literary device in which the writer hints at what is going to happen, so that the reader can predict what is to come

Final conclusion: The final judgement made or insight gained once all the evidence is presented in an essay; it appears at the end

Interim conclusion: A conclusion drawn part of the way through an essay after some (but not all) evidence has been considered; such interim conclusions are not permanent: they may change as more evidence is presented

Forget what you know aBOUT CONCLUSIONS!

Despite the common assumption, in a mature essay the conclusion is much more than a re-statement of your points. Instead, it is an evaluation of the evidence you have presented. The insights you offer demonstrate your ability to think critically.

Critical thinking is a vital skill that MUST be developed! Instead of just parroting back the information already given, you must think about it and share what it means with your reader.

Key features of a conclusion

A good conclusion:

• Signals the end of the essay
• Restates your thesis
• Draws conclusions about the issue based on the evidence you presented
• Offers fresh new ideas, insights, or alternate ways of thinking as a result of the input you shared

A strong conclusion might also:

• Consider implications and consequences of accepting or denying your position
• Offer solutions and/or make value-based judgements when appropriate

TIP!

While it is acceptable to use transitions like “in conclusion” or “to summarize,” I would advise AGAINST IT!The examiners are SICK of those and there are other, more subtle ways to signal closure in the final paragraph of your essay. Try experimenting with the following alternatives:

• Clearly... - The evidence seems to suggest...
• Evidently... - After considering the evidence...
• Apparently... - A closer look reveals...
• Therefore... - After examining the issue...
• It appears that... - When both sides are debated...