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Many students spend hours researching and writing their assignments, yet rush through the conclusion in the last few minutes. This is a costly mistake. A conclusion is not just a formality—it is the final impression your examiner takes away from your work. In fact, conclusions are often the most skipped section by students but the most judged by professors.
I regularly hear students ask, “What am I supposed to write in a conclusion?” or “Should I just repeat my introduction?” These questions are valid because writing a conclusion feels confusing when there is no fixed formula. Different subjects, arguments, and academic levels demand different endings.
In this guide, I explain what a conclusion should include, what it must avoid, and how top universities expect students to end their assignments. You will also find clear examples and practical strategies you can apply immediately. And if you ever feel stuck or short on time, professional academic support—such as a reliable do my assignment service—can help you submit polished work without unnecessary stress.
A conclusion does more than simply end your assignment. It serves several important academic purposes.
First, a conclusion provides closure. It signals to the reader that your discussion has reached a meaningful end. Without a proper conclusion, even a well-written assignment can feel incomplete.
Second, it reinforces your main argument. You are not repeating your thesis word for word, but reminding the reader what you have demonstrated and why it matters.
Third, a conclusion shapes the reader’s final impression. Many instructors remember the conclusion more clearly than the middle sections. A strong ending can raise the perceived quality of your entire assignment.
Conclusions also vary across disciplines. In STEM subjects, conclusions often focus on results, limitations, and future research. In humanities and social sciences, conclusions may explore interpretation, implications, or broader meaning. Understanding these differences helps you meet academic expectations more effectively.
The first role of a conclusion is to reconnect with your main idea. This does not mean copying your thesis from the introduction. Instead, rephrase it using fresh language and show how your argument has developed.
Think of this as a bridge between your final body paragraph and your closing insight.
Example:
If your assignment argued that online learning improves access to education but requires strong self-discipline, your conclusion should briefly remind readers that both benefits and challenges were examined—without listing every point again.
Once the core idea is restated, ask yourself: Why should anyone care?
This is where many students lose marks. A strong conclusion explains the importance, relevance, or consequences of your argument. You can link your topic to real-world issues, academic debates, or professional practice.
For example, instead of ending with “This essay discussed climate change policies,” explain how these policies influence future decision-making or global cooperation. This shift from summary to significance shows critical thinking.
An effective conclusion looks forward and answers: What happens next?
You can do this by:
This does not mean introducing a new argument. It shows your thinking extends beyond the assignment brief. A strong “now what” leaves the examiner reflecting even after finishing the paper.
Not all assignments require the same conclusion style. The right choice depends on your subject and purpose.
Top universities in the United States place strong emphasis on writing clear, meaningful conclusions. Institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Yale University, and the University of North Carolina (UNC) highlight similar techniques in their official writing center guidelines.
(Recommended by Harvard & Princeton Writing Centers)
After writing a concluding sentence, ask:
If the answer is unclear, revise the sentence to show importance or impact. This moves your conclusion beyond simple summary.
(Emphasized by Stanford University)
Avoid listing points already discussed. Instead:
(Supported by Yale University)
Revisit a key term or theme from your introduction using new wording. This creates a full-circle effect and improves structure.
(Advised by UNC Writing Center)
Briefly explain how your argument fits into a larger academic or real-world context. Keep insights specific and relevant—avoid vague generalizations.
Your last sentence should be clear, confident, and memorable. Short sentences often work best and leave a lasting impression.
Wrong:
This assignment proves that social media affects student performance in many ways.
Right:
This discussion shows that social media significantly shapes student focus, learning habits, and academic outcomes.
✔ Why this works: Fresh wording with deeper meaning.
Wrong:
Another reason social media affects students is cyberbullying.
Right:
Overall, the findings highlight how academic and social pressures interact with online behavior.
✔ Why this works: Reflection without expansion.
Wrong:
In conclusion, this essay explained climate change.
Right:
Taken together, these findings emphasize the urgency of informed climate policy.
A professional tone always strengthens academic writing.
Before submitting your assignment, check your conclusion against this list:
✅ Have I restated my main idea in new words?
✅ Have I explained why my argument matters?
✅ Have I shown the impact or next step?
✅ Have I avoided new arguments or evidence?
✅ Have I avoided phrases like “In conclusion”?
✅ Is the tone formal and academic?
✅ Does the final sentence leave a strong impression?
👉 If you can tick all boxes, your conclusion is well-written.
| Weak Conclusion | Strong Conclusion |
|---|---|
| This essay discussed the causes of student stress. | Academic pressure, part-time jobs, and social expectations interact to increase student stress, highlighting the need for universities to provide better mental health resources and flexible schedules. |
| Online learning has benefits and drawbacks. | Online learning expands access to education, but its success depends on students’ self-discipline and reliable internet access, showing that universities must support both technology and student guidance. |
| Social media affects students’ study habits. | Social media shapes students’ focus, study routines, and peer interactions, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy programs to help students balance connectivity with academic success. |
| Climate change policies are important. | Climate change policies influence energy use, global cooperation, and environmental sustainability, underlining the urgency for informed policy decisions and collective action by governments and communities. |
| Exercise is good for health. | Regular exercise improves mental health, concentration, and long-term wellbeing, demonstrating that students and schools should prioritize physical activity as part of daily routines. |
i) APA – psychology, education, nursing, sciences
ii) MLA – English, literature, humanities
iii) Chicago – history, business, social sciences
If deadlines are tight, many students choose to pay for homework assignments to ensure clarity, structure, and university-level accuracy.
A conclusion is not an afterthought—it is a strategic part of academic writing. When written well, it demonstrates clarity, confidence, and critical thinking.
Treat your conclusion as an opportunity, not an obligation. A strong ending can elevate your overall grade—even if earlier sections are average.
A powerful conclusion does not just end your assignment—it proves your work was worth reading.
Usually one paragraph, or about 10–15% of the assignment length.
No. You can extend implications, but not introduce new arguments.
By linking your argument to broader significance and using a confident final sentence.
Most academic assignments require one, but always check your guidelines.