How can you write a compelling conclusion to a scientific paper?

1 Why is the conclusion important?

The conclusion is the last part of your paper that your readers will see, and it can influence their overall evaluation and perception of your work. A well-written conclusion can demonstrate that you have a clear and coherent argument, that you have addressed the research questions and objectives, and that you have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in your field. A poorly-written conclusion, on the other hand, can undermine your credibility, confuse your readers, and leave them unsatisfied or unconvinced.

2 How to structure the conclusion

There is no fixed formula for writing a conclusion, but a common approach is to follow a three-step structure: summary, synthesis, and recommendations. The summary should briefly recap the main points of your paper, such as the research problem, the methods, the results, and the implications. The synthesis should explain how your findings relate to the existing literature, the theoretical framework, and the broader context of your research. The recommendations should suggest some practical or theoretical implications, some limitations or challenges, and some possible avenues for further research.

4 How to write the synthesis

The synthesis should demonstrate that you have a critical and reflective understanding of your research, and that you can place it in a wider context. You should compare and contrast your findings with those of other studies, and explain how they support, challenge, or extend the existing knowledge in your field. You should also link your findings to the theoretical framework or concepts that guided your research, and show how they contribute to the development or refinement of the theory. You should also acknowledge the limitations or gaps in your research, and how they affect the validity or generalizability of your results.

5 How to write the recommendations

The recommendations should provide some practical or theoretical implications of your research, and some suggestions for future work. You should explain how your findings can be applied or used in a specific context, such as policy, practice, or education. You should also identify some questions or problems that remain unresolved or open for further investigation, and propose some methods or approaches that could address them. You should be realistic and feasible in your recommendations, and avoid making unrealistic or exaggerated claims.

6 How to make the conclusion compelling

To make your conclusion compelling, you should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon or technical terms, and use transition words or phrases to connect your sentences and paragraphs. You should also use a confident and assertive tone, avoid hedging or apologizing, and emphasize the strengths and contributions of your research. You should also end your conclusion with a strong and memorable statement that summarizes your main message, highlights the value and relevance of your research, and leaves a positive impression on your readers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?