How To Write A Thesis Conclusion: Step-By-Step

Why Does A Good Thesis Conclusion Matter?

Think of your thesis as a journey of discovery. The introduction sets the stage, the body paragraphs explore the terrain, and the conclusion serves as the summit, offering a breathtaking view of your accomplishments and the vast landscape beyond.

Here’s why a good conclusion is essential:

Most researchers are too busy to read your entire thesis, even if it is well-written. The general approach is to view the title, the abstract, the thesis conclusion, and possibly the introduction to make a quick evaluation.

The other important factors include:

Clinches Your Argument: A strong conclusion reminds readers of your thesis statement and how your research provides compelling evidence to support it. It leaves a lasting impression of a well-reasoned and substantiated argument.
Highlights Significance: It emphasizes the contribution of your research to the field and exhibits how you filled the gap in existing knowledge that you had identified in your literature review and how it offers new insights or challenges existing assumptions and showcases the potential impact of your research.
Provides Closure: It offers a sense of completion by combining the key takeaways of your research.
It reminds readers of your research and leaves them with a sense of satisfaction and understanding.

Important Points In Writing A Thesis Conclusion

Important Points	Description
Clarity and Concision	The conclusion should be clear and concise, and unnecessary jargon or overly technical language should be avoided.
Logical Flow	The conclusion should flow seamlessly from the discussion section, summarizing key points and leading to your final thoughts.
Appropriate Length	Your conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it should be long enough to address all the elements mentioned above.
Engaging Language	Use strong verbs and vivid language to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

How to Write a Thesis Conclusion: 6 Steps

Now that you understand the importance of a powerful conclusion, let’s explore the key elements you need to consider when crafting yours:

Step 1: Summarize Key Findings

Briefly restate the main takeaways from your research without repeating what is already mentioned in the discussion section.

Use clear and concise language to highlight the most critical points.

Step 2: Restate the Thesis

Briefly remind readers of your research topic and how your findings address it.

This reinforces the connection between your research objectives and the achieved results.

Step 3: Explain the Significance

Explain why your findings matter. How does your research contribute to existing knowledge?
Does it offer new perspectives, challenge established theories, or create new avenues for exploration?

Step 4: Address Limitations

Acknowledge any limitations of your study and how they might affect the generalizability of your results.
Being transparent about limitations demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens the credibility of your research.

Step 5: Propose Future Research

Suggest avenues for further investigation based on your findings. What questions remain unanswered?
This demonstrates your understanding of the broader field and the potential for future exploration.

Step 6: Engaging Your Readers

Focus on Context: Ensure your conclusion provides context for your arguments so readers understand the bigger picture.

Avoid Jargon: Maintain clarity by avoiding overly technical language.

Structure: Your conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings.

Acknowledge the Importance: Briefly acknowledge the importance of introductions and conclusions

Useful Tips

Statistics: Reviewers prioritize the introduction and the thesis conclusion sections of a research study. This highlights the importance of crafting strong conclusions that capture their attention and leave a positive final impression.

Structure: Your thesis conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings.

Remember: Don’t underestimate the power of a strong thesis conclusion. Invest time in developing a well-written conclusion that summarizes your research effectively, emphasizes its significance, and paves the way for future exploration.

For further assistance, the University of Melbourne’s Writing Centre offers a professional guide on developing academic writing skills that will assist with writing your conclusion section.

FAQs

How long should a conclusion be?

It must be long enough to cover all the major findings of your research, no more and no less. Though most of these will have already been mentioned in the abstract and elaborated on in the introduction and the results and discussion sections, the conclusion is a researcher’s last opportunity to ensure that nothing is overlooked and the thesis counts.

What is the most important element of a conclusion?

The most important element is to provide relevant context for your arguments. Ensure that the reader understands the research question and the analysis you provided perfectly. It must provide a unique level of perception about your thesis to reaffirm the objective of the research study.

What are the most important characteristics of a thesis conclusion?

A thesis conclusion must convey as much as possible in a few sentences. It should be concise and enough to answer all the intended relevant questions that the research set out to achieve without using unnecessary jargon, as this can distort the readability, especially when new ideas and concepts are introduced that can affect its quality.

Should a conclusion be one paragraph?

When a single paragraph becomes excessively long in a conclusion, it can be expanded to encompass two or even three paragraphs without being repetitive. In addition to summarizing the main points you made throughout the paper, it should also provide your concluding thoughts on the main theme

Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Writing a powerful thesis conclusion is an investment that pays off. It ensures your research resonates with readers, leaving them with a clear understanding of your findings and their significance. By following the steps outlined above and prioritizing clarity, conciseness, and engagement, you can write a conclusion that elevates your thesis and positions your research for future exploration.

Remember, a strong conclusion doesn’t just end your work; it opens doors for further understanding and impactful contributions to your field!

About The Author

Navjyot Gill

After a career in biochemistry and molecular biology, I now dedicate this ResearchDeep platform to simplifying Master’s and PhD research to assist postgraduate researchers worldwide. To know more, visit the ABOUT page.

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