Audience Awareness: Conclusions
Conclusions are as necessary to a piece of writing, as the closing of the door to your apartment when you leave on your journey to school or work each morning. If you did not close your door, or if you shut it without making sure it was securely locked into place, all day long you would probably feel a nagging sensation on the periphery of your awareness. An incomplete conclusion also gives the reader an insistent sense that something isn't quite right. The difference between the two, however, is paramount. You can go back and shut the door, or call someone to do it for you, or if you were fortunate, your roommate locked the door securely before any real damage was done; conclusions, on the other hand, left unfinished stay that way, and readers feel robbed.
There are many ways to conclude a piece of writing. Audience consideration and purpose are two important concerns when searching for the "perfect" end for any piece of writing.
DO:
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suggest a solution | |
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recommend a call to action, or a change in attitude | |
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summarize ideas you have conveyed | |
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use a quotation from an authority | |
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make a prediction | |
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create an analogy | |
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log an emotional appeal | |
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delve into the deeper meaning | |
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return to theme | |
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emphatically restate thesis | |
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ask a speculative question(s) | |
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muse on the broader implications | |
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present a challenge | |
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amuse with an anecdote | |
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depict a scene (***especially if you began with one). |
DON'T:
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write, "In conclusion," or "In summary," (Use these only when writing a formal argumentative essay) | |
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summarize points mechanically | |
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add new information | |
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belittle yourself or the ideas in the essay. |