How to Write a Conclusion
Quick answer: A conclusion draws your work together: restate your thesis or answer to the question, summarise your main points, and state the wider significance — without introducing any new evidence. In a dissertation, the conclusion also notes limitations and suggests future research.
What a conclusion must do
- Directly answer the question or restate your argument.
- Summarise your key points concisely.
- Show the significance or implications.
- Introduce no new evidence or ideas.
Essay vs dissertation conclusions
An essay conclusion is a single paragraph tying the argument together. A dissertation conclusion is a chapter that also revisits the research question, states what was found, acknowledges limitations and recommends future research.
What to avoid
- New arguments or citations.
- Simply repeating the introduction word for word.
- Vague, unsupported claims.
- Apologising for the work (‘this essay could have...’) without purpose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a conclusion have new information?
No — a conclusion summarises and interprets what you’ve already argued; new evidence belongs in the body.
How long should a conclusion be?
Around 10% of an essay; a dissertation conclusion is a full chapter, often 5–10% of the total.
Should a dissertation conclusion mention limitations?
Yes — a good conclusion acknowledges the study’s limitations and suggests future research.
How do I start a conclusion?
Signal it clearly (‘In conclusion’ or by restating your answer) and go straight to summarising your argument.
Is the conclusion the same as the discussion?
No — the discussion interprets findings in detail; the conclusion briefly answers the question and states significance.