A conclusion for an explanation effectively ties together all the presented information, reinforcing the core message and providing a sense of closure to the reader.
Crafting an Effective Conclusion for Explanations
The conclusion of an explanatory piece serves as the final opportunity to solidify understanding, remind the audience of the key information, and ensure the original question or topic has been thoroughly addressed. It's not merely a summary but a re-statement of the explanation's significance.
Key Elements of a Strong Explanatory Conclusion
An impactful conclusion for an explanation should always perform several crucial functions:
- Reiterate the Core Idea: Begin by highlighting the central argument or the primary concept that was explained throughout the body. This brings the reader back to the main purpose of your writing.
- Summarize the Answer: Briefly summarise the solution or insights provided in response to the initial question or problem that the explanation set out to address. This acts as a concise recap of the core findings.
- Connect Back to the Introduction: Explicitly refer back to the introductory statement or question, demonstrating that the explanation has fulfilled its objective and provided a comprehensive answer.
- Reinforce the Main Theme: Emphasize the overarching message or the principal theme that guided your explanation from its very beginning, ensuring a unified and coherent understanding.
Practical Steps to Write Your Conclusion
Developing a compelling conclusion involves a structured approach to ensure clarity and impact. Here are the steps:
- Revisit Your Introduction: Read your introduction to remind yourself of the initial question, the scope of your explanation, and the main points you intended to cover. Your conclusion should mirror and resolve the points raised in the introduction.
- Condense Your Main Points: Without introducing new information, briefly remind the reader of the most significant aspects or steps discussed in your explanation. Think of it as a very high-level overview of the journey you've taken them on.
- Answer "So What?": Explain the significance or implications of the information provided. Why is this explanation important? How does it help the reader understand the topic better, solve a problem, or gain new insights?
- Craft a Memorable Closing: End with a strong, concise statement that leaves a lasting impression. This could be a final thought, a call to deeper understanding, or a statement about the broader context of the explained topic.
Do's and Don'ts for Explanatory Conclusions
To ensure your conclusion is effective and avoids common pitfalls, consider these guidelines:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do restate your thesis/main point. | Don't introduce new information. |
| Do summarize key arguments/findings. | Don't simply copy and paste sentences. |
| Do provide a sense of closure. | Don't apologize for your explanation. |
| Do highlight the significance. | Don't use overly formal or stiff language. |
| Do keep it concise and focused. | Don't end abruptly or with a question. |
Example Conclusion Snippets
Here are examples illustrating how to apply these principles:
- For an explanation on "How Photosynthesis Works":
"In essence, photosynthesis is the remarkable process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, utilizing carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This intricate biological mechanism not only sustains plant life but forms the fundamental basis of nearly all ecosystems on Earth, underscoring its indispensable role in maintaining the planet's atmosphere and food web." - For an explanation on "The Causes of Climate Change":
"Ultimately, the scientific consensus firmly establishes human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, as the overwhelming driver of current climate change. Understanding these root causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its far-reaching environmental and societal impacts."
Enhancing Readability and Impact
To make your conclusion easy to read and impactful, focus on clarity and flow:
- Use transition words: Phrases like "In conclusion," "To summarize," "Therefore," or "Ultimately" signal to the reader that they are reaching the end.
- Maintain a consistent tone: Ensure the tone of your conclusion aligns with the rest of your explanation—whether it's instructional, analytical, or descriptive.
- Keep it concise: A conclusion should be brief, typically no more than 10-15% of the total explanation length. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences.
For further reading on crafting effective academic writing, resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) offer valuable insights.
