In class today we continued to learn about how to write the different sections - Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion - of our research papers. Professor Joyce focused solely on the Conclusion today. There are 3 things that a good conclusion should do:

• Stress the importance of the Thesis Statement (Your chance to tell the audience why this argument was made).
• Give the essay a sense of completion.
• Give a final impression on the reader

There are some strategies to accomplish these three things:

• Answer the "so what" question.
• Synthesize do not summarize.
• Redirect your readers.
• Create new meaning.

Examples are as follows:

• Challenge the readers - help them redirect the information and let them know how and where to reapply your argument in their lives.
• Look to the future.
• Posing Questions. (DO NOT pose rhetorical questions. Think of something related to your topic that you did not get a chance to address).

Using these guidelines you can give a definitive and polished conclusion to your research paper. The conclusion is as important as any other part of the paper because it allows you to tie everything together. Remember NEVER say IN CONCLUSION, or FINALLY at the beginning of your conclusion. The reader will know it is the last page so just transition seamlessly into your closing arguments.

Homework for Monday:

• Bring your working thesis statement to class, you can either write it on paper or have it in your head because we will be doing some group work involving it.
  

That was all we did today. Enjoy the weekend!!!

Ameena Syed