Let’s start with the basics: what is a research paper conclusion? Simply put, a research paper conclusion is the final section of your paper that summarizes the main arguments, reinforces the thesis, and reminds readers of your key findings.
A strong conclusion goes beyond repetition. It highlights the broader implications of your work, suggests possible directions for future research, and leaves readers with a clear sense of closure. Much like the ending of a good book, it should create a positive final impression.
This guide will show you how to write an effective closing paragraph, what elements to include, and how to make your conclusion memorable. No matter what research question you explore, the conclusion is what readers carry with them after finishing your paper. Let’s learn how to craft it the right way!
Essential elements you must include in a research paper conclusion
Help your audience care
The main purpose of a great conclusion is to make your audience see the consequences or urgency of your work. People must learn why the topic matters and what makes it important. Accordingly, the conclusion should have a sense of completion.
Make your thesis statement more accessible
As a rule, the thesis statement must be presented more clearly or simply. It should serve as a reminder of the main point you wish to make. This time, however, it must be done through the prism of your research. It is done after you have presented all your evidence.
Summary of the vital points
To help your readers gain a feeling of completion, remind them of all the key points and provide helpful information again. It should serve as the key takeaways with all the important details. It is also what most college professors read as they check your writing.
Link things to your paper’s introduction
Both the introduction and the conclusion can be seen as two sides of the same vinyl record, with side A and side B. The length and structure must be basically the same. If you have had some issues in the introduction, it must also be mentioned in your conclusion. The same is true for the thesis.
State limitations of your conclusion section of a research paper
If you have faced limitations or wish to add suggestions, do so here. For instance, you can add ethical requirements or some flaws in your research. If you are unsure how it’s done, type “write a research paper for me cheap” message to one of our experts and let us handle the trouble!
Stay concise
In your paper’s conclusion, stay clear and do not overdo things to show why your research matters. The trick is to fit within the word count and stay succinct.
Types of research paper conclusions with an example
While a literature review is basically the same when you turn to a writing center and look for examples, a research paper’s final part can be different. If you plan to leave a lasting impression and provide an effective conclusion in a larger context, learning about the following types will be useful:
| Conclusion type |
Definition |
Example |
| Summary |
It is a summary where you mention all the key points with some food for thought. |
The study of autistic children and the new learning methods shows that AI plays an important role. However, to ensure everything is done correctly, it must be implemented with great care and human impact. |
| Commentary |
It is your opportunity to share a personal point of view. This is where you add your insight. |
As one can see, the cases of domestic violence in the United States are not only a problem for females alone. The statistical data shows surprising results that show us that men are also the victims of domestic violence these days. |
| New Perspective |
You must connect strongly to your research methods and discuss what has been learned. |
Using new research methods, we can see that scientific literature in audio format can be more helpful for a new generation of younger students. Compared to books in print, our study shows that it is a matter of perception. |
Always check with your grading rubric and the college professor to ensure your conclusion fits the required research paper type. When things get rough or a rubric is unclear, sharing your “write a conclusion for me” message usually helps to gain clarity and submit your paper on time!
How to write a conclusion for a research paper in 3 steps
Step 1: Restate your thesis statement.
Your main argument must be repeated once again. The purpose is not to gain a new understanding but to remind you of your main findings with the evidence presented.
Example:
The advancing knowledge in AI confirms that we should take control of our own lives and use analysis to explain our ideas and find significance.
Step 2: Summarize your conclusion paragraph for a research paper.
This is where you repeat the significance of your findings. Mention only things that can be met in the body of the paper. All the unanswered questions can be addressed here to show that your research is important, but do not introduce new ideas.
Example:
The use of books in our daily lives can help us focus on broader issues and engage in further study since our attention spans widen. The importance of books in print also helps us emphasize the culture of reading.
Step 3: Discuss research implications.
This is your chance to discuss your research’s obvious flaws, limitations, or unique aspects. Of course, you can also provide some discussion bits and discuss the impact.
Example:
The findings show that our current understanding of dolphins is insufficient to understand the nature of navigation. Nevertheless, neural training models help us summarize what we already know. The last word in science can now be prolonged with more advanced calculation systems.
Research paper conclusion examples for students
While an introduction acts as your answer to questions about a certain topic, a conclusion is proof of the significance of your findings. Here are some examples you can focus on in your learning process:
- Argumentative paper conclusion example:
As scientists discuss the harm of video games, the main argument often focuses on egocentrism, as this study shows. By summarizing all the key points and findings, one can safely conclude that video games provide young people with easy access to satisfaction. They prevent them from all the labor and soul-searching.
- Analytical research paper conclusion example:
To summarize the subject of hurt in the “Kite Runner” book by Khaled Hosseini, it is possible to explain the author’s cultural aspects and the evidence of seeing things differently. While this paper will not be able to explain or answer why certain events took place in the context, it shows that the importance of pain is presented as a transformation.
- Comparative research paper conclusion sample:
Men and women always have different understandings of the automotive industry, and the case studies presented show this. Still, the survey context has certain limitations that do not allow a casual reader to see the importance of gender-based pressure. Using actual examples presented above, this comparative study fights stereotypes and breaks down ideas of male supremacy within the automotive world.
Useful tips on writing a conclusion for a research paper
Check with the writing center to ensure you follow the correct citation style. It will help you to avoid reformatting your paper later. Make sure that you have the following:
- A strong closing statement that confirms your essential argument. It works like learning how to start a research paper introduction, where you pose an argument.
- A discussion of flaws and limitations must be present.
- You summarize all the important bits.
- The main argument does not introduce any new ideas.
- You are emphasizing the possible implications.
- Your conclusion is short.
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4 things to avoid when writing a research paper conclusion
While it is not always unsuitable, avoid phrases like “In conclusion” or “To summarize things”. It is already clear that you are working towards a conclusion. Some other things to remember include:
- When talking about broader research aspects, do not use them without future research tips.
- Do not use any new information about things not mentioned before.
- Do not simply provide a dry summary or repeat the thesis word-for-word.
- Do not submit your assignment without proper editing and proofreading.
Following these simple rules and staying true to your main argument, you should be all set with writing an excellent conclusion for your paper.
When you are stuck on how to conclude a research paper
If you do not know how to impress your reader or your argument is not strong enough, you can always ask one of our experts for assistance. We can boost your writing to another level and help you complete things on time. Likewise, when you need help writing a research paper outline, we can provide you with all the vital elements for your paper. No matter what writing struggle you might be facing, we are always on guard and ready to help 24/7!
FAQ
What makes a great conclusion in a research paper?
A good conclusion reminds a reader about the purpose of a paper and provides a conclusion that makes one think.
What are the three parts of a good conclusion?
A conclusion in a paper includes a re-statement of the thesis, limitations of the research, and a call to action that helps to conduct similar or further research.
How do I start the conclusion part of a research paper?
Start by listing all the key takeaways from the paper by listing all your points through the lens of the main thesis. It must include a lesson learned and vital information for your reader to make the research paper conclusion example of a paper truly meaningful.
Can I present new arguments in a research paper's conclusion?
No, it is one of those things that you should avoid in the conclusion of your paper. New ideas should not be placed in the final part of your paper. When you have certain suggestions, they must be within your main writing ideas.
How long should a conclusion be in a research paper?
It will always depend on a paper’s type and broader implications discussed, yet most research papers should allocate 10-15% of the total word count.