purpose of research paper conclusion

How to Write a Conclusion for Research Papers (with Examples)

The conclusion of a research paper is a crucial section that plays a significant role in the overall impact and effectiveness of your research paper. However, this is also the section that typically receives less attention compared to the introduction and the body of the paper. The conclusion serves to provide a concise summary of the key findings, their significance, their implications, and a sense of closure to the study. Discussing how can the findings be applied in real-world scenarios or inform policy, practice, or decision-making is especially valuable to practitioners and policymakers. The research paper conclusion also provides researchers with clear insights and valuable information for their own work, which they can then build on and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

The research paper conclusion should explain the significance of your findings within the broader context of your field. It restates how your results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and whether they confirm or challenge existing theories or hypotheses. Also, by identifying unanswered questions or areas requiring further investigation, your awareness of the broader research landscape can be demonstrated.

Remember to tailor the research paper conclusion to the specific needs and interests of your intended audience, which may include researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or a combination of these.

Table of Contents

What is a conclusion in a research paper, summarizing conclusion, editorial conclusion, externalizing conclusion, importance of a good research paper conclusion, how to write a conclusion for your research paper, research paper conclusion examples, frequently asked questions.

A conclusion in a research paper is the final section where you summarize and wrap up your research, presenting the key findings and insights derived from your study. The research paper conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or data that was not discussed in the main body of the paper. When working on how to conclude a research paper, remember to stick to summarizing and interpreting existing content. The research paper conclusion serves the following purposes: 1

• Warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend specific course(s) of action.
• Restate key ideas to drive home the ultimate point of your research paper.
• Provide a “take-home” message that you want the readers to remember about your study.

Types of conclusions for research papers

In research papers, the conclusion provides closure to the reader. The type of research paper conclusion you choose depends on the nature of your study, your goals, and your target audience. I provide you with three common types of conclusions:

A summarizing conclusion is the most common type of conclusion in research papers. It involves summarizing the main points, reiterating the research question, and restating the significance of the findings. This common type of research paper conclusion is used across different disciplines.

An editorial conclusion is less common but can be used in research papers that are focused on proposing or advocating for a particular viewpoint or policy. It involves presenting a strong editorial or opinion based on the research findings and offering recommendations or calls to action.

An externalizing conclusion is a type of conclusion that extends the research beyond the scope of the paper by suggesting potential future research directions or discussing the broader implications of the findings. This type of conclusion is often used in more theoretical or exploratory research papers.

The conclusion in a research paper serves several important purposes:

• Offers Implications and Recommendations : Your research paper conclusion is an excellent place to discuss the broader implications of your research and suggest potential areas for further study. It’s also an opportunity to offer practical recommendations based on your findings.
• Provides Closure : A good research paper conclusion provides a sense of closure to your paper. It should leave the reader with a feeling that they have reached the end of a well-structured and thought-provoking research project.
• Leaves a Lasting Impression : Writing a well-crafted research paper conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your final opportunity to leave them with a new idea, a call to action, or a memorable quote.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper is essential to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create and know what to put in the conclusion of a research paper: 2

• Research Statement : Begin your research paper conclusion by restating your research statement. This reminds the reader of the main point you’ve been trying to prove throughout your paper. Keep it concise and clear.
• Key Points : Summarize the main arguments and key points you’ve made in your paper. Avoid introducing new information in the research paper conclusion. Instead, provide a concise overview of what you’ve discussed in the body of your paper.
• Address the Research Questions : If your research paper is based on specific research questions or hypotheses, briefly address whether you’ve answered them or achieved your research goals. Discuss the significance of your findings in this context.
• Significance : Highlight the importance of your research and its relevance in the broader context. Explain why your findings matter and how they contribute to the existing knowledge in your field.
• Implications : Explore the practical or theoretical implications of your research. How might your findings impact future research, policy, or real-world applications? Consider the “so what?” question.
• Future Research : Offer suggestions for future research in your area. What questions or aspects remain unanswered or warrant further investigation? This shows that your work opens the door for future exploration.
• Closing Thought : Conclude your research paper conclusion with a thought-provoking or memorable statement. This can leave a lasting impression on your readers and wrap up your paper effectively. Avoid introducing new information or arguments here.
• Proofread and Revise : Carefully proofread your conclusion for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and that your conclusion is coherent and well-structured.

Remember that a well-crafted research paper conclusion is a reflection of the strength of your research and your ability to communicate its significance effectively. It should leave a lasting impression on your readers and tie together all the threads of your paper. Now you know how to start the conclusion of a research paper and what elements to include to make it impactful, let’s look at a research paper conclusion sample.

The research paper conclusion is a crucial part of your paper as it provides the final opportunity to leave a strong impression on your readers. In the research paper conclusion, summarize the main points of your research paper by restating your research statement, highlighting the most important findings, addressing the research questions or objectives, explaining the broader context of the study, discussing the significance of your findings, providing recommendations if applicable, and emphasizing the takeaway message. The main purpose of the conclusion is to remind the reader of the main point or argument of your paper and to provide a clear and concise summary of the key findings and their implications. All these elements should feature on your list of what to put in the conclusion of a research paper to create a strong final statement for your work.

A strong conclusion is a critical component of a research paper, as it provides an opportunity to wrap up your arguments, reiterate your main points, and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are the key elements of a strong research paper conclusion: 1. Conciseness : A research paper conclusion should be concise and to the point. It should not introduce new information or ideas that were not discussed in the body of the paper. 2. Summarization : The research paper conclusion should be comprehensive enough to give the reader a clear understanding of the research’s main contributions. 3 . Relevance : Ensure that the information included in the research paper conclusion is directly relevant to the research paper’s main topic and objectives; avoid unnecessary details. 4 . Connection to the Introduction : A well-structured research paper conclusion often revisits the key points made in the introduction and shows how the research has addressed the initial questions or objectives. 5. Emphasis : Highlight the significance and implications of your research. Why is your study important? What are the broader implications or applications of your findings? 6 . Call to Action : Include a call to action or a recommendation for future research or action based on your findings.

The length of a research paper conclusion can vary depending on several factors, including the overall length of the paper, the complexity of the research, and the specific journal requirements. While there is no strict rule for the length of a conclusion, but it’s generally advisable to keep it relatively short. A typical research paper conclusion might be around 5-10% of the paper’s total length. For example, if your paper is 10 pages long, the conclusion might be roughly half a page to one page in length.

In general, you do not need to include citations in the research paper conclusion. Citations are typically reserved for the body of the paper to support your arguments and provide evidence for your claims. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule: 1. If you are drawing a direct quote or paraphrasing a specific source in your research paper conclusion, you should include a citation to give proper credit to the original author. 2. If your conclusion refers to or discusses specific research, data, or sources that are crucial to the overall argument, citations can be included to reinforce your conclusion’s validity.

The conclusion of a research paper serves several important purposes: 1. Summarize the Key Points 2. Reinforce the Main Argument 3. Provide Closure 4. Offer Insights or Implications 5. Engage the Reader. 6. Reflect on Limitations

Remember that the primary purpose of the research paper conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the reader, reinforcing the key points and providing closure to your research. It’s often the last part of the paper that the reader will see, so it should be strong and well-crafted.

• Makar, G., Foltz, C., Lendner, M., & Vaccaro, A. R. (2018). How to write effective discussion and conclusion sections. Clinical spine surgery, 31(8), 345-346.
• Bunton, D. (2005). The structure of PhD conclusion chapters.  Journal of English for academic purposes ,  4 (3), 207-224.

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Home » Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples

Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples

Table of Contents

Research Paper Conclusion

Definition:

A research paper conclusion is the final section of a research paper that summarizes the key findings, significance, and implications of the research. It is the writer’s opportunity to synthesize the information presented in the paper, draw conclusions, and make recommendations for future research or actions.

The conclusion should provide a clear and concise summary of the research paper, reiterating the research question or problem, the main results, and the significance of the findings. It should also discuss the limitations of the study and suggest areas for further research.

Parts of Research Paper Conclusion

The parts of a research paper conclusion typically include:

Restatement of the Thesis

The conclusion should begin by restating the thesis statement from the introduction in a different way. This helps to remind the reader of the main argument or purpose of the research.

Summary of Key Findings

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the research, highlighting the most important results and conclusions. This section should be brief and to the point.

Implications and Significance

In this section, the researcher should explain the implications and significance of the research findings. This may include discussing the potential impact on the field or industry, highlighting new insights or knowledge gained, or pointing out areas for future research.

Limitations and Recommendations

It is important to acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses of the research and to make recommendations for how these could be addressed in future studies. This shows that the researcher is aware of the potential limitations of their work and is committed to improving the quality of research in their field.

Concluding Statement

The conclusion should end with a strong concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a call to action, a recommendation for further research, or a final thought on the topic.

How to Write Research Paper Conclusion

Here are some steps you can follow to write an effective research paper conclusion:

• Restate the research problem or question: Begin by restating the research problem or question that you aimed to answer in your research. This will remind the reader of the purpose of your study.
• Summarize the main points: Summarize the key findings and results of your research. This can be done by highlighting the most important aspects of your research and the evidence that supports them.
• Discuss the implications: Discuss the implications of your findings for the research area and any potential applications of your research. You should also mention any limitations of your research that may affect the interpretation of your findings.
• Provide a conclusion : Provide a concise conclusion that summarizes the main points of your paper and emphasizes the significance of your research. This should be a strong and clear statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Offer suggestions for future research: Lastly, offer suggestions for future research that could build on your findings and contribute to further advancements in the field.

Remember that the conclusion should be brief and to the point, while still effectively summarizing the key findings and implications of your research.

Example of Research Paper Conclusion

Here’s an example of a research paper conclusion:

Conclusion :

In conclusion, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students. Our findings suggest that there is a significant association between social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depression among college students. This highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the potential negative effects of social media use on mental health, particularly among college students.

Despite the limitations of our study, such as the small sample size and self-reported data, our findings have important implications for future research and practice. Future studies should aim to replicate our findings in larger, more diverse samples, and investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the association between social media use and mental health. In addition, interventions should be developed to promote healthy social media use among college students, such as mindfulness-based approaches and social media detox programs.

Overall, our study contributes to the growing body of research on the impact of social media on mental health, and highlights the importance of addressing this issue in the context of higher education. By raising awareness and promoting healthy social media use among college students, we can help to reduce the negative impact of social media on mental health and improve the well-being of young adults.

Purpose of Research Paper Conclusion

The purpose of a research paper conclusion is to provide a summary and synthesis of the key findings, significance, and implications of the research presented in the paper. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity for the writer to convey their message and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The conclusion should restate the research problem or question, summarize the main results of the research, and explain their significance. It should also acknowledge the limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research or action.

Overall, the purpose of the conclusion is to provide a sense of closure to the research paper and to emphasize the importance of the research and its potential impact. It should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main findings and why they matter. The conclusion serves as the writer’s opportunity to showcase their contribution to the field and to inspire further research and action.

When to Write Research Paper Conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper should be written after the body of the paper has been completed. It should not be written until the writer has thoroughly analyzed and interpreted their findings and has written a complete and cohesive discussion of the research.

Before writing the conclusion, the writer should review their research paper and consider the key points that they want to convey to the reader. They should also review the research question, hypotheses, and methodology to ensure that they have addressed all of the necessary components of the research.

Once the writer has a clear understanding of the main findings and their significance, they can begin writing the conclusion. The conclusion should be written in a clear and concise manner, and should reiterate the main points of the research while also providing insights and recommendations for future research or action.

Characteristics of Research Paper Conclusion

The characteristics of a research paper conclusion include:

• Clear and concise: The conclusion should be written in a clear and concise manner, summarizing the key findings and their significance.
• Comprehensive: The conclusion should address all of the main points of the research paper, including the research question or problem, the methodology, the main results, and their implications.
• Future-oriented : The conclusion should provide insights and recommendations for future research or action, based on the findings of the research.
• Impressive : The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader, emphasizing the importance of the research and its potential impact.
• Objective : The conclusion should be based on the evidence presented in the research paper, and should avoid personal biases or opinions.
• Unique : The conclusion should be unique to the research paper and should not simply repeat information from the introduction or body of the paper.

Advantages of Research Paper Conclusion

The advantages of a research paper conclusion include:

• Summarizing the key findings : The conclusion provides a summary of the main findings of the research, making it easier for the reader to understand the key points of the study.
• Emphasizing the significance of the research: The conclusion emphasizes the importance of the research and its potential impact, making it more likely that readers will take the research seriously and consider its implications.
• Providing recommendations for future research or action : The conclusion suggests practical recommendations for future research or action, based on the findings of the study.
• Providing closure to the research paper : The conclusion provides a sense of closure to the research paper, tying together the different sections of the paper and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
• Demonstrating the writer’s contribution to the field : The conclusion provides the writer with an opportunity to showcase their contribution to the field and to inspire further research and action.

Limitations of Research Paper Conclusion

While the conclusion of a research paper has many advantages, it also has some limitations that should be considered, including:

• I nability to address all aspects of the research: Due to the limited space available in the conclusion, it may not be possible to address all aspects of the research in detail.
• Subjectivity : While the conclusion should be objective, it may be influenced by the writer’s personal biases or opinions.
• Lack of new information: The conclusion should not introduce new information that has not been discussed in the body of the research paper.
• Lack of generalizability: The conclusions drawn from the research may not be applicable to other contexts or populations, limiting the generalizability of the study.
• Misinterpretation by the reader: The reader may misinterpret the conclusions drawn from the research, leading to a misunderstanding of the findings.

About the author

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OASIS: Writing Center

Writing a paper: conclusions, writing a conclusion.

A conclusion is an important part of the paper; it provides closure for the reader while reminding the reader of the contents and importance of the paper. It accomplishes this by stepping back from the specifics in order to view the bigger picture of the document. In other words, it is reminding the reader of the main argument. For most course papers, it is usually one paragraph that simply and succinctly restates the main ideas and arguments, pulling everything together to help clarify the thesis of the paper. A conclusion does not introduce new ideas; instead, it should clarify the intent and importance of the paper. It can also suggest possible future research on the topic.

An Easy Checklist for Writing a Conclusion

It is important to remind the reader of the thesis of the paper so he is reminded of the argument and solutions you proposed.

Think of the main points as puzzle pieces, and the conclusion is where they all fit together to create a bigger picture. The reader should walk away with the bigger picture in mind.

Make sure that the paper places its findings in the context of real social change.

Make sure the reader has a distinct sense that the paper has come to an end. It is important to not leave the reader hanging. (You don’t want her to have flip-the-page syndrome, where the reader turns the page, expecting the paper to continue. The paper should naturally come to an end.)

No new ideas should be introduced in the conclusion. It is simply a review of the material that is already present in the paper. The only new idea would be the suggesting of a direction for future research.

Conclusion Example

As addressed in my analysis of recent research, the advantages of a later starting time for high school students significantly outweigh the disadvantages. A later starting time would allow teens more time to sleep--something that is important for their physical and mental health--and ultimately improve their academic performance and behavior. The added transportation costs that result from this change can be absorbed through energy savings. The beneficial effects on the students’ academic performance and behavior validate this decision, but its effect on student motivation is still unknown. I would encourage an in-depth look at the reactions of students to such a change. This sort of study would help determine the actual effects of a later start time on the time management and sleep habits of students.

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

• Posted on May 12, 2023

The key to an impactful research paper is crafting an effective conclusion. The conclusion provides a final opportunity to make a lasting impression on the reader by providing a powerful summary of the main argument and key findings.

A well-written conclusion not only summarizes your research but also ties everything back to your thesis statement. Plus, it provides important takeaways for your reader, highlighting what they should remember from your research and how it contributes to the larger academic discourse.

Crafting an impactful conclusion can be tricky, especially in argumentative papers. However, with our expert tips and tricks, you can rest assured that your conclusion will effectively restate the main argument and thesis statement in a way that resonates with your audience and elevates your research to new heights.

Why is a Conclusion Necessary for a Research Paper? 

The conclusion of a research paper is essential in tying together the different parts of the paper and offering a final perspective on the topic. It reinforces the main idea or argument presented and summarizes the key points and findings of the research, highlighting its significance. 

Additionally, the conclusion creates a full circle of the research by connecting back to the thesis statement presented at the paper’s beginning. It provides an opportunity to showcase the writer’s critical thinking skills by demonstrating how the research supports the main argument.

The conclusion is essential for a research paper because it provides closure for the reader. It serves as a final destination that helps the reader understand how all the different pieces of information fit together to support the main argument presented. It also offers insights into how the research can inform future studies and contribute to the larger academic discourse.

It also ensures that the reader does not get lost in the vast amount of information presented in the paper by providing a concise and coherent summary of the entire research. Additionally, it helps the reader identify the paper’s main takeaway and understand how the research contributes to the larger body of knowledge in the field.

Leave a Lasting Impression

A well-crafted conclusion is an essential element of any research paper. Its purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the reader and tie together the different parts of the paper.

To achieve this goal, a conclusion should summarize the main points and highlight the key findings of the research. By doing so, the reader can easily understand the focus and significance of the study.

A strong conclusion should also discuss any important findings that can be applied in the real world. This practical perspective gives readers a better sense of the impact and relevance of the research.

Summarize Your Thoughts

The conclusion of a research paper should be concise and provide a summary of the writer’s thoughts and ideas about the research. 

It should go beyond simply restating the main points and findings and address the “so what” of the research by explaining how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the same topic. This way, the conclusion can give readers a better understanding of the research’s significance and relevance to the broader academic community.

Demonstrate How Important Your Idea Is

Moving beyond a superficial overview and delving into the research in-depth is crucial to create a compelling conclusion. This entails summarizing the key findings of the study, highlighting its main contributions to the field, and placing the results in a broader context. Additionally, it would help if you comprehensively analyzed your work and its implications, underscoring its value to the broader academic community. 

New Insights

The conclusion section of a research paper offers an opportunity for the writer to present new insights and approaches to addressing the research problem.

Whether the research outcome is positive or negative, the conclusion provides a platform to discuss practical implications beyond the scope of the research paper. This discussion can help readers understand the potential impact of the research on the broader field and its significance for future research endeavors.

How to Write a Killer Conclusion with Key Points

When writing a conclusion for a research paper, it is important to cover several key points to create a solid and effective conclusion.

Restate the Thesis

When crafting a conclusion, restating the thesis statement is an important step that reminds readers of the research paper’s central focus. However, it should not be a verbatim repetition of the introduction. 

By restating the thesis concisely and clearly, you can effectively tie together the main ideas discussed in the body of the paper and emphasize the significance of the research question. However, keep in mind that the restated thesis should capture the essence of the paper and leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main topic and its importance.

Summarize the Main Points

To write an impactful conclusion, summarizing the main points discussed in the body of the paper is essential. This final section provides the writer with a last opportunity to highlight the significance of their research findings. 

However, it is equally important to avoid reiterating information already discussed in the body of the paper. Instead, you should synthesize and summarize the most significant points to emphasize the key findings. By doing so, the conclusion can effectively tie together the research findings and provide a clear understanding of the importance of the research topic.

Discuss the Results or Findings

The next step is to discuss the results or findings of the research. The discussion of the results or findings should not simply be a repetition of the information presented in the body of the paper.

Instead, it should provide a more in-depth analysis of the significance of the findings. This can involve explaining why the findings are important, what they mean in the context of the research question, and how they contribute to the field or area of study. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to address any limitations or weaknesses of the study in this section. This can provide a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the research and its implications. By doing so, the reader will have a better understanding of the scope and context of the study, which can ultimately enhance the credibility and validity of the research.

Ruminate on Your Thoughts

The final step to crafting an effective conclusion is to ruminate on your thoughts. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the research and leaves the reader with something to ponder. Remember, the concluding paragraph should not introduce new information but rather summarize and reflect on the critical points made in the paper.

Furthermore, the conclusion should be integrated into the paper rather than presented as a separate section. It should provide a concise overview of the main findings and suggest avenues for further research.

Different Types of Conclusions 

There are various types of conclusions that can be employed to conclude a research paper effectively, depending on the research questions and topic being investigated.

Summarizing

Summarizing conclusions are frequently used to wrap up a research paper effectively. They restate the thesis statement and provide a brief overview of the main findings and outcomes of the research. This type of conclusion serves as a reminder to the reader of the key points discussed throughout the paper and emphasizes the significance of the research topic.

To be effective, summarizing conclusions should be concise and to the point, avoiding any new information not previously discussed in the body of the paper. Moreover, they are particularly useful when there is a clear and direct answer to the research question. This allows you to summarize your findings succinctly and leave the reader with a clear understanding of the implications of the research.

Externalizing

On the opposite end of the spectrum are externalizing conclusions. Unlike summarizing conclusions, externalizing conclusions introduce new ideas that may not be directly related to the research findings. This type of conclusion can be beneficial because it broadens the scope of the research topic and can lead to new insights and directions for future research.

By presenting new ideas, externalizing conclusions can challenge conventional thinking in the field and open up new avenues for exploration. This approach is instrumental in fields where research is ongoing, and new ideas and approaches are constantly being developed.

Editorial conclusions are a type of conclusion that allows the writer to express their commentary on the research findings. They can be particularly effective in connecting the writer’s insights with the research conducted and can offer a unique perspective on the research topic. Adding a personal touch to the conclusion can help engage the reader and leave a lasting impression.

Remember that regardless of the type of conclusion you choose, it should always start with a clear and concise restatement of the thesis statement, followed by a summary of the main findings in the body paragraphs. The first sentence of the conclusion should be impactful and attention-grabbing to make a strong impression on the reader.

What to Avoid in Your Conclusion

When crafting your conclusion, it’s essential to keep in mind several key points to ensure that it is effective and well-received by your audience:

• Avoid introducing new ideas or topics that have not been covered in the body of your paper.
• Refrain from simply restating what has already been said in your paper without adding new insights or analysis.
• Do not apologize for any shortcomings or limitations of your research, as this can undermine the importance of your findings.
• Avoid using overly emotional or flowery language, as it can detract from the professionalism and objectivity of the research.
• Lastly, avoid any examples of plagiarism. Be sure to properly cite any sources you have used in your research and writing.

Example of a Bad Conclusion

• Recapitulation without Insight: In conclusion, this paper has discussed the importance of exercise for physical and mental health. We hope this paper has been helpful to you and encourages you to start exercising today.
• Introduction of New Ideas: In conclusion, we have discussed the benefits of exercise and how it can improve physical and mental health. Additionally, we have highlighted the benefits of a plant-based diet and the importance of getting enough sleep for overall well-being.
• Emotional Language: In conclusion, exercise is good for your body and mind, and you should definitely start working out today!

Example of a Good Conclusion

• Insights and Implications: In light of our investigation, it is evident that regular exercise is undeniably beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, especially if performed at an appropriate duration and frequency. These findings hold significant implications for public health policies and personal wellness decisions.
• Limitations and Future Directions: While our investigation has shed light on the benefits of exercise, our study is not without limitations. Future research can delve deeper into the long-term effects of exercise on mental health and explore the impact of exercise on specific populations, such as older adults or individuals with chronic health conditions.
• Call to Action: In conclusion, we urge individuals to prioritize exercise as a critical component of their daily routine. By making exercise a habit, we can reap the many benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Final Thoughts 

When writing a research paper, the conclusion is one of the most crucial elements to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should effectively summarize the research and provide valuable insights, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

To accomplish this, it is essential to include vital elements, such as restating the thesis , summarizing the main points, and discussing the findings. However, it is equally important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of the conclusion, such as introducing new information or repeating the introduction. 

So to ensure that your research is of the highest quality, it’s crucial to use proper citations and conduct a thorough literature review. Additionally, it is crucial to proofread the work to eliminate any errors. 

Fortunately, there are many available resources to help you with both writing and plagiarism prevention. Quetext , for example, offers a plagiarism checker, citation assistance, and proofreading tools to ensure the writing is top-notch. By incorporating these tips and using available resources, you can create a compelling and memorable conclusion for readers. 

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• Glossary of Research Terms
• Reading Research Effectively
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Research Process Video Series
• Executive Summary
• The C.A.R.S. Model
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tiertiary Sources
• Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Insiderness
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Writing Concisely
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Generative AI and Writing
• USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
• Bibliography

The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem, but a synthesis of key points and, if applicable, where you recommend new areas for future research. For most college-level research papers, one or two well-developed paragraphs is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, more paragraphs may be required in summarizing key findings and their significance.

Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of a Good Conclusion

A well-written conclusion provides you with important opportunities to demonstrate to the reader your understanding of the research problem. These include:

• Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper . Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Do this, for example, by highlighting key findings in your analysis that advance new understanding about the research problem, that are unusual or unexpected, or that have important implications applied to practice.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger significance of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly re-emphasize  the "So What?" question by placing the study within the context of how your research advances past research about the topic.
• Identifying how a gap in the literature has been addressed . The conclusion can be where you describe how a previously identified gap in the literature [described in your literature review section] has been filled by your research.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers you the opportunity to elaborate on the impact and significance of your findings. This is particularly important if your study approached examining the research problem from an unusual or innovative perspective.
• Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem . This does not refer to introducing new information [which should be avoided], but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing or contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Bunton, David. “The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters.” Journal of English for Academic Purposes 4 (July 2005): 207–224; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Rules

The function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of the strengths of your main argument(s) and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Do this by stating clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem you investigated in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found in the literature. Make sure, however, that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings. This reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your essay.

When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

• Present your conclusions in clear, simple language. Re-state the purpose of your study, then describe how your findings differ or support those of other studies and why [i.e., what were the unique or new contributions your study made to the overall research about your topic?].
• Do not simply reiterate your findings or the discussion of your results. Provide a synthesis of arguments presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem and the overall objectives of your study.
• Indicate opportunities for future research if you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper. Highlighting the need for further research provides the reader with evidence that you have an in-depth awareness of the research problem and that further investigations should take place.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is presented well:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.
• If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data. 

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate the research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with all the information about the topic . Depending on the discipline you are writing in, the concluding paragraph may contain your reflections on the evidence presented. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have conducted will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way.

NOTE : If asked to think introspectively about the topics, do not delve into idle speculation. Being introspective means looking within yourself as an author to try and understand an issue more deeply, not to guess at possible outcomes or make up scenarios not supported by the evidence.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Although an effective conclusion needs to be clear and succinct, it does not need to be written passively or lack a compelling narrative. Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following strategies:

• If your essay deals with a critical, contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem proactively.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action that, if adopted, could address a specific problem in practice or in the development of new knowledge.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion already noted in your paper in order to lend authority and support to the conclusion(s) you have reached [a good place to look is research from your literature review].
• Explain the consequences of your research in a way that elicits action or demonstrates urgency in seeking change.
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to emphasize the most important finding of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point by drawing from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you presented in your introduction, but add further insight derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results to recast it in new or important ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a succinct, declarative statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid

Failure to be concise Your conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too lengthy often have unnecessary information in them. The conclusion is not the place for details about your methodology or results. Although you should give a summary of what was learned from your research, this summary should be relatively brief, since the emphasis in the conclusion is on the implications, evaluations, insights, and other forms of analysis that you make. Strategies for writing concisely can be found here .

Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from the general [the field of study] to the specific [the research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move from a specific discussion [your research problem] back to a general discussion [i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In short, the conclusion is where you should place your research within a larger context [visualize your paper as an hourglass--start with a broad introduction and review of the literature, move to the specific analysis and discussion, conclude with a broad summary of the study's implications and significance].

Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. These are problems, deficiencies, or challenges encountered during your study should be summarized as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative or unintended results [i.e., findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section and discuss their implications in the discussion section of your paper. In the conclusion, use your summary of the negative results as an opportunity to explain their possible significance and/or how they may form the basis for future research.

Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to be able to discuss how your research fits within your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize briefly and succinctly how it contributes to new knowledge or a new understanding about the research problem. This element of your conclusion may be only a few sentences long.

Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives in the social sciences change while the research is being carried out. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine the original objectives in your introduction. As these changes emerge they must be documented so that they accurately reflect what you were trying to accomplish in your research [not what you thought you might accomplish when you began].

Resist the urge to apologize If you've immersed yourself in studying the research problem, you presumably should know a good deal about it [perhaps even more than your professor!]. Nevertheless, by the time you have finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you have produced. Repress those doubts! Don't undermine your authority by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches that...." The overall tone of your conclusion should convey confidence to the reader.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Concluding Paragraphs. College Writing Center at Meramec. St. Louis Community College; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Freedman, Leora  and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Leibensperger, Summer. Draft Your Conclusion. Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, 2003; Make Your Last Words Count. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin Madison; Miquel, Fuster-Marquez and Carmen Gregori-Signes. “Chapter Six: ‘Last but Not Least:’ Writing the Conclusion of Your Paper.” In Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation: A Guide to Presenting Empirical Research . John Bitchener, editor. (Basingstoke,UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), pp. 93-105; Tips for Writing a Good Conclusion. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Writing Conclusions. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization. Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

Don't Belabor the Obvious!

Avoid phrases like "in conclusion...," "in summary...," or "in closing...." These phrases can be useful, even welcome, in oral presentations. But readers can see by the tell-tale section heading and number of pages remaining to read, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Another Writing Tip

New Insight, Not New Information!

Don't surprise the reader with new information in your conclusion that was never referenced anywhere else in the paper and, as such, the conclusion rarely has citations to sources. If you have new information to present, add it to the discussion or other appropriate section of the paper. Note that, although no actual new information is introduced, the conclusion, along with the discussion section, is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; the conclusion is where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate that you understand the material that you’ve presented, and locate your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic, including describing how your research contributes new insights or valuable insight to that scholarship.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina.

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How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper

Last updated

17 February 2024

Reviewed by

Writing a research paper is a chance to share your knowledge and hypothesis. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your many hours of research and prove your ability to write convincingly.

Ideally, by the end of your research paper, you'll have brought your readers on a journey to reach the conclusions you've pre-determined. However, if you don't stick the landing with a good conclusion, you'll risk losing your reader’s trust.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper involves a few important steps, including restating the thesis and summing up everything properly.

Find out what to include and what to avoid, so you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of the topic and prove your expertise.

• Why is a good conclusion important?

A good conclusion can cement your paper in the reader’s mind. Making a strong impression in your introduction can draw your readers in, but it's the conclusion that will inspire them.

• What to include in a research paper conclusion

There are a few specifics you should include in your research paper conclusion. Offer your readers some sense of urgency or consequence by pointing out why they should care about the topic you have covered. Discuss any common problems associated with your topic and provide suggestions as to how these problems can be solved or addressed.

The conclusion should include a restatement of your initial thesis. Thesis statements are strengthened after you’ve presented supporting evidence (as you will have done in the paper), so make a point to reintroduce it at the end.

Finally, recap the main points of your research paper, highlighting the key takeaways you want readers to remember. If you've made multiple points throughout the paper, refer to the ones with the strongest supporting evidence.

• Steps for writing a research paper conclusion

Many writers find the conclusion the most challenging part of any research project . By following these three steps, you'll be prepared to write a conclusion that is effective and concise.

• Step 1: Restate the problem

Always begin by restating the research problem in the conclusion of a research paper. This serves to remind the reader of your hypothesis and refresh them on the main point of the paper. 

When restating the problem, take care to avoid using exactly the same words you employed earlier in the paper.

• Step 2: Sum up the paper

After you've restated the problem, sum up the paper by revealing your overall findings. The method for this differs slightly, depending on whether you're crafting an argumentative paper or an empirical paper.

Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments

Argumentative papers involve introducing a thesis statement early on. In crafting the conclusion for an argumentative paper, always restate the thesis, outlining the way you've developed it throughout the entire paper.

It might be appropriate to mention any counterarguments in the conclusion, so you can demonstrate how your thesis is correct or how the data best supports your main points.

Empirical paper: Summarize research findings

Empirical papers break down a series of research questions. In your conclusion, discuss the findings your research revealed, including any information that surprised you.

Be clear about the conclusions you reached, and explain whether or not you expected to arrive at these particular ones.

• Step 3: Discuss the implications of your research

Argumentative papers and empirical papers also differ in this part of a research paper conclusion. Here are some tips on crafting conclusions for argumentative and empirical papers.

Argumentative paper: Powerful closing statement

In an argumentative paper, you'll have spent a great deal of time expressing the opinions you formed after doing a significant amount of research. Make a strong closing statement in your argumentative paper's conclusion to share the significance of your work.

You can outline the next steps through a bold call to action, or restate how powerful your ideas turned out to be.

Empirical paper: Directions for future research

Empirical papers are broader in scope. They usually cover a variety of aspects and can include several points of view.

To write a good conclusion for an empirical paper, suggest the type of research that could be done in the future, including methods for further investigation or outlining ways other researchers might proceed.

If you feel your research had any limitations, even if they were outside your control, you could mention these in your conclusion.

After you finish outlining your conclusion, ask someone to read it and offer feedback. In any research project you're especially close to, it can be hard to identify problem areas. Having a close friend or someone whose opinion you value read the research paper and provide honest feedback can be invaluable. Take note of any suggested edits and consider incorporating them into your paper if they make sense.

• Things to avoid in a research paper conclusion

Keep these aspects to avoid in mind as you're writing your conclusion and refer to them after you've created an outline.

Dry summary

Writing a memorable, succinct conclusion is arguably more important than a strong introduction. Take care to avoid just rephrasing your main points, and don't fall into the trap of repeating dry facts or citations.

You can provide a new perspective for your readers to think about or contextualize your research. Either way, make the conclusion vibrant and interesting, rather than a rote recitation of your research paper’s highlights.

Clichéd or generic phrasing

Your research paper conclusion should feel fresh and inspiring. Avoid generic phrases like "to sum up" or "in conclusion." These phrases tend to be overused, especially in an academic context and might turn your readers off.

The conclusion also isn't the time to introduce colloquial phrases or informal language. Retain a professional, confident tone consistent throughout your paper’s conclusion so it feels exciting and bold.

New data or evidence

While you should present strong data throughout your paper, the conclusion isn't the place to introduce new evidence. This is because readers are engaged in actively learning as they read through the body of your paper.

By the time they reach the conclusion, they will have formed an opinion one way or the other (hopefully in your favor!). Introducing new evidence in the conclusion will only serve to surprise or frustrate your reader.

Ignoring contradictory evidence

If your research reveals contradictory evidence, don't ignore it in the conclusion. This will damage your credibility as an expert and might even serve to highlight the contradictions.

Be as transparent as possible and admit to any shortcomings in your research, but don't dwell on them for too long.

Ambiguous or unclear resolutions

The point of a research paper conclusion is to provide closure and bring all your ideas together. You should wrap up any arguments you introduced in the paper and tie up any loose ends, while demonstrating why your research and data are strong.

Use direct language in your conclusion and avoid ambiguity. Even if some of the data and sources you cite are inconclusive or contradictory, note this in your conclusion to come across as confident and trustworthy.

• Examples of research paper conclusions

Your research paper should provide a compelling close to the paper as a whole, highlighting your research and hard work. While the conclusion should represent your unique style, these examples offer a starting point:

Ultimately, the data we examined all point to the same conclusion: Encouraging a good work-life balance improves employee productivity and benefits the company overall. The research suggests that when employees feel their personal lives are valued and respected by their employers, they are more likely to be productive when at work. In addition, company turnover tends to be reduced when employees have a balance between their personal and professional lives. While additional research is required to establish ways companies can support employees in creating a stronger work-life balance, it's clear the need is there.

Social media is a primary method of communication among young people. As we've seen in the data presented, most young people in high school use a variety of social media applications at least every hour, including Instagram and Facebook. While social media is an avenue for connection with peers, research increasingly suggests that social media use correlates with body image issues. Young girls with lower self-esteem tend to use social media more often than those who don't log onto social media apps every day. As new applications continue to gain popularity, and as more high school students are given smartphones, more research will be required to measure the effects of prolonged social media use.

What are the different kinds of research paper conclusions?

There are no formal types of research paper conclusions. Ultimately, the conclusion depends on the outline of your paper and the type of research you’re presenting. While some experts note that research papers can end with a new perspective or commentary, most papers should conclude with a combination of both. The most important aspect of a good research paper conclusion is that it accurately represents the body of the paper.

Can I present new arguments in my research paper conclusion?

Research paper conclusions are not the place to introduce new data or arguments. The body of your paper is where you should share research and insights, where the reader is actively absorbing the content. By the time a reader reaches the conclusion of the research paper, they should have formed their opinion. Introducing new arguments in the conclusion can take a reader by surprise, and not in a positive way. It might also serve to frustrate readers.

How long should a research paper conclusion be?

There's no set length for a research paper conclusion. However, it's a good idea not to run on too long, since conclusions are supposed to be succinct. A good rule of thumb is to keep your conclusion around 5 to 10 percent of the paper's total length. If your paper is 10 pages, try to keep your conclusion under one page.

What should I include in a research paper conclusion?

A good research paper conclusion should always include a sense of urgency, so the reader can see how and why the topic should matter to them. You can also note some recommended actions to help fix the problem and some obstacles they might encounter. A conclusion should also remind the reader of the thesis statement, along with the main points you covered in the paper. At the end of the conclusion, add a powerful closing statement that helps cement the paper in the mind of the reader.

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• How to Write Discussions and Conclusions

The discussion section contains the results and outcomes of a study. An effective discussion informs readers what can be learned from your experiment and provides context for the results.

What makes an effective discussion?

When you’re ready to write your discussion, you’ve already introduced the purpose of your study and provided an in-depth description of the methodology. The discussion informs readers about the larger implications of your study based on the results. Highlighting these implications while not overstating the findings can be challenging, especially when you’re submitting to a journal that selects articles based on novelty or potential impact. Regardless of what journal you are submitting to, the discussion section always serves the same purpose: concluding what your study results actually mean.

A successful discussion section puts your findings in context. It should include:

• the results of your research,
• a discussion of related research, and
• a comparison between your results and initial hypothesis.

Tip: Not all journals share the same naming conventions.

You can apply the advice in this article to the conclusion, results or discussion sections of your manuscript.

Our Early Career Researcher community tells us that the conclusion is often considered the most difficult aspect of a manuscript to write. To help, this guide provides questions to ask yourself, a basic structure to model your discussion off of and examples from published manuscripts. 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Was my hypothesis correct?
• If my hypothesis is partially correct or entirely different, what can be learned from the results? 
• How do the conclusions reshape or add onto the existing knowledge in the field? What does previous research say about the topic? 
• Why are the results important or relevant to your audience? Do they add further evidence to a scientific consensus or disprove prior studies? 
• How can future research build on these observations? What are the key experiments that must be done? 
• What is the “take-home” message you want your reader to leave with?

How to structure a discussion

Trying to fit a complete discussion into a single paragraph can add unnecessary stress to the writing process. If possible, you’ll want to give yourself two or three paragraphs to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of your study as a whole. Here’s one way to structure an effective discussion:

Writing Tips

While the above sections can help you brainstorm and structure your discussion, there are many common mistakes that writers revert to when having difficulties with their paper. Writing a discussion can be a delicate balance between summarizing your results, providing proper context for your research and avoiding introducing new information. Remember that your paper should be both confident and honest about the results! 

• Read the journal’s guidelines on the discussion and conclusion sections. If possible, learn about the guidelines before writing the discussion to ensure you’re writing to meet their expectations. 
• Begin with a clear statement of the principal findings. This will reinforce the main take-away for the reader and set up the rest of the discussion. 
• Explain why the outcomes of your study are important to the reader. Discuss the implications of your findings realistically based on previous literature, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of the research. 
• State whether the results prove or disprove your hypothesis. If your hypothesis was disproved, what might be the reasons? 
• Introduce new or expanded ways to think about the research question. Indicate what next steps can be taken to further pursue any unresolved questions. 
• If dealing with a contemporary or ongoing problem, such as climate change, discuss possible consequences if the problem is avoided. 
• Be concise. Adding unnecessary detail can distract from the main findings. 

Don’t

• Rewrite your abstract. Statements with “we investigated” or “we studied” generally do not belong in the discussion. 
• Include new arguments or evidence not previously discussed. Necessary information and evidence should be introduced in the main body of the paper. 
• Apologize. Even if your research contains significant limitations, don’t undermine your authority by including statements that doubt your methodology or execution. 
• Shy away from speaking on limitations or negative results. Including limitations and negative results will give readers a complete understanding of the presented research. Potential limitations include sources of potential bias, threats to internal or external validity, barriers to implementing an intervention and other issues inherent to the study design. 
• Overstate the importance of your findings. Making grand statements about how a study will fully resolve large questions can lead readers to doubt the success of the research. 

Snippets of Effective Discussions:

Consumer-based actions to reduce plastic pollution in rivers: A multi-criteria decision analysis approach

Identifying reliable indicators of fitness in polar bears

• How to Write a Great Title
• How to Write an Abstract
• How to Write Your Methods
• How to Report Statistics
• How to Edit Your Work

The contents of the Peer Review Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

The contents of the Writing Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

There’s a lot to consider when deciding where to submit your work. Learn how to choose a journal that will help your study reach its audience, while reflecting your values as a researcher…

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Last Updated: June 29, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 42 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,255,171 times.

The conclusion of a research paper needs to summarize the content and purpose of the paper without seeming too wooden or dry. Every basic conclusion must share several key elements, but there are also several tactics you can play around with to craft a more effective conclusion and several you should avoid to prevent yourself from weakening your paper's conclusion. Here are some writing tips to keep in mind when creating a conclusion for your next research paper.

Sample Conclusions

Writing a basic conclusion.

• Do not spend a great amount of time or space restating your topic.
• A good research paper will make the importance of your topic apparent, so you do not need to write an elaborate defense of your topic in the conclusion.
• Usually a single sentence is all you need to restate your topic.
• An example would be if you were writing a paper on the epidemiology of infectious disease, you might say something like "Tuberculosis is a widespread infectious disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year."
• Yet another example from the humanities would be a paper about the Italian Renaissance: "The Italian Renaissance was an explosion of art and ideas centered around artists, writers, and thinkers in Florence."

• A thesis is a narrowed, focused view on the topic at hand.
• This statement should be rephrased from the thesis you included in your introduction. It should not be identical or too similar to the sentence you originally used.
• Try re-wording your thesis statement in a way that complements your summary of the topic of your paper in your first sentence of your conclusion.
• An example of a good thesis statement, going back to the paper on tuberculosis, would be "Tuberculosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year. Due to the alarming rate of the spread of tuberculosis, particularly in poor countries, medical professionals are implementing new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and containment of this disease ."

• A good way to go about this is to re-read the topic sentence of each major paragraph or section in the body of your paper.
• Find a way to briefly restate each point mentioned in each topic sentence in your conclusion. Do not repeat any of the supporting details used within your body paragraphs.
• Under most circumstances, you should avoid writing new information in your conclusion. This is especially true if the information is vital to the argument or research presented in your paper.
• For example, in the TB paper you could summarize the information. "Tuberculosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Due to the alarming rate of the spread of tuberculosis, particularly in poor countries, medical professionals are implementing new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and containment of this disease. In developing countries, such as those in Africa and Southeast Asia, the rate of TB infections is soaring. Crowded conditions, poor sanitation, and lack of access to medical care are all compounding factors in the spread of the disease. Medical experts, such as those from the World Health Organization are now starting campaigns to go into communities in developing countries and provide diagnostic testing and treatments. However, the treatments for TB are very harsh and have many side effects. This leads to patient non-compliance and spread of multi-drug resistant strains of the disease."

• Note that this is not needed for all research papers.
• If you already fully explained what the points in your paper mean or why they are significant, you do not need to go into them in much detail in your conclusion. Simply restating your thesis or the significance of your topic should suffice.
• It is always best practice to address important issues and fully explain your points in the body of your paper. The point of a conclusion to a research paper is to summarize your argument for the reader and, perhaps, to call the reader to action if needed.

• Note that a call for action is not essential to all conclusions. A research paper on literary criticism, for instance, is less likely to need a call for action than a paper on the effect that television has on toddlers and young children.
• A paper that is more likely to call readers to action is one that addresses a public or scientific need. Let's go back to our example of tuberculosis. This is a very serious disease that is spreading quickly and with antibiotic-resistant forms.
• A call to action in this research paper would be a follow-up statement that might be along the lines of "Despite new efforts to diagnose and contain the disease, more research is needed to develop new antibiotics that will treat the most resistant strains of tuberculosis and ease the side effects of current treatments."

• For example, if you are writing a history paper, then you might discuss how the historical topic you discussed matters today. If you are writing about a foreign country, then you might use the conclusion to discuss how the information you shared may help readers understand their own country.

Making Your Conclusion as Effective as Possible

• Since this sort of conclusion is so basic, you must aim to synthesize the information rather than merely summarizing it.
• Instead of merely repeating things you already said, rephrase your thesis and supporting points in a way that ties them all together.
• By doing so, you make your research paper seem like a "complete thought" rather than a collection of random and vaguely related ideas.

• Ask a question in your introduction. In your conclusion, restate the question and provide a direct answer.
• Write an anecdote or story in your introduction but do not share the ending. Instead, write the conclusion to the anecdote in the conclusion of your paper.
• For example, if you wanted to get more creative and put a more humanistic spin on a paper on tuberculosis, you might start your introduction with a story about a person with the disease, and refer to that story in your conclusion. For example, you could say something like this before you re-state your thesis in your conclusion: "Patient X was unable to complete the treatment for tuberculosis due to severe side effects and unfortunately succumbed to the disease."
• Use the same concepts and images introduced in your introduction in your conclusion. The images may or may not appear at other points throughout the research paper.

• Include enough information about your topic to back the statement up but do not get too carried away with excess detail.
• If your research did not provide you with a clear-cut answer to a question posed in your thesis, do not be afraid to indicate as much.
• Restate your initial hypothesis and indicate whether you still believe it or if the research you performed has begun swaying your opinion.
• Indicate that an answer may still exist and that further research could shed more light on the topic at hand.

• This may not be appropriate for all types of research papers. Most research papers, such as one on effective treatment for diseases, will have the information to make the case for a particular argument already in the paper.
• A good example of a paper that might ask a question of the reader in the ending is one about a social issue, such as poverty or government policy.
• Ask a question that will directly get at the heart or purpose of the paper. This question is often the same question, or some version of it, that you may have started with when you began your research.
• Make sure that the question can be answered by the evidence presented in your paper.
• If desired you can briefly summarize the answer after stating the question. You could also leave the question hanging for the reader to answer, though.

• Even without a call to action, you can still make a recommendation to your reader.
• For instance, if you are writing about a topic like third-world poverty, you can various ways for the reader to assist in the problem without necessarily calling for more research.
• Another example would be, in a paper about treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, you could suggest donating to the World Health Organization or research foundations that are developing new treatments for the disease.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• These sayings usually sound stiff, unnatural, or trite when used in writing.
• Moreover, using a phrase like "in conclusion" to begin your conclusion is a little too straightforward and tends to lead to a weak conclusion. A strong conclusion can stand on its own without being labeled as such.

• Always state the main argument or thesis in the introduction. A research paper is an analytical discussion of an academic topic, not a mystery novel.
• A good, effective research paper will allow your reader to follow your main argument from start to finish.
• This is why it is best practice to start your paper with an introduction that states your main argument and to end the paper with a conclusion that re-states your thesis for re-iteration.

• All significant information should be introduced in the body of the paper.
• Supporting evidence expands the topic of your paper by making it appear more detailed. A conclusion should narrow the topic to a more general point.
• A conclusion should only summarize what you have already stated in the body of your paper.
• You may suggest further research or a call to action, but you should not bring in any new evidence or facts in the conclusion.

• Most often, a shift in tone occurs when a research paper with an academic tone gives an emotional or sentimental conclusion.
• Even if the topic of the paper is of personal significance for you, you should not indicate as much in your paper.
• If you want to give your paper a more humanistic slant, you could start and end your paper with a story or anecdote that would give your topic more personal meaning to the reader.
• This tone should be consistent throughout the paper, however.

• Apologetic statements include phrases like "I may not be an expert" or "This is only my opinion."
• Statements like this can usually be avoided by refraining from writing in the first-person.
• Avoid any statements in the first-person. First-person is generally considered to be informal and does not fit with the formal tone of a research paper.

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• ↑ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/724/04/
• ↑ http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/18_Writing_Conclusion.asp
• ↑ http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/PlanResearchPaper.html#conclusion
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/
• ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html

About This Article

To write a conclusion for a research paper, start by restating your thesis statement to remind your readers what your main topic is and bring everything full circle. Then, briefly summarize all of the main points you made throughout your paper, which will help remind your readers of everything they learned. You might also want to include a call to action if you think more research or work needs to be done on your topic by writing something like, "Despite efforts to contain the disease, more research is needed to develop antibiotics." Finally, end your conclusion by explaining the broader context of your topic and why your readers should care about it, which will help them understand why your topic is relevant and important. For tips from our Academic co-author, like how to avoid common pitfalls when writing your conclusion, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

• Tie together the essay’s main points
• Show why your argument matters
• Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

• Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
• Does it raise new questions for future study?
• Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
• Can it be applied to different contexts?
• Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

• “In conclusion…”
• “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

• “This is just one approach among many.”
• “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
• “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example. Scribbr. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/conclusion/

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• Writing a Research Paper Conclusion

Your research paper conclusion is your final chance to leave a strong impression on your reader. It is where you summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and leave the reader with something to think about.

A well-crafted conclusion reminds the reader of the main points of your paper and helps to persuade the reader to accept your argument. It also shows that you have thought critically about your topic and have developed a clear understanding of it.

Let’s explore research paper conclusions and how to write a perfect one that will show off the quality of your research.

The Purpose of a Research Paper Conclusion

The research paper conclusion has major purposes- summarize the key points of the paper , reiterate the thesis statement , provide closure to the reader , and o ffer insights and implications . Let’s break down each of these purposes:

• Summarizing Key Points

The last paragraph is the most important part of a research paper. It’s where you summarize the main points of your paper and remind everyone of the main argument of your paper. It’s also where you explain why your research is important and how it’s relevant to your field.

For example, in a research paper on the effects of climate change on sea levels, the conclusion might summarize the key findings of the paper, such as the fact that sea levels are rising at an alarming rate and that this is a major threat to coastal communities.

• Reiterating the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the main argument of the research paper, and you should make sure to state it in your introduction, so people know what you want to achieve with your research. The end of your paper is a great place to repeat your thesis statement and point out the main point of your paper.

• Providing Closure to the Reader

Your conclusion should provide closure to the reader by summarizing the main points of the paper and leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the argument and its implications. Your conclusion should also be satisfying and provocative, leaving readers with questions to ask or conduct future research.

• Offering Insights and Implications

The conclusion is an excellent place to provide insights and conclusions based on the results of the study. This includes discussing the impact of the study on policymakers, practitioners, or the general public. It could also involve discussing the limitations of the research and suggesting directions for future research.

Learn how to perfect your research paper with our comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide on Writing a Research Paper Appendix.

Key Elements of an Effective Conclusion

The following are the elements you must have in your research paper conclusion: 

• Restate the Thesis Statement

Restating the thesis statement in the conclusion helps to remind the reader of the main argument or claim of the paper. It also helps to emphasize the importance of the research findings.

• Summarize the Main Points

Summarizing the main points in the conclusion helps the reader to remember the key takeaways from the paper. It also helps to ensure that the paper is well-organized and that the main points are well-articulated.

• Avoid Introducing New Information

Your conclusion should focus on summarizing the main points of the paper and offering insights and implications of the research findings. Introducing new information will make your conclusion inconsistent with your research paper, confusing the reader, and could earn you lower grades.

• Leave a Lasting Impression

The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader. You can do this by offering thought-provoking insights, discussing the implications of the research findings, or calling for future research.

• Call to Action (if applicable)

If applicable, you can include a call to action in your conclusion. For example, you could encourage the reader to learn more about the topic or to take action on a particular issue.

Strategies for Writing a Compelling Conclusion

Here are some strategies to help you write a flawless research paper conclusion: 

• Craft a Clear and Concise Summary: Think of your conclusion as making a “highlight reel” of your research. Summarize the key points without getting too wordy. Imagine telling a friend the most important parts of your research in a few sentences.
• Emphasize the Research’s Significance: Highlight why your research matters. Help your readers see the importance of your work in the real world.
• Reflect on the Research Process: Take a moment to talk about how you got to your conclusions. Understanding the path that got you to your findings builds trust and credibility with your readers.
• Connect Back to the Introduction: Remember the beginning of your paper? Your conclusion should link back to it. This provides a central theme to your research, making your research feel complete and cohesive.
• Consider the Target Audience: Think about who’s going to read your paper, Are they experts or people in an entirely different field? Depending on your target audience, use language and explanations that would easily understand.

Discover the importance of researcher reflexivity in research, including practices and examples.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the common mistakes you will most likely make if you don’t pay enough attention to your conclusions:

• Introducing New Ideas or Arguments

The conclusion is not the place for new surprises. Don’t add new stuff that you didn’t mention in your paper. It’s like finishing a story without introducing new characters on the last page.

• Being Repetitive 

Constantly repeating what you’ve already said can make your conclusion boring. It’s like hearing the same joke twice. Summarize and paraphrase but don’t say the same things over and over.

• Making Unsupported Claims

Avoid making wild claims without evidence. Your conclusion should be strong, but it’s not a place for unsupported statements. Back up your claims with facts and evidence, just like in the rest of your paper.

• Rushing the Conclusion

Don’t rush through your conclusion. Take your time to make it fully capture the quality of your research, and leave a lasting impression on the readers.

• Neglecting Proofreading and Editing

Last but not least, make sure you proofread and rewrite your conclusion. Errors and typos can reduce the quality of your conclusion and make the research paper appear poor.

Examples of Effective Research Paper Conclusions

We have discussed what you need to include and avoid in your research paper conclusion. Here are examples of what your research paper conclusion should look like if you follow best practices:

In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that Silica is a more effective adsorbent for CO₂ than Activated Kaolin. This has important implications for materials used for carbon capture in manufacturing sectors such as cement and petrochemicals, as well as other sectors with significant carbon dioxide emissions.

Conclusion Analysis

This type of conclusion is effective because it shows the reader how the research findings can be applied to real-world situations. It also helps the reader to understand the significance of the research.

• Extracting Key Elements

In conclusion, the key elements of [insert research topic here] are [insert list of key elements here]. These elements are important because they [insert explanation of why the elements are important here].

This type of conclusion is effective because it summarizes the main points of the research paper and explains their significance. It also helps the reader to understand the research topic more deeply.

• Understanding the Impact on the Reader

In conclusion, the findings of this study have important implications for [insert reader group here]. For example, [insert specific example here]. This research could help [insert reader group here] to [insert specific benefit here].

This type of conclusion is effective because it shows the reader how the research findings can be used to benefit them. It also helps the reader to understand the importance of the research.

Tailoring the Conclusion to Different Types of Research Papers

Different types of research papers require different types of conclusions. For example, the conclusion of a scientific research paper will be different from the conclusion of an argumentative research paper.

Here’s how to tailor your conclusion to your type of research paper:

• Scientific Research Papers

The conclusion of a scientific research paper should summarize the main findings of the study and discuss their implications. It should also identify any limitations of the study and suggest directions for future research.

For example, if you are writing a scientific research paper on the effects of a new drug on a particular disease, your conclusion should summarize the findings of your clinical trial and discuss their implications for the treatment of the disease. You also need to identify any limitations of the trial, such as the small sample size, and suggest directions for future research, such as conducting a larger trial with a more diverse sample.

• Argumentative Research Papers

The conclusion of an argumentative research paper should restate the thesis statement and summarize the main arguments that support the thesis. It should also address any counterarguments and explain why the thesis statement is still valid.

For example, if you want to write an argumentative paper on the reasons for the Civil War in America, you would restate your thesis statement, summarizing the main arguments in support of it. 

Next, address the counterarguments (e.g., the claim that the Civil War was unavoidable). Finally, explain why you maintain your thesis statement, even in the face of those counterarguments.

• Literary Analysis Papers

The conclusion of a literary analysis paper should summarize the main points of the analysis and discuss their implications. It should also identify any limitations of the analysis and suggest directions for future research.

For example, if you’re writing a paper on one of Shakespeare’s plays, you would start by summarising the main points of analysis, such as themes and characters. Next, you would discuss the implications of your analysis, for example, what the play can teach us about human character or society. 

You’d also identify any limits to your analysis (e.g., you’re only analyzing one play). Finally, you could propose directions for future research (e.g. analyzing other plays by Shakespeare or comparing plays by other playwrights).

• Historical Research Papers

The conclusion of a historical research paper should summarize the main findings of the research and discuss their implications. It should also identify any limitations of the research and suggest directions for future research.

For example, if you’re writing an American Revolution historical research paper, you’d summarize the key findings of your paper, such as how economic, social, and political factors contributed to the American Revolution. Next, talk about the implications of your paper, for example, what the American Revolution can teach us about democracy and human rights

You also need to identify any limitations of your research, such as the fact that you are only focusing on one country. Finally, you could suggest directions for future research, such as comparing the American Revolution to other revolutions around the world.

Practical Tips for Writing the Conclusion

Here are some tips to guide you in creating a flawless conclusion for your research paper:

• Start Early and Revise Often 

It takes time to get your conclusion right. A good hack is to write your conclusion at the start of your research and then review it later. As your research progresses, you can revise and improve your conclusion until it’s perfect for your paper.

• Seek Feedback from Peers or Advisors 

Don’t be shy about sharing your conclusion with others. Think of it as asking for help with a puzzle. Your peers or advisors can provide valuable feedback to make your conclusion even better. They might spot things you’ve missed or offer suggestions for improvement.

• Use Transition Phrases 

To make your conclusion flow smoothly, use transition phrases. These are like road signs in your writing, guiding your readers along the path. Phrases like “In summary,” “To conclude,” or “In a nutshell” signal that you’re wrapping things up and help your readers follow your thoughts.

• Consider the Word Count 

Think about the size of your conclusion. It’s like finding the right size for a picture frame. You don’t want it to be too big or too small. It should be just right for your paper. Check your assignment guidelines or consider the overall word count to ensure your conclusion is appropriately sized.

• Focus on Clarity and Coherence 

Your conclusion should be crystal clear. Imagine you’re explaining your research to a friend who knows nothing about your topic. Use simple language and make sure your ideas flow logically. This way, your readers won’t get lost in your conclusion but will understand your key points easily.

Adding a Personal Touch

Writing a conclusion is not just about the research; it’s also about you. Here’s how you can personalize your conclusion to make your research paper stand out to readers:

• Reflecting on Your Personal Growth 

Reflect on how you’ve grown from the start of your research until the end. Think of your journey, and share your personal insights and development. It makes your conclusion more relatable and human.

• Sharing Insights Gained from Research 

Your research has given you some valuable insights; explain what you’ve learned and why it matters in your conclusion. This shows that your research has a purpose and real-world implications, making your conclusion more meaningful.

• Making the Conclusion Memorable 

A memorable conclusion is like a catchy tune you can’t forget. Try to end your research paper with a statement, a quote, or a thought-provoking question. Leave your readers with something to ponder. It will make your conclusion stick in their minds and leave a lasting impression.

Wrapping Up

Conclusions are one of the smallest but most significant parts of a research paper. The smallest error could have a huge impact on how readers perceive your research. 

Ensure you carefully follow the strategies in this guide to write a conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. Also, remember, it’s your conclusion , state the facts, and make it stand out by sharing your journey.

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Table of Contents

Are you struggling to write a conclusion for your research paper? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many students find it challenging to wrap up their research papers effectively. Your conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader, so it’s crucial to get it right. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a conclusion for a research paper that leaves a lasting impression.

The Purpose of a Conclusion

Before we dive into the strategies for writing a conclusion, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a conclusion in a research paper. A conclusion serves several vital purposes, including:

Summarizing the Main Points of the Research Paper

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your research paper in a concise and straightforward manner. It should give your reader a clear understanding of the key takeaways from your research.

Restating the Thesis Statement

Your conclusion should restate your thesis statement while taking into account the evidence you’ve presented in your research paper.

Providing Recommendations for Future Research

Your conclusion should provide recommendations for future research. This is an opportunity to suggest areas for further research or to highlight gaps in the current research that need to be addressed.

By fulfilling these purposes, your conclusion will tie together all the essential elements of your research paper and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Strategies for Writing a Conclusion

Now that we understand the purpose of a conclusion let’s dive into the strategies for writing an effective conclusion. Here are three strategies to consider:

Revisiting the Introduction

One of the most effective ways to write a conclusion is to revisit the introduction of your research paper. Your introduction should have set the stage for your research paper and provided a roadmap for your reader. By revisiting the introduction, you can remind your reader of the key points you’ve covered in your research paper.

Emphasizing the Significance of the Research

Your conclusion should emphasize the significance of your research. You should highlight the impact that your research has on the field and why it’s essential to continue studying this topic.

Providing a Call to Action

Finally, your conclusion should provide a call to action. This is an opportunity to inspire your reader to take action based on the findings of your research. You might encourage your reader to engage in further research, to implement your findings, or to take some other form of action.

By using these strategies, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some tips for writing an effective conclusion.

Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Now that we’ve discussed the strategies for writing a conclusion, let’s dive into some tips to help you write an effective conclusion. Here are three tips to consider:

Keep it Concise

Your conclusion should be concise and to the point. You’ve already covered all the essential points in your research paper, so there’s no need to rehash them in your conclusion. Instead, focus on summarizing the main points and highlighting the significance of your research.

Avoid Introducing New Information

Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new information. Stick to the key points you’ve covered in your research paper and avoid introducing new information.

Use Strong, Impactful Language

Your conclusion should use strong, impactful language that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Avoid using weak or passive language and instead use language that conveys confidence and authority.

By following these tips, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. In the next section, we’ll discuss some common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing a Conclusion

Writing a conclusion is not easy, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are three common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion:

Repeating Information from the Body of the Paper

Your conclusion should not repeat information from the body of your research paper. Instead, it should summarize the key points and highlight the significance of your research.

Making Unsupported Claims

Your conclusion should not make unsupported claims. Stick to the evidence you’ve presented in your research paper and avoid making claims that can’t be backed up by evidence.

Undermining the Importance of the Research

Your conclusion should not undermine the importance of your research. Instead, it should highlight the significance of your research and the impact it has on the field.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. In the next section, we’ll wrap up this article with some final thoughts on writing an effective conclusion.

Writing a conclusion for a research paper can be challenging, but by following the strategies and tips outlined in this article, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Remember to keep it concise, avoid introducing new information, and use strong, impactful language. By doing so, your conclusion will tie together all the essential elements of your research paper and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

In this section, we’ll explore some strategies for writing a conclusion that effectively summarizes your research and leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

One of the most effective strategies for writing a conclusion is to revisit the introduction of your research paper. Your introduction should have provided a roadmap for your reader, outlining the key points you’ll cover in your research paper. By revisiting the introduction in your conclusion, you can remind your reader of the key points you’ve covered and provide a sense of closure to your research.

Another strategy for writing a conclusion is to emphasize the significance of your research. Your conclusion should highlight the impact that your research has on the field and why it’s essential to continue studying this topic. You might discuss the implications of your findings or suggest areas for further research.

By using these strategies, you can write an effective conclusion that summarizes your research and leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

In addition to the strategies outlined above, there are some tips you should keep in mind when writing a conclusion for your research paper.

Your conclusion is not the place to introduce new information. Stick to the key points you’ve covered in your research paper and avoid introducing new information. Any new information should be included in the body of your research paper, not the conclusion.

Finally, your conclusion should use strong, impactful language that leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Avoid using weak or passive language and instead use language that conveys confidence and authority. Your conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader, so make sure it’s strong and impactful.

By following these tips, you can write an effective conclusion that summarizes your research and leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

One of the most common mistakes to avoid in writing a conclusion is repeating information from the body of the paper. Your conclusion should summarize the key points you’ve made in your research paper, but it should not repeat them verbatim. Instead, your conclusion should tie together all the essential elements of your research paper and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Another common mistake to avoid in writing a conclusion is making unsupported claims. Your conclusion should be based on the evidence you’ve presented in your research paper. Avoid making claims that can’t be backed up by evidence, as this can undermine the credibility of your research.

Finally, your conclusion should not undermine the importance of your research. Your conclusion should highlight the significance of your research and the impact it has on the field. Avoid downplaying the importance of your research or making it seem less important than it really is.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write an effective conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.

In conclusion, writing a conclusion for a research paper is an essential part of the research process. Your conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader, so it’s crucial to get it right. By summarizing the main points of your research paper, restating your thesis statement, and providing recommendations for future research, you can write an effective conclusion that ties together all the essential elements of your research paper.

Remember to keep your conclusion concise, avoid introducing new information, and use strong, impactful language. By doing so, your conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your reader and inspire them to take action based on the findings of your research.

We hope that the strategies and tips outlined in this article have been helpful in guiding you through the process of writing an effective conclusion. We encourage you to try out these strategies in your own research papers and see the difference they can make. With practice, you’ll be able to write compelling conclusions that leave a lasting impression on your reader.

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How to Write a Research Paper Conclusion Section

What is a conclusion in a research paper?

The conclusion in a research paper is the final paragraph or two in a research paper. In scientific papers, the conclusion usually follows the Discussion section , summarizing the importance of the findings and reminding the reader why the work presented in the paper is relevant.

However, it can be a bit confusing to distinguish the conclusion section/paragraph from a summary or a repetition of your findings, your own opinion, or the statement of the implications of your work. In fact, the conclusion should contain a bit of all of these other parts but go beyond it—but not too far beyond! 

The structure and content of the conclusion section can also vary depending on whether you are writing a research manuscript or an essay. This article will explain how to write a good conclusion section, what exactly it should (and should not) contain, how it should be structured, and what you should avoid when writing it.  

Table of Contents:

What does a good conclusion section do, what to include in a research paper conclusion.

• Conclusion in an Essay
• Research Paper Conclusion 
• Conclusion Paragraph Outline and Example
• What Not to Do When Writing a Conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper has several key objectives. It should:

• Restate your research problem addressed in the introduction section
• Summarize your main arguments, important findings, and broader implications
• Synthesize key takeaways from your study

The specific content in the conclusion depends on whether your paper presents the results of original scientific research or constructs an argument through engagement with previously published sources.

You presented your general field of study to the reader in the introduction section, by moving from general information (the background of your work, often combined with a literature review ) to the rationale of your study and then to the specific problem or topic you addressed, formulated in the form of the statement of the problem in research or the thesis statement in an essay.

In the conclusion section, in contrast, your task is to move from your specific findings or arguments back to a more general depiction of how your research contributes to the readers’ understanding of a certain concept or helps solve a practical problem, or fills an important gap in the literature. The content of your conclusion section depends on the type of research you are doing and what type of paper you are writing. But whatever the outcome of your work is, the conclusion is where you briefly summarize it and place it within a larger context. It could be called the “take-home message” of the entire paper.

What to summarize in the conclusion

Your conclusion section needs to contain a very brief summary of your work , a very brief summary of the main findings of your work, and a mention of anything else that seems relevant when you now look at your work from a bigger perspective, even if it was not initially listed as one of your main research questions. This could be a limitation, for example, a problem with the design of your experiment that either needs to be considered when drawing any conclusions or that led you to ask a different question and therefore draw different conclusions at the end of your study (compared to when you started out).

Once you have reminded the reader of what you did and what you found, you need to go beyond that and also provide either your own opinion on why your work is relevant (and for whom, and how) or theoretical or practical implications of the study , or make a specific call for action if there is one to be made.   

How to Write an Essay Conclusion

Academic essays follow quite different structures than their counterparts in STEM and the natural sciences. Humanities papers often have conclusion sections that are much longer and contain more detail than scientific papers. There are three main types of academic essay conclusions.

Summarizing conclusion

The most typical conclusion at the end of an analytical/explanatory/argumentative essay is a summarizing conclusion . This is, as the name suggests, a clear summary of the main points of your topic and thesis. Since you might have gone through a number of different arguments or subtopics in the main part of your essay, you need to remind the reader again what those were, how they fit into each other, and how they helped you develop or corroborate your hypothesis.

For an essay that analyzes how recruiters can hire the best candidates in the shortest time or on “how starving yourself will increase your lifespan, according to science”, a summary of all the points you discussed might be all you need. Note that you should not exactly repeat what you said earlier, but rather highlight the essential details and present those to your reader in a different way. 

Externalizing conclusion

If you think that just reminding the reader of your main points is not enough, you can opt for an externalizing conclusion instead, that presents new points that were not presented in the paper so far. These new points can be additional facts and information or they can be ideas that are relevant to the topic and have not been mentioned before.

Such a conclusion can stimulate your readers to think about your topic or the implications of your analysis in a whole new way. For example, at the end of a historical analysis of a specific event or development, you could direct your reader’s attention to some current events that were not the topic of your essay but that provide a different context for your findings.

Editorial conclusion

In an editorial conclusion , another common type of conclusion that you will find at the end of papers and essays, you do not add new information but instead present your own experiences or opinions on the topic to round everything up. What makes this type of conclusion interesting is that you can choose to agree or disagree with the information you presented in your paper so far. For example, if you have collected and analyzed information on how a specific diet helps people lose weight, you can nevertheless have your doubts on the sustainability of that diet or its practicability in real life—if such arguments were not included in your original thesis and have therefore not been covered in the main part of your paper, the conclusion section is the place where you can get your opinion across.    

How to Conclude an Empirical Research Paper

An empirical research paper is usually more concise and succinct than an essay, because, if it is written well, it focuses on one specific question, describes the method that was used to answer that one question, describes and explains the results, and guides the reader in a logical way from the introduction to the discussion without going on tangents or digging into not absolutely relevant topics.

Summarize the findings

In a scientific paper, you should include a summary of the findings. Don’t go into great detail here (you will have presented your in-depth  results  and  discussion  already), but do clearly express the answers to the  research questions  you investigated.

Describe your main findings, even if they weren’t necessarily the ones anticipated, and explain the conclusion they led you to. Explain these findings in as few words as possible.

Instead of beginning with “ In conclusion, in this study, we investigated the effect of stress on the brain using fMRI …”, you should try to find a way to incorporate the repetition of the essential (and only the essential) details into the summary of the key points. “ The findings of this fMRI study on the effect of stress on the brain suggest that …” or “ While it has been known for a long time that stress has an effect on the brain, the findings of this fMRI study show that, surprisingly… ” would be better ways to start a conclusion. 

You should also not bring up new ideas or present new facts in the conclusion of a research paper, but stick to the background information you have presented earlier, to the findings you have already discussed, and the limitations and implications you have already described. The one thing you can add here is a practical recommendation that you haven’t clearly stated before—but even that one needs to follow logically from everything you have already discussed in the discussion section.

Discuss the implications

After summing up your key arguments or findings, conclude the paper by stating the broader implications of the research , whether in methods , approach, or findings. Express practical or theoretical takeaways from your paper. This often looks like a “call to action” or a final “sales pitch” that puts an exclamation point on your paper.

If your research topic is more theoretical in nature, your closing statement should express the significance of your argument—for example, in proposing a new understanding of a topic or laying the groundwork for future research.

Future research example

Future research into education standards should focus on establishing a more detailed picture of how novel pedagogical approaches impact young people’s ability to absorb new and difficult concepts. Moreover, observational studies are needed to gain more insight into how specific teaching models affect the retention of relationships and facts—for instance, how inquiry-based learning and its emphasis on lateral thinking can be used as a jumping-off point for more holistic classroom approaches.

Research Conclusion Example and Outline

Let’s revisit the study on the effect of stress on the brain we mentioned before and see what the common structure for a conclusion paragraph looks like, in three steps. Following these simple steps will make it easy for you to wrap everything up in one short paragraph that contains all the essential information: 

One: Short summary of what you did, but integrated into the summary of your findings:

While it has been known for a long time that stress has an effect on the brain, the findings of this fMRI study in 25 university students going through mid-term exams show that, surprisingly, one’s attitude to the experienced stress significantly modulates the brain’s response to it. 

Note that you don’t need to repeat any methodological or technical details here—the reader has been presented with all of these before, they have read your results section and the discussion of your results, and even (hopefully!) a discussion of the limitations and strengths of your paper. The only thing you need to remind them of here is the essential outcome of your work. 

Two: Add implications, and don’t forget to specify who this might be relevant for: 

Students could be considered a specific subsample of the general population, but earlier research shows that the effect that exam stress has on their physical and mental health is comparable to the effects of other types of stress on individuals of other ages and occupations. Further research into practical ways of modulating not only one’s mental stress response but potentially also one’s brain activity (e.g., via neurofeedback training) are warranted.

This is a “research implication”, and it is nicely combined with a mention of a potential limitation of the study (the student sample) that turns out not to be a limitation after all (because earlier research suggests we can generalize to other populations). If there already is a lot of research on neurofeedback for stress control, by the way, then this should have been discussed in your discussion section earlier and you wouldn’t say such studies are “warranted” here but rather specify how your findings could inspire specific future experiments or how they should be implemented in existing applications. 

Three: The most important thing is that your conclusion paragraph accurately reflects the content of your paper. Compare it to your research paper title , your research paper abstract , and to your journal submission cover letter , in case you already have one—if these do not all tell the same story, then you need to go back to your paper, start again from the introduction section, and find out where you lost the logical thread. As always, consistency is key.    

Problems to Avoid When Writing a Conclusion 

• Do not suddenly introduce new information that has never been mentioned before (unless you are writing an essay and opting for an externalizing conclusion, see above). The conclusion section is not where you want to surprise your readers, but the take-home message of what you have already presented.
• Do not simply copy your abstract, the conclusion section of your abstract, or the first sentence of your introduction, and put it at the end of the discussion section. Even if these parts of your paper cover the same points, they should not be identical.
• Do not start the conclusion with “In conclusion”. If it has its own section heading, that is redundant, and if it is the last paragraph of the discussion section, it is inelegant and also not really necessary. The reader expects you to wrap your work up in the last paragraph, so you don’t have to announce that. Just look at the above example to see how to start a conclusion in a natural way.
• Do not forget what your research objectives were and how you initially formulated the statement of the problem in your introduction section. If your story/approach/conclusions changed because of methodological issues or information you were not aware of when you started, then make sure you go back to the beginning and adapt your entire story (not just the ending). 

Consider Receiving Academic Editing Services

When you have arrived at the conclusion of your paper, you might want to head over to Wordvice AI’s AI Writing Assistant to receive a free grammar check for any academic content. 

After drafting, you can also receive English editing and proofreading services , including paper editing services for your journal manuscript. If you need advice on how to write the other parts of your research paper , or on how to make a research paper outline if you are struggling with putting everything you did together, then head over to the Wordvice academic resources pages , where we have a lot more articles and videos for you.

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Conclusions

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This resource outlines the generally accepted structure for introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions in an academic argument paper. Keep in mind that this resource contains guidelines and not strict rules about organization. Your structure needs to be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your purpose and audience.

Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper:

In a general way,

• Restate your topic and why it is important,
• Restate your thesis/claim,
• Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
• Call for action or overview future research possibilities.

Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.

The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:

Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).

Tell them (body).

Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

Research Paper Conclusion

A research paper’s conclusion is an important section that summarizes the results, emphasizes the importance of the study, and makes an impact on readers. Writing a research paper conclusion is crucial since it leaves readers with a lasting impression and highlights your investigation’s main ideas and conclusions. The conclusion for a research paper should neatly tie up all the loose ends and suggest a precise and concise statement of the ramifications of your research.

We will examine the essential components of how to conclude a research paper. We will also discuss what should the conclusion of a research paper contain? But first, let’s understand what a research paper is.

Table of Contents

What Is a Research Paper

A research paper is a thorough, formal academic document summarizing the findings of an investigation or research study on a particular subject. It is a written report that conveys to the academic community beyond the research’s conclusions, analysis, and interpretation. Research papers are crucial in academia since they enhance knowledge in various subjects.

The foundation of a research paper is self-conducted original research by the author(s). It entails gathering data, studying information, and judging the results.

Research papers are supported by evidence gathered using various research techniques, including experiments, surveys, observations, and data analysis. Data and logical reasoning back up the conclusions.

Research papers are an essential component of scholarly communication and are necessary for advancing academic fields, exchanging ideas, and disseminating new knowledge. Writing a research paper demands careful planning, thorough research, critical thinking, and excellent communication abilities to convey the research findings in a cohesive and persuading way.

Purpose of Research Paper Conclusion

The goal of a research paper conclusion is complex, and it is essential to drawing a successful conclusion to the study and leaving readers with a lasting impression. Now, we’ll examine how to end a research paper and the main goals of the closing.

Closing out the entire study is one of the main goals of a research paper conclusion. It acts as the section where you summarize all the data in the paper’s main body. The conclusion strengthens the thesis of the study by translating significant ideas, discoveries, and arguments. This gives readers a clear understanding of the primary conclusions of the study.

The ending is your last chance to leave readers with a positive impression. Write a solid and memorable conclusion to leave readers with a lasting impression of your research report. The significance of your study will be remembered by the audience long after they have finished reading the article if your conclusion is worded correctly.

Now, let’s look at how to write a conclusion for a research paper.

Summarize the Main Points

Firstly, describe how each objective was met or addressed in the study and if there are any explicit objectives or targets in the research article. This demonstrates that the research’s planned goals were attained.

Then go back and note any significant studies or hypotheses that were covered. Explain how the research’s findings compare to or differ from existing literature. This aids in placing the study in the perspective of the larger scholarly conversation. Also, link the research results to the hypothesis or research question at the start of the investigation. Describe how the research paper’s supporting evidence helps to keep the research question’s conclusion.

End the conclusion with a strong concluding statement that leaves the reader with a lasting imprint. Reiterate the importance of your study and its possible impact on academia or real-world applications. Give your readers something to think about in light of your findings.

Also, avoid new knowledge. The conclusion is not the place to introduce new facts, ideas, or arguments not covered in the paper’s main body. Keep the present content summarized and concluded.

Mention the Significance and Implications of the Findings

This section highlights the significance of your research and how it advances our understanding. Your paper’s conclusion should address the relevance and consequences of your research’s findings effectively.

Start by reviewing the Introduction’s stated research objectives or research questions. Please describe how the results help to resolve the research issues and how they directly meet these goals.

Discuss your research’s novelty and originality as a contribution to knowledge. Emphasize the new knowledge and insights your study contributes to the corpus of existing knowledge. Identify any gaps your research has filled in the body of knowledge.

If the research paper includes explicit objectives or goals, summarize how each goal was met or addressed in the study. This demonstrates that the research accomplished its objectives.

Return to the literature review and identify any critical research or theories that were presented. Show how the research findings correspond to or differ from the current literature. It aids in situating the research within the more considerable academic debate.

Make a clear connection between the research findings and the research question or hypothesis provided at the start of the investigation. Explain how the evidence offered in the research article supports the research question’s response.

Recognize any study limits or constraints. Be forthright about any potential flaws in the research design or technique. In addition, offer future research directions that can build on the current study and overcome its weaknesses.

Examine your findings’ generalizability. Discuss how far your conclusions can be generalized to different contexts or populations. Be honest about your study’s limitations and how they might affect the interpretations and conclusions you reach.

Keep Cohesion with the Introduction

A well-structured research paper conclusion must be cohesive with the Introduction. It entails ensuring that the ending is consistent with and complements the information offered in the Introduction. Cohesion establishes a sense of unity and continuity across the research report, suggesting that the conclusion is logical for the investigation. Here are several approaches to achieving cohesiveness in the Introduction:

• Repeat the research question or the thesis statement. Begin the conclusion by restating the research question or thesis statement introduced in the Introduction’s first paragraphs. This serves to remind readers of the study’s principal emphasis and relevance.
• Address the Goals or Purpose. Connect the conclusion to the aims or purpose of the study indicated in the Introduction. Summarize how your study addressed these goals and served its purpose.
• Summarize the review of literature. Refer briefly to the literature discussed in the beginning. Show how your research complements or expands on other studies, theories, or notions. It establishes the continuity of your research with the current body of knowledge.
• Highlight the contribution and novelty. Make sure to highlight the novelty and value of your research, particularly if it was mentioned in the Introduction.

Also, maintain a consistent tone and language from the beginning to the end. If the Introduction was written in a formal and objective style, make sure the conclusion follows suit.

Reread the Introduction to review the essential findings and consequences. Finally, please check them further, emphasizing their significance and relevance.

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How to start a research paper conclusion?

It is important to reiterate the significance of the research and address the research question or hypothesis. A well-crafted conclusion paper showcases the overall implications of the study and leaves a lasting impression on readers.

What are the three parts of a conclusion?

A research paper conclusion typically comprises three essential parts:

• Restatement of thesis or research question;
• Summary of main points;
• Final insights and implications.

What does a firm conclusion include?

A robust research paper conclusion includes the following elements: a clear and concise summary, the answer to the research question, the significance of findings, recommendations for future research, and a connection to the Introduction.

By incorporating these elements, a firm conclusion enhances the overall impact of the research paper and reinforces the study’s significance and value in the academic community.

Can I introduce new information in the conclusion?

No, the conclusion is not the place to introduce new information, data, or ideas. It should only summarize and reiterate the content presented in the main body of the paper. Avoid introducing new arguments or results that were not previously discussed.

How do I strike a balance between summarizing and repeating information?

Striking the right balance between summarizing and repeating information is essential in the research paper’s conclusion. Focus on presenting the main points concisely, using different phrasing and emphasizing their significance. Avoid verbatim repetition and strive for a coherent and logical flow of ideas.

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Research Paper Conclusion

Writing a research paper conclusion is one of the most difficult parts. PhD. Scholar after completion of their research paper often feels that they have nothing to say.  It is very much essential for the scholar to understand the fact reader mainly remembers the conclusion part. In this article, our academic paper writing experts are providing the complete guideline about writing the best conclusion part for the research paper.

The conclusion of a research paper is the last part which consists of a summary of the main arguments. At the time of writing a conclusion for the research paper, you need to predict the future.

It is very much essential for you to develop an understanding that the conclusion section in the research paper can have a great significant influence on the quality of research work.  It is through a good conclusion section of the research paper you can have a good impression on the reader’s minds.

What is the main purpose of the conclusion in the research paper?

The main purpose of writing a conclusion in the research paper is to represent and explains research after summarising and making assumptions about the future.  It also enables you to continue research on a similar topic in the future.

There are high chances of failure when you have made the right choice of words or phrases for writing a conclusion for the research paper. Writing a conclusion in the research paper enables you to continue your research further.

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How to Write Research Paper Conclusion?

The 3 steps of writing the best conclusion for the research paper include:

Step 1: Restating the thesis or topic

It is an initial step in writing a conclusion to the research paper. At this step, you need to restate the topic which has been selected for performing research.  After restating the topic, it is very much essential for you to provide the reason or justifications which demonstrate the importance of your topic.

When writing a  conclusion at this step, it is very much essential for you to keep in mind that you have already included the main arguments and reasons in the main body paragraph of the academic paper. You can include a topic sentence at the beginning sentence of the conclusion.

After restating the topic, you need to write a thesis statement . You need not write a thesis statement gain. The best way to include the thesis is to paraphrase it in your own words. While writing the conclusion you should mainly concentrate on the main topic.

Note: You should not include any additional information in the conclusion section of the academic paper.

Step 2: Reminding key points for the research paper

It is a step where you want to write a summary of the key points in your research paper. When writing the conclusion you need to remind the audience about the thing on which you have to perform research. Before writing the conclusion you should read the main body paragraph of your research.

After reading the main body paragraph you should write the main ideas in the conclusion. You neither should nor repeat all ideas. You can utilize the same language and phrases. The best technique is to include a call to action. By doing this, you will be able to positively influence the reader for performing more research.

It is a step where you need to ask the tutor whether you need to provide more explanation in the conclusion. You should write the significance of your research but without including any new information.

Step 3:  Demonstrate the significance of the research topic

After writing the conclusion, in the end, you should write a statement that demonstrates the importance of the topic. You should provide an answer to the research question. Writing an answer to research questions will help the reader in developing an understanding of the significance of the topic.

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How to make the conclusion more effective?

By applying the few techniques you can write an effective conclusion for the academic paper. These techniques are:

1. Examine the recommendations carefully.

Before start writing a conclusion for an academic paper, you should review the guidelines thoroughly. As it is the technique that will help you in analyzing the requirements which you need to fulfil.  When writing the research questions you should keep in mind research questions.

2. Ensure that it is connected to your introduction.

After writing a  conclusion you should make sure that it links with your introduction. You can ask a question in the introduction section of the research paper and then restate the same question in the conclusion. After restating the question in conclusion you should provide an answer for the same.

3. In the conclusion, proper transition words are used.

Transition words are that word which helps in establishing the relationship between sentences and paragraph. When writing a conclusion you can integrate your ideas. When integrating the ideas you should confirm that it is readable and easily understandable.

4. You should maintain the goal and objectives in mind.

When writing the conclusion for your academic paper you should keep in mind the aim and objectives.

It has been concluded from the above that conclusion is the last part of the academic paper which consists of a summary of the entire paper. Another fact that has been found is that call to option is the best way of ending the conclusion.

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Robert Hur testimony highlights: Special counsel grilled on Biden report

Highlights from special counsel robert hur's appearance on capitol hill:.

• Special counsel Robert Hur testified before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigation into President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents.
• Members of both parties grilled Hur over his decision not to charge Biden while characterizing him as "an elderly man with a poor memory."
• The White House has pushed back heavily against Hur's report. Democrats are also trying to contrast the classified documents probes into Biden and former President Donald Trump, who was charged .
• The hearing was led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and the panel's top Democrat, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York.
• The transcripts of Hur's five-hour interview with Biden are now public; they show memory lapses as well as detailed exchanges .

White House says 'it's time to move on' from Hur's report

Zoë Richards

White House spokesman Ian Sams said this afternoon that Biden's accuracy in remembering the timing of his son's death was proved with the release of today's transcript and that it's time to "move on" a month after Hur's report was released.

"I think the transcript makes plainly clear, and I think the American people understand this: The president remembers exactly when his son died. He carries that pain with him every day. He carries that emotional toll with him every day, and the transcript only makes that clear," Sams said.

Sams also emphasized that Hur hadn't uncovered evidence to prove that Biden willfully retained documents.

"The president is innocent, and that was the conclusion of this case," Sams said.

Asked whether Biden had watched any of Hur's hearing, Sams said he had been updated on the hearing and "saw a little bit of what went down."

"I think the president feels strongly that this case is over and it's time to move on for the business of the American people," Sams said.

White House still plans to launch a task force on protecting classified info

Monica Alba

The White House reiterated its pledge to form a task force to ensure classified information is handled properly going forward after the hearing. Spokesperson Ian Sams said the Biden administration will endeavor to make sure sensitive material isn’t misplaced after presidents and vice presidents leave office.

It’s unclear who will be working on the effort, which will be rolled out in the coming months.

Hur chose to resign yesterday as previous special counsels have, lawyer says

Katie S. Phang

Hur’s attorney, Bill Burck, said in a text message that the special counsel decided to resign yesterday before his testimony because he had "completed his work."

“As was the case with prior special counsel including Robert Mueller and John Durham, Mr. Hur thought it best that he testify before Congress as a private citizen rather than a DOJ official," Burck said.

Trump posts about Hur hearing

Rebecca Shabad is in Washington, D.C.

On Truth Social, Trump posted an exchange and video clip from the hearing in which Hur confirmed that Biden had classified documents at the Penn Biden Center, in his garage, in his basement and office and at the University of Delaware.

Trump is expected to attend a hearing in his own classified documents case in Florida on Thursday. His attorneys plan to argue that the indictment, in which the former president is charged with mishandling classified documents, should be thrown out.

White House won't say if Biden was watching Hur's hearing

Diana Paulsen

At a briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked whether Biden was watching Hur's testimony today.

She replied, "I cannot speak to what the president is keeping track of or watching." Asked about his reaction to the testimony, she said, "I'm not going to speak to the president's reaction."

Hearing concludes shortly before 3 p.m. ET

Rebecca Kaplan

The hearing has wrapped. Hur testified for over four hours (not including the break for votes — which made the hearing last about five hours total).

Hur said Biden interview recording led him to his decision not to recommend charges

Ryan Nobles

There hasn’t been a ton of new information revealed in the Hur testimony today — much of it is just putting finer points or context into what the report already revealed. There is, however, one thing that was notable and could be important going forward.

Jordan pressed Hur about whether the Justice Department or the White House should release the audio recordings of the Biden interview. Hur refused to comment on whether they should, but he volunteered that the audio recording helped to inform his decision not to charge. 

Hur wouldn’t say why, but his answer suggested that the way Biden answered his questions, beyond the actual words on paper, contributed to his decision-making process.

The committees have subpoenaed the audio recordings and are pushing to have them released. There are many reasons the White House and the Justice Department would want to be careful with the release, but Hur’s cryptic response means the pressure to get them out will continue.

Committee breaks for floor votes

Jordan said the committee will recess for a brief series of House votes and will reconvene for more questions 10 minutes after the last vote concludes.

A brief battle over access to audio recordings

Mike Memoli

Fun with unanimous consent requests: After Republicans tried to get Hur to commit to providing audio of his witness interviews, Nadler tried to get the GOP-led committee, which is helping lead the House's impeachment inquiry, to release audio of witness interviews it has conducted.

Committee will break soon

Jordan said three more members will ask questions now, then the committee will take a break for House floor votes, and then they'll have "a couple more" members ask questions afterward.

Hur grilled by congresswoman who replaced Cheney in Congress

Alana Satlin

Hur is being grilled by Rep. Harriet Hageman, the Wyoming congresswoman who defeated Rep. Liz Cheney in the GOP primary in 2022. Hageman, who is sharply criticizing Biden in her line of questioning, was endorsed by Trump in her primary against Cheney, a vocal critic of the former president.

DNI Avril Haines says Biden's classified documents are in the DOJ's possession

Gary Grumbach

Ken Dilanian

During a hearing this morning before the House Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said that Biden’s classified documents in question are in the possession of the Justice Department.

NBC News has learned they are in the possession of the FBI, in a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF).

Dean asks Hur to read parts of his report that criticize Trump

Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Penn., pushes Hur to read aloud portions of his report that portray Biden positively as compared to Trump.

“Unlike the evidence involving Mr. Biden, the allegations set forth in the indictment of Mr. Trump if proven would present serious aggravating facts,” he reads.

He continued, "Most notably after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite ... he not only refused to return the documents for many months, but he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it."

"You may stop there," Dean said. "Thank you."

Moore tells Hur his 'reputation is beyond reproach'

Kyla Guilfoil

Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., told Hur that his "reputation is beyond reproach" while questioning him.

Moore asked Hur if former presidents were able to declassify documents they have in their position, to which Hur responded, "I confess, this is not an area of law that I've looked into or explained in my report, and I'm here to talk about the work that is reflected in the report."

Moore responded by telling Hur he has "a reputation beyond reproach, and I just want you to know that."

"I think that President Biden ought to be thankful that the attorney general appointed you to investigate his case," Moore added.

Hur says Garland didn't interfere with Biden investigation

Hur said during an exchange with Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., that Garland didn't get involved with his probe of Biden.

"Attorney General Garland did not interfere with my efforts and I was able to conduct a fair thorough and independent investigation," Hur said.

Neguse said that was much different from the Trump administration, when Attorney General William Barr took almost a month to release special counsel Robert Mueller's report to the public.

Hur declines to engage with Fitzgerald calling Biden 'senile'

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald. R-Wis., opened his questioning by reading the Merriam-Webster Dictionary's definition of the word "senile" and asked Hur if his report found that Biden was senile.

Hur replied that "that conclusion did not appear in my report" and stated that the president's lapses in memory were only concluded to illustrate how a jury might view Biden's intent to commit a crime.

Tiffany cites Jan. 6 arrestee in questioning Hur

During his questioning of Hur, Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., referred to an "80-year-old grandma" who was charged for her involvement in the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol in an attempt to argue that Biden's lack of charges were unfair.

"There was an 80-year-old grandma that came to Washington, D.C., a few years ago did not commit a violent crime, committed a crime but not committed violent crime, and she was fully prosecuted," Tiffany said. "Doesn't seem like it's a dual system of justice where the president is above the law."

It appeared that Tiffany was referencing Pam Hemphill, a grandmother who was charged and convicted in a Jan. 6 trial who has been cited repeatedly by Republicans as a victim of over-prosecution. Hemphill has rejected that characterization, asking Trump on Twitter to stop bringing up her story. "Please @realDonaldTrump don’t be using me for anything, I’m not a victim of Jan6, I pleaded guilty because I was guilty!" Hemphill tweeted in June 2023.

But Tiffany's office later told NBC News that he misspoke and was referring to an "81-year-old grandpa," Gary Wickersham, who was sentenced to home detention and probation in his own Capitol riot case.

Hur leans on his report, just as Mueller did

Garrett Haake

House Republicans are learning the hard lesson Democrats learned from Mueller’s testimony: these career prosecutors aren’t going to chase your theory or leading question. They’re going to refer to their report. Over and over and over.

Lieu throws shade at Jordan over Jan. 6 committee subpoena

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., took a not-so-subtle swipe at Jordan before diving into his questioning of Hur.

“Unfortunately, the actions of this chairman in ignoring a bipartisan, congressional subpoena have damaged the ability of this committee to get information from witnesses and damaged the rule of law," he said.

His comment was ostensibly a reference to Jordan's failure to comply with a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee to testify about his knowledge of Trump's actions on the day of the Capitol riot.

In tense exchange, Jayapal and Hur talk over each other

In one tense exchange over the conclusions of Hur's report, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Hur sparred over whether the special counsel report exonerated the president.

The Democratic congresswoman stated that Hur's report amounted to a "complete exoneration" of the president, but Hur disputed that and tried to interrupt her. The two repeatedly spoke over each other until Jayapal said plainly: "Mr. Hur, it's my time."

Jordan asks if Hur would have reached the same conclusion for a younger person

Jordan asked Hur, "If you had the same facts, and the individual that you were investigating was 65 and had a good memory, do you reach the same conclusion?"

"Congressman, as I responded earlier, with these lines, I am not here to entertain hypotheticals about facts or circumstances that may be different," Hur said.

Hur sticks to his report, disappointing both parties

Alex Seitz-Wald

Hur warned lawmakers at the outset of this hearing that he's a prosecutor, not a partisan, and he stuck to that posture — despite the best efforts of his interlocutors.

Going into this hearing, some liberals portrayed Hur as a partisan Republican who resigned from the Justice Department so that he could testify today and torch Biden. Conservatives, meanwhile, have hoped Hur could help revive their impeachment probe, after their key witness was charged with lying to the FBI .

Instead, Hur — who acknowledged he is a registered Republican — has responded to lawmakers' tirades with tedium.

Maintaining an even tone and choosing his few words carefully, Hur refused to venture beyond the contents of his report. When asked leading questions, he generally responded by simply stating what his report stated on the topic and refused to engage with hypotheticals or judgment questions.

"The members are able to draw their own conclusions," Hur said of the transcript of his interviews with Biden.

Swalwell asks Hur to pledge not to take a Trump appointment, Hur declines to answer

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., asked Hur to pledge not to accept an appointment from Trump in a possible second term.

Hur declined to do so saying he is here to discuss his report. "I'm not here to talk about what may or may not happen in the future," he said.

Hur pushes back on Johnson's accusation that he wrote report for political gain

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., accused Hur of writing the report to help Trump defeat Biden in 2024 and secure himself a federal judgeship.

"You're doing everything you can do to get President Trump re-elected so that you can get appointed as a federal judge, perhaps to another position in the Department of Justice. Is that correct?" Johnson pressed.

Hur pushed back forcefully saying, "I have no such aspirations" and that "partisan politics had no place whatsoever in my work."

Schiff says Hur was political on purpose: 'You cannot be so naive'

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., suggested that Hur had a political motive in writing his report, telling Hur he could not "be so naive" to not understand the "political firestorm" that would ensue.

"Mr. Hur, you cannot tell me you're so naive as to think your words would not have created a political firestorm. You understood that, didn't you, when you wrote those words?" Schiff said, referring to Hur discussing Biden's memory in the report.

In response, Hur continued to say that "politics played no part whatsoever" in his report, saying that he followed DOJ regulations.

Schiff went on to suggest that Hur added language that he knew "will be useful in a political campaign."

"You were not born yesterday. You understood exactly what you were doing," Schiff said.

Pizza has arrived on the GOP side

A large stack of pizzas from local chain We the Pizza was just brought into the GOP side of the committee room.

We haven't had a break yet, but the House is expected to vote around 1:30 p.m. ET, so it's likely members will pause then.

Lawmakers' frustration with Hur echoes criticism of Comey

Sahil Kapur

It’s hard to escape the James Comey vibes at this House hearing.

In both cases, a Republican prosecutor declines to charge a Democratic presidential candidate but criticizes the person in a manner that has political impact. The result is that neither party is satisfied. Republicans demand to know why he didn’t prosecute; Democrats argue he used gratuitous editorializing to hurt their candidate politically.

Issa presses Hur about whether Biden was innocent in the case

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., pressed Hur about whether he found Biden innocent in the case.

"I’m going to presume that you would never prosecute someone you thought was outright innocent?" Issa asked.

"Correct," said Hur.

"In this case, did you reach a conclusion that this man was outright innocent?" Issa said.  

"That conclusion is not reflected in my report, sir," Hur responded.

Gaetz says neither Biden nor Trump should have been charged

In his examination of Hur, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said, "I don't believe Biden should have been charged, I don't think Trump should have been charged."

Hur pushed back on Gaetz's statement that his report found that all standards had been met to charge Biden, saying "based on the evidence" he would not be able to prove the "intent element."

Comer suggests that some Hur interviews could be helpful to the GOP impeachment probe

Sarah Mimms

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., asked Hur whether he interviewed a series of Obama and Biden administration officials that the Republican congressman believes might be helpful for his own investigation of alleged "influence peddling" by the Bidens.

It appeared he wanted Hur to confirm current White House and Biden administration staff who were interviewed but not named in the report. One of the people he asked about, Annie Tomasini, whose name Comer mispronounced, just was promoted to deputy chief of staff and has worked for Biden on and off since he was in the Senate.

Comer asked Hur whether he could recall any information that could be "helpful" to the GOP investigation "pertaining to [Biden's] family’s influence peddling activities."

Comer's probe, which is part of the House Republican impeachment inquiry, recently faced a major setback when an FBI informant whose information was at the " heart " of the probe was arrested for lying to the bureau about the president and his son Hunter Biden.

Unclear if Biden is watching this

It’s unclear whether Biden is watching any of the hearing live, but he was scheduled to receive his presidential daily briefing this morning and is set to depart shortly for a meeting with the Teamsters union at its Washington, D.C., headquarters.

Later today, Biden will meet with the president and prime minister of Poland.

Now they're talking about Biden's money

Ginger Gibson Senior Washington Editor

Jordan went on a tear about Biden's holding of classified information, arguing that he did so in order to make money, pointing out that Biden got an $8 million advance for his last book.

That clip could surface again, since Republicans like Comer — who is sitting there with Jordan — have tried to argue that any nice things Biden purchased after leaving office must have come from secret payments via his son from foreign entities.

Biden was a lifetime elected official who wasn't rich when he left office. But, as the White House has said, Biden got a book advance and that's how he afforded a beach house and other items.

What’s the difference between the Trump and Biden classified documents investigations?

Alec Hernández

Megan Lebowitz

The Hur report said that Trump’s  case  was different from Biden’s because the former president allegedly “obstructed justice” after being given chances to return classified documents.

“Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite,” the report said. “According to the indictment, he not only refused to return the documents for months, but he also obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence and then to lie about it.”

The report compared Trump’s alleged behavior with Biden’s, laying out the ways the president cooperated with the special counsel throughout the course of the investigation.

“In contrast, Mr. Biden alerted authorities, turned in classified documents to the National Archives and the Department of Justice in 2022 and 2023, consented to the search of multiple locations including his homes, permitted the seizure and review of handwritten notebooks he believed to be his personal property, and in numerous other ways cooperated with the investigation.”

Read the full story here.

Lofgren says she was surprised to learn Biden's diaries were considered classified

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., said she was surprised to learn that Biden's diaries, that he wrote as vice president, were considered classified.

"Frankly, I was surprised to learn that some of the classified documents were actually personal diaries that many executive officials have taken home with them because it was in their own handwriting," Lofgren said about Biden.

She continued, "The investigation found that President Biden believed that his notebooks were his personal property, including work and political notes, reflections, to-do lists and more that he was entitled to take home."

McClintock asks Hur if it's 'now OK' to keep classified documents

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., launched into questioning Hur by asking "Is it now OK" to hold onto classified documents?

"Is it now OK to keep classified documents in my garage and take them out and show them to my associates?" McClintock said.

"I would not recommend it," Hur responded.

"All I have to do when I'm caught taking home classified materials to say, 'I'm sorry, Mr. Hur, but I'm getting old, my memories not so great,'" McClintock said. "This is the doctrine that you've established in our laws now and it's frightening."

'Correct?': Something for both parties here in Hur's report

It’s quickly becoming clear that a lot of this hearing will be members of Congress trying to “explain” to Hur what they think was in the report he wrote — though it’s really just their partisan reading of his document, which they try to badger the author into affirming.

For instance, when Hur tried to respond to Nadler’s questions with nuanced answers, the Democrat cut him off and scolded him for not simply agreeing.

Nadler continues to draw contrast between Trump and Biden cases

Nadler repeatedly draws a contrast between both Trump and Biden's handling of classified documents, pointing out that Trump is charged by federal prosecutors with willfully retaining classified documents and conspiring to conceal those documents.

"He's facing additional charges for lying to investigators," Nadler said. "And the reason why President Biden is not facing a single charge ... is not because you went easy on him, but because after reviewing 7 million documents, and interviewing nearly 150 witnesses including the president himself, you could not prove that he had committed a crime."

Nadler said that Biden didn't lie in the investigation and isn't accused of directing his staff to lie either as Trump is accused of doing. Hur confirmed that directing staff to lie is an example of obstruction.

More on the conversation Biden had with his ghostwriter

One of the key findings from Hur was based on audio the investigators obtained from Mark Zwonitzer, who co-wrote Biden’s 2017 book with him.

In that audio, the special counsel report says, Biden told Zwonitzer that he had found classified information in his possession. Marc Krickbaum, who along with Hur interviewed Biden last October, asked the president if he remembered finding classified information.

According to the transcript, Biden said he didn’t remember finding classified information. But he suggested what he was really conveying to Zwonitzer was that a particular document, a memo Biden had written to then-President Barack Obama about Afghanistan, should not be included in the book they were writing together.

“I didn’t want any of that mentioned, it was confidential. I didn’t — not confidential in the classification sense, but don’t, don’t write about that. That’s off the record,” Biden said.

During the hearing, Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted the role of Zwonitzer as he suggested Biden’s motivation in retaining classified information was so he could write a book.

Biden, during his interview with Hur, said he believed the notebooks he maintained as VP, and which he would share contents of with Zwonitzer, were his own and not subject to government retention regulations. He also explained why the notebooks were important in writing the book.

“Look, what I was doing, I was writing a book about how the family responded to a son we knew was dying," he said, according to the transcript, noting that the diaries helped refresh his memory.

Nadler and Hur have tense exchange in questioning

Nadler asked Hur, "Your ultimate conclusion was that President Biden could not be charged with a crime because even after your thorough investigation, you could not find sufficient evidence to charge him, correct?"

Hur replied, "My ultimate conclusion was that criminal charges were not warranted."

Nadler cut off his answer, sharply telling Hur, "I have limited time so please, when I say correct or not correct, answer the question."

Hur stresses what Biden didn't 'remember'

Hur really emphasized the word "remember" in his opening statement as he discusses why he characterized Biden having issues with his memory.

"We interviewed the president and asked him about his recorded statement, 'I just found all the classified stuff downstairs.' He told us that he didn't remember saying that to his ghostwriter. He also said he didn't remember finding any classified material in his home after his vice presidency. And he didn't remember anything about how classified documents about Afghanistan made their way into his garage."

Hur says in opening statement that his assessment of Biden's memory was accurate and fair

Hur in his opening statement defended his descriptions of Biden's memory and age that the president and his allies have criticized.

"There has been a lot of attention paid to language in the report about the president’s memory, so let me say a few words about that," he said.

He said the department’s regulations required him to write a confidential report explaining his findings to the attorney general. Hur said that he needed to assess Biden's state of mind for the report, including his memory and mental state.

"The evidence and the President himself put his memory squarely at issue," he said. "My assessment in the report about the relevance of the president's memory was necessary and accurate, and fair. Most importantly, what I wrote is what I believe the evidence shows and what I expect jurors would perceive and believe. I did not sanitize my explanation, nor did I disparage the president unfairly."

Raskin draws contrasts between Biden and Trump’s handling of documents

House Oversight ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., noted that Biden did not claim presidential immunity, unlike Trump, and that Biden did not "hide boxes under his bed or in a bathtub."

He quoted from special counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump's handling of classified documents, saying that Trump "obstructed justice by enlisting others to destroy evidence, and then to lie about it," unlike Biden.

Hur told Biden he would 'never' run for office

As Hur describes his background and resume, it's worth noting one particular moment during the interview when Biden seemed to allude to the possibility Hur might run for office. At one point, Biden is describing the contents of a desk drawer and a particular item related to a past campaign. He says to Hur: “That is something, if you ever run for office, you’ve got to keep.”

Hur replies: “That will never happen, sir.”

Biden campaign is live tweeting fact checks

The Biden campaign is providing its own rapid response, mostly focused on questions about Biden’s memory and recall, while also pointing out moments in the transcript when Hur suggested he might ask questions that were “unclear or badly phrased.”

Comer says White House is obstructing Congress

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., who's appearing at the hearing with ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., asked in his opening statement why Biden kept specific documents in unsecure locations for years.

"Many questions remain. But now the White House is obstructing Congress as we seek the truth for the American people," he said.

Comer said Republicans have subpoenaed a former White House counsel to appear for a deposition, but said the White House is seeking to block her testimony.

"We’ve also subpoenaed the Department of Justice for audio recordings and transcripts of President Biden’s interview with special counsel Hur," he said, saying that they were due last Thursday. "Only this morning, a couple of hours before today’s hearing, the Department of Justice finally provided the transcript of President Biden’s interview with special counsel Hur. The timing is not coincidental."

Nadler flips accusations of cognitive decline back on Trump

Democrats wasted no time addressing the political subtext of the hearing — questions about Biden’s age and mental fitness — by accusing Trump of being the one with memory issues.

Nadler used his opening remarks to say Biden “probably committed a verbal slip or two” but said it doesn’t matter because Biden was ultimately not charged over his handling of classified documents, while Trump was.

“What does that say about his mental state?” Nadler said of Trump, before playing a video montage of Trump's verbal slips.

“That is a man ... who ought to think twice before accusing others of cognitive decline,” Nadler said.

Nadler opens with a video of apparent Trump memory lapses

Nadler played a compilation of Trump appearing to have memory lapses, including forgetting names and dates, which he said made the point that Trump and the Republican Party are not in a position to criticize Biden.

Nadler turned the focus onto Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents .

“That is a man who is incapable of avoiding criminal liability,” Nadler said following the video. “A man who is wholly unfit for office ... and a man who at the very least, ought to think twice before accusing others of cognitive decline.”

The political backdrop to this hearing was underlined by the fact that both party's openings focused on the actions and words of the other party's presidential nominee.

Republicans will want to hear more of Hur's thoughts on Biden's memory

A committee aide said Republicans’ top priority today is to highlight Hur’s description of Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” and his references to Biden’s “diminished faculties.”

For Republicans, the angle is seen as far more politically advantageous than Hur’s description of evidence that Biden willfully retained classified documents — evidence Hur said didn’t justify prosecution. Given that Trump, the expected Republican presidential nominee, has been charged criminally with mishandling classified material, the memory issue is a more potent weapon, the source said.

Hur said in his report that Biden couldn’t place in time what years he was vice president or when his son died. That language caused a huge stir, but Democrats say Biden’s robust performance in his State of the Union speech may have blunted some of the damage.

Republicans will want to know whether there were other examples of the president’s sounding confused during his five-hour interview with Hur, the transcript of which hasn’t been released to the public or the committee. But Hur is expected to resist any effort to get him to stray beyond what he included in his 345-page report.

White House debated over whether Biden should give that press conference

At the time, White House aides debated whether Biden should speak at the hastily arranged press conference that just played during the beginning of the hearing.

White House officials concluded that evening that Biden needed to address the special counsel’s most damning allegations head-on and express his anger about the report directly, according to two people familiar with the decision.

Senior Biden aides believed it was imperative for the president to call out what they viewed as purely political criticism from Hur because, they argued, he was concerned about potential blowback from conservatives for not charging Biden with a crime, one of the people said.

Jordan begins opening with Biden press conference

Jordan used his opening statement to play a large part of Biden's press conference that he gave after the release of the Hur report. In the press conference, Biden struck a defiant tone , rebutting several of the report's findings, including saying that he "did not share classified information with my ghost writer."

In response to the report's now famous line that Biden seemed like a "well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory," Biden replied: "I’m well-meaning, elderly, and I know what the hell I am doing."

Beginning his response, Nadler jokingly thanked Jordan for allowing Biden to give the opening.

Hur is set to testify before Congress after facing fierce backlash following his report about Biden’s handling of classified material and calling the president’s age and memory into question. NBC’s Peter Alexander reports and Hallie Jackson joins "TODAY" with analysis.

Republicans will focus on Biden's defense as they defend Trump

Laura Jarrett

Republicans on Capitol Hill have been looking into ways Biden’s handling of classified documents could be useful to defending former President Donald Trump, according to a source familiar with the plans.

While much of the initial focus of Hur’s report was on Biden’s memory lapses, GOP members also now see a different opportunity: to exploit how Biden justified his retention of the documents after he left the White House while Trump is facing an indictment in Florida for his own alleged mishandling of classified documents. For instance, Republicans have zeroed in on Biden saying he kept the notebooks because “they are mine” and “every President has done the exact same thing,” or calling the notebooks “my property.”

There are  many stark differences  between the two cases, but watch for Republicans, with Hur testifying today, to try to underscore where Biden makes claims that sound like Trump.

Hur is seated in the hearing room

Hur is seated alone, with no counsel, and the committee hearing is underway. Jordan is kicking it off.

Protester calling for a Gaza cease-fire is in the hearing room

Kyle Stewart

A protester, affiliated with the group Code Pink, engaged in a protest inside the hearing room before things kicked off, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The group routinely protests on the Hill and many members have been detained for disrupting hearings. There is not an apparent connection to the testimony of Hur, as members of the group did not appear to know who he is.

Hur donated to the GOP but isn't a Trump Republican, sources say

Trump appointed Hur to be Maryland’s U.S. attorney, but people who know him say he is not a Trump Republican. He has donated money to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, among other moderate Republicans.

He is the son of Korean immigrants who attended Harvard and Stanford Law and then clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

Who is Robert Hur?

Hur, who was named by Garland last January   to oversee the investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents, is a former federal prosecutor who has worked with many Republicans throughout his law enforcement career.

Hur has been a partner since April 2021 at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he has focused on enforcement, investigations and litigation. He joined the firm soon after having left the Justice Department, where he was a member of the senior leadership team for about a year as the top adviser to then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Then-President Donald Trump nominated Hur to be U.S. attorney for Maryland, a role he held between April 2018 and February 2021.

While he has a track record of working for Republicans, he has also been respected by Democrats. As Hur was set to leave the federal government in 2021, Maryland’s Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, praised him for his “excellent service” as the U.S. attorney for the state.

Hur is in the Capitol

Hur has arrived and is in a holding room, awaiting the start of the hearing.

White House to fact check Hur's testimony in real time

The White House is preparing to fact check Hur’s testimony in real time, according to an administration official. Aides plan to blast out responses to claims by both congressional Republicans and the special counsel himself.

Bottom line: Expect to hear the White House and its Democratic allies repeatedly emphasize today that the conclusion of the Hur report resulted in no criminal charges, despite the questions raised about the president’s handling of classified material.

House Judiciary Democrats release transcript of Biden's interview with Hur

The full Hur transcript of Biden's interview with Hur in October is now available to view from the House Judiciary Committee Democrats’ website .

The recorded interviews took place Oct. 8 and 9.

DOJ began turning over documents to House Republicans last week

The Justice Department began making materials from Hur’s investigation available to the House Judiciary Committee on Friday. Jordan and Comer subpoenaed the materials last month. 

The documents made available included communications between the Justice Department and the White House and/or Biden’s personal lawyer referring or relating to Hur’s report.

The full transcript of Hur's five-hour interview with Biden was also provided to Congress today, a source familiar with the matter said.

Hur resigned recently, allowing him to testify as a private citizen

Peter Alexander

Hur resigned in recent days, a source familiar with the matter told NBC News, allowing him to testify before Congress today as a private citizen — a move that is typical for special counsels.

Hur has retained attorney William Burck, a separate source familiar with the matter told NBC News. Burck previously represented special counsel J ohn Durham as his personal attorney, as well as former White House counsel Donald McGahn .

Transcript of Biden’s interview with Hur shows memory lapses — but also detailed exchanges

Hur’s bombshell report on Biden’s handling of classified documents concluded that he presented himself as an “elderly man with a poor memory” who was unable to remember key dates, including when he served as vice president or the year his son died.

Biden, for his part, has lambasted Hur for bringing up the topic of Beau Biden’s death, and his lawyers have criticized the report . 

But the transcript of Biden’s interview, which was reviewed by NBC News, paints a more nuanced picture on both sides.

Biden faced a barrage of questions from Hur and another federal prosecutor about documents he saw as vice president, where and how he stored them and why some sensitive materials remained in his possession for more than five years after he left office as vice president. 

According to the review of the transcript, Biden at times expanded beyond the narrow subject areas of particular questions. At one point, he described in vivid detail a 2011 visit to Mongolia, where he displayed unexpected archery skills at a cultural performance in his honor.

Biden also often said he could not recall a specific incident or, for instance, why certain items were packed in certain ways. And at times, he or his attorneys challenged the prosecutors about the relevance or accuracy of questions they posed, with Biden at one point challenging the logic of one of Hur’s lines of questioning. 

Hur to explain rationale for discussing Biden’s memory in his report

Summer Concepcion

In his prepared opening statement , Hur will outline his rationale for discussing Biden’s memory in his report, which has largely drawn scrutiny from Biden's opponents. Among the jarring lines about Biden's mental acuity, Hur said in his report that the president's memory was "significantly limited" in his interviews with the special counsel last year.

“My task was to determine whether the President retained or disclosed national defense information ‘willfully’ — meaning, knowingly and with the intent to do something the law forbids. I could not make that determination without assessing the President’s state of mind,” Hur’s prepared remarks say.

“For that reason, I had to consider the President’s memory and overall mental state, and how a jury likely would perceive his memory and mental state in a criminal trial,” he added. “These are the types of issues prosecutors analyze every day. And because these issues were important to my ultimate decision, I had to include a discussion of them in my report to the Attorney General.”

Hur is expected to note the inconsistencies between what Biden said in a recorded statement to a ghostwriter working on his memoir and what he said during his interview with the special counsel.

"We interviewed the President and asked him about his recorded statement, 'I just found all the classified stuff downstairs.' He told us that he didn’t remember saying that to his ghostwriter," Hur's prepared statement says. "He also said he didn’t remember finding any classified material in his home after his vice presidency. And he didn’t remember anything about how classified documents about Afghanistan made their way into his garage."

Hur will argue that his assessment in the report about the relevance of Biden’s memory was “necessary and accurate and fair.”

“Most importantly, what I wrote is what I believe the evidence shows, and what I expect jurors would perceive and believe,” Hur’s prepared remarks say. “I did not sanitize my explanation. Nor did I disparage the President unfairly. I explained to the Attorney General my decision and the reasons for it. That’s what I was required to do.”

Hur also maintains that he took the “same approach” with the case against Trump for his handling of classified documents.

“There too, I called it like I saw it. As a prosecutor, I had to consider relevant precedents and to explain why different facts justified different outcomes. That is what I did in my report,” Hur’s prepared remarks say.

Expect to hear a defense of Hur's comments about Biden's age

Hur is expected to defend the language he used about Biden’s memory, arguing, as Justice Department officials have to NBC News, that it was an important factor in why Biden should not be charged, despite a 2017 tape recording of him saying he had found classified material in his Virginia home.

When Biden’s lawyers objected to the language before the report was released, the Justice Department referred them to Bradley Weinsheimer, the senior career official at the department.

Weinsheimer did not share the view of many legal experts who have opined that what Hur did was wrong. Rather, he wrote in a letter obtained by NBC News, that “the context in which this information is used in the report makes it appropriate under Department policy and the Special Counsel regulations. The identified language is neither gratuitous nor unduly prejudicial because it is not offered to criticize or demean the President; rather, it is offered to explain Special Counsel Hur’s conclusions about the President’s state of mind in possessing and retaining classified information.”

Democrats say Garland should have edited some of the memory language out of the report, but Justice Department officials say that would have drawn allegations of political favoritism, especially given Weinsheimer’s view that there was nothing improper about it.

Hur will make his first public comments on his Biden report this morning

Hur will appear before the House Judiciary Committee this morning, five weeks after his report’s portrayal of Biden’s memory and mental state thrilled Republicans and infuriated Democrats.

The hearing begins at 10 a.m. ET and is likely to last several hours as members of the 44-person committee, in addition to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., get the chance to ask questions of the special counsel. 

More From Forbes

Three lessons about recruiting and retaining tech talent.

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Burkhard Boeckem, CTO of Hexagon AB .

Recruitment is a constant challenge for all companies, but it is especially burdensome in the technology sector—and even more so in hot or emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

As the CTO of a major tech company, I've learned some valuable lessons about attracting and keeping talented engineers and developers. In summary: Focus on offering purpose, progression and project-based flexible career paths. Invest in people early on and support them in becoming experts in your industry.

Offer candidates real purpose.

Current demand for tech talent greatly outstrips supply, and Gartner expects this to be the case until at least 2026 , based on forecasted IT spending. With a limited pool of candidates, there is strong competition between employers for every engineering role. The law of supply and demand dictates that this pushes up salary expectations. However, to get the right people, recruitment shouldn’t just be a bidding war.

What really attracts talent is a purpose. A candidate wants to know that their work will have a positive impact. Sell how your company’s technologies help reduce waste, help improve safety or sustainability or tackle other vital challenges. Combined with working on pioneering technologies, this sense of purpose is a major draw, especially for younger employees.

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A recent McKinsey study found that “ only 18% of respondents believed that they get as much purpose from work as they want.” This indicates that there is huge scope to compete with other companies by offering purpose-led careers.

When I interview candidates, I ask what they really want to achieve in the bigger picture. You can tick off your objectives, but it’s much more satisfying if your mission is something like eliminating waste from manufacturing. It highlights the potential impact they can have working on meaningful projects that solve real problems cooperatively as part of a close-knit team. That's very appealing compared to being an anonymous cog in a giant corporate machine.

Offer career progression and routes from academia into the workplace.

Currently, the main recruitment challenge for CTOs in disruptive tech is finding that finite pool of highly skilled talent in the most exciting domains. To recruit for AI, robotics, visualization, cloud and IoT roles, it's crucial to have strong ties to leading academic institutions and to reach students and researchers before they enter the workforce.

Unless you’re a hyperscaler, it’s unlikely that you can fully fund, for instance, an AI institute. However, you can engage with professors, support students and provide interesting real-world applications for their research. This is a great way to build relationships with potential employees and give back to the research community—the basis of the tech economy. Get a reputation as a company that supports students and you will rise to the top of the list of organizations that graduates want to work at.

Although students might lack workplace experience, I prefer hiring recent grads over established superstars from other companies. Grads bring enthusiasm, curiosity, a state-of-the-art technology knowledge and can learn your innovative culture from the ground up.

Of course, a balance of junior and senior talent is ideal. But prioritizing promising young minds allows you to develop a sustainable pipeline of experienced, passionate staff for the long haul. With an inspiring sense of purpose behind their work, empowered by an innovative environment, they'll have every opportunity to make a lasting positive impact through technology.

Offer project-based work to allow for flexible careers.

The partner challenge to recruitment is retention. How do you keep hold of talented people in a red-hot jobs market?

I have found that giving employees the freedom to move around internally from project to project helps to provide the excitement that they might otherwise seek from changing companies. For example, an engineer might work on cutting-edge construction tech, and then pivot to an immersive manufacturing solution, getting exposed to diverse domains while staying with us. Invest in building an entrepreneurial culture that empowers people to constantly take on new exciting opportunities.

I have also found that embracing new technologies early and giving people the support they need to become experts encourages them to stay. Let people follow their passions as much as possible.

Recruiting and retaining top tech talent doesn’t have a quick fix. But if you can create an environment where people can do purposeful work that excites them while being supported in their growth, it naturally follows.

While the talent competition will likely remain fierce, those who can tap into people's deeper motivations around making a difference will have a powerful edge in attracting and keeping the engineers and developers driving the future of technology forward.

The most sustainable workforce is one composed of passionate problem-solvers empowered to take on what's next.

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