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How to write a conclusion for a research paper.
The conclusion connects the argument and final insights of a paper.

A compelling research paper conclusion can spark interest in a topic and inspire others to dive deeper into it. By clearly explaining the significance of your work and suggesting future research directions, you’re inviting readers to engage with the subject matter beyond just your paper, which is especially important in academic writing, where encouraging conversation and ongoing exploration are essential for advancing knowledge. Creating a sense of curiosity and connection to a topic can help keep the discussion going.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to write a conclusion for a research paper. Additionally, you’ll discover how tools like Adobe Acrobat can assist in editing, ensuring your conclusion is polished and effective. By perfecting this section when writing a research paper, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience and reinforce the value of your research.
Step 1: Restate your thesis.
The first step in writing a conclusion for a research paper is to restate your thesis in a way that resonates with your readers. The thesis is the core of your paper, so reinforcing it in your conclusion emphasizes the central argument you’ve built throughout the rest of the paper.
Rather than repeating the thesis exactly, try to rephrase it to showcase the development of the research, such as by using different words to re-engage the reader. For example, if your thesis was “Urban green spaces significantly enhance community health,” you could restate it in the conclusion as: “The presence of urban green spaces plays a crucial role in promoting the overall health and well-being of communities.”
This section sets up the rest of your conclusion by bringing the reader back to the main idea, so keep this part focused and impactful.

Step 2: Summarize key points.
After restating your thesis, the next step in writing a research paper conclusion is summarizing the key points. For a well-structured conclusion, briefly recap the major arguments and evidence presented throughout the paper. This approach ties back to how to format a research paper, as a clear and organized summary reinforces the logical flow of your work.
Focus on the main elements that support the thesis without going into too much detail. Each point should connect back to the thesis or main argument of the paper, but you don’t need to include every detail from the body of the paper. Providing this overview allows the reader to see how each point fits together, bringing a cohesive close to your research.
Step 3: Discuss your research implications.
Crafting an impactful conclusion involves more than just summarizing and restating previous points. Discuss the broader implications of your findings and explain how they contribute to a larger picture, ultimately enriching the reader’s understanding. Consider how your research might influence future studies, policies, or practical applications in real-world contexts. By highlighting the potential impact of your findings, you can demonstrate their relevance and importance beyond just your paper.
Tools like Acrobat can be useful in this process, as they allow you to edit and refine your conclusion directly within a PDF document, ensuring your final message is clear and impactful. Ask questions to your PDF, such as “How can I tie my paper together?” or “What does my research mean?” By using these resources, you can improve the quality of your writing, ensuring that your research paper conclusion effectively communicates the significance of your work.
Step 4: Close with a strong statement.
Finish the conclusion with a strong closing statement, such as a call to action, a thought-provoking quote, or a reflection on the importance of your topics. It’s the final opportunity to make an impression on your readers. A strong closing statement can inspire them to dive deeper into the topic or motivate them to take action.
Be mindful to provide a sense of closure; leaving readers with unanswered questions at the end of the conclusion can diminish the impact of your research. Ensure that your conclusion leaves your audience with a clear understanding of the importance of your topic and research.
An example of a strong closing statement is: “As cities continue to expand, prioritizing green spaces is essential for fostering vibrant, resilient communities. Our choices today will shape healthier, more connected cities for future generations.”
This statement ties the research to a broader impact and emphasizes the need for action. It also leaves an impression on readers by using positive words such as resilient to inspire readers and leave them with an optimistic view of what can be achieved. This positive framing can make a conclusion more memorable and persuasive.

Step 5: Edit and revise your conclusion.
Once you’ve written the conclusion, review and edit the content for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Editing ensures your conclusion is polished and error-free to communicate the key points effectively. To make the process easier, consider asking your instructor, a classmate, or a peer to review your conclusion and offer feedback. Additionally, you can use online tools like the Acrobat AI Assistant to help summarize your docs in a single click, get quick answers to questions, and increase your productivity. Check out some prompts to chat with your PDF more effectively.
Throughout your review, pay attention to sentence structure and the organization of your ideas. Consider rearranging sentences or ideas so that the conclusion is easier to follow. The goal is to ensure that your research paper’s conclusion is clear and concise, leaving a final impression on your reader.
Here are a few dos and don’ts when writing a conclusion for a research paper.
Dos:
1 Stay concise. Ensure the conclusion is clear and brief.
2 Restate your thesis. Remind readers of the main argument of the paper.
3 Highlight significance. Emphasize the importance of your research and why it matters.
Don’ts:
1 Introduce new information. The conclusion should summarize the information already presented throughout the paper.
2 End abruptly. Provide readers with closure and be sure the conclusion feels complete.
3 Be redundant. Focus on delivering a unique perspective and minimize repeating phrases or ideas you’ve already stated.
Frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re looking for tips on structure, formatting, or specific content, these frequently asked questions will help clarify the process of writing a research paper conclusion and improve your overall writing experience.
Why is the conclusion important in a research paper?
When learning how to write a research paper, understanding the importance of the conclusion is crucial. An essential part of any research paper, the conclusion summarizes the main ideas and aims to leave an impression on the reader. A firm conclusion ties everything together and enhances the overall impact of the piece. It’s the last opportunity to communicate your findings and their significance, making it a vital part of the work.
What is a good conclusion example?
A good example of a conclusion is, “In summary, this research highlights the transformative impact of urban green spaces on community health and well-being. By analyzing various case studies, we have shown that access to parks and green areas improves physical health, fosters social interactions, and enhances mental well-being. As urbanization continues to rise, city planners and policymakers must prioritize integrating green spaces into urban design. By doing so, we can create healthier, more vibrant communities that promote sustainability and improve the quality of life for all residents. The future of our cities depends on our commitment to nurturing these vital natural resources.”
This conclusion is effective because it restates the main findings, emphasizing the benefits of urban green spaces for physical and mental health and fostering social interactions. It goes beyond simply summarizing key points by thoughtfully exploring the broader implications of the research. Ending with a strong call to action inspires readers to advocate for cleaner, greener environments in their communities. This approach gives readers a sense of purpose, reminding them of their roles in creating sustainable, livable cities.
How long should a research paper conclusion be?
The length of your conclusion should be between 150 and 250 words, depending on the overall length and complexity of the paper. It’s important to keep the conclusion concise while hitting on all the important parts that wrap up your argument.
What are the 3 parts of conclusion?
The three main parts of a conclusion are the restatement of the thesis, a summary of the main points, and closing remarks. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in helping to create a cohesive and impactful finish to a research paper. This structure helps your conclusion to reinforce the main argument and presents a polished and complete finish to your paper.