The Young Economist’s Short Guide to Writing Economic Research

Attributes of writing economics.

  • The discourse is often mathematical, with lots of formulas, lemmas, and proofs.
  • Writing styles vary widely. Some authors are very dry and technical while a few are quite eloquent.

Economics writing is different from many other types of writing. It is essentially technical, and the primary goal is to achieve clarity. A clear presentation will allow the strength of your underlying analysis and the quality of your research to shine through.

Unlike prose writing in other disciplines, economics research takes time. Successful papers are not cranked out the night before a due date.

General Guidelines for Quality Research

Getting started.

The hardest part of any writing assignment is starting. Economics research usually begins with a strong understanding of literature, and papers require a section that summarizes and applies previous literature to what the paper at hand. This is the best way to start.

Your writing will demonstrate that you understand the findings that relate to the topic.

Economists use the first few paragraphs to set up research questions and the model and data they use to think about it. Sure, it can be dry, but this format ensures the write and reader have strong grasp on the subject and structure of the work that follows.

Clear and Concise Work

Clarity is hard to achieve, but revising and reworking a paper ensures it is easy to read

  • Organize your ideas into an argument with the help of an outline.
  • Define the important terms you will use
  • State your hypothesis and proceed deductively to reach your conclusions
  • Avoid excess verbiage
  • Edit yourself, remove what is not needed, and keep revising until you get down to a simple, efficient way of communicating
  • Use the active voice
  • Put statements in positive form
  • Omit needless words (concise writing is clear writing)
  • In summaries, generally stick to one tense

Time Management

Poor time management can wreck the best-planned papers. Deadlines are key to successful research papers.

  • Start the project by finding your topic
  • Begin your research
  • Start and outline
  • Write a draft
  • Revise and polish

The Language of Economic Analysis

Economic theory has become very mathematical. Most PhD students are mathematicians, not simply economics majors. This means most quality economic research requires a strong use of mathematical language. Economic analysis is characterized by the use of models, simplified representations of how economic phenomena work. A model’s predictions about the future or the past are essentially empirical hypotheses. Since economics is not easily tested in controlled experiments, research requires data from the real world (census reports, balance sheets), and statistical methods (regressions and econometrics) to test the predictive power of models and hypotheses based on those models.

The Writing Process

Finding a topic.

There are a million ways to find a topic. It may be that you are writing for a specific subfield of economics, so topics are limited and thus easier to pick. However, must research starts organically, from passive reading or striking news articles. Make sure to find something that interests you. Be sure to find a niche and make a contribution to the subfield.

You will also need a project that can be done within the parameters of the assignment (length, due date, access to research materials). A profoundly interesting topic may not be manageable given the time and other constraints you face. The key is to just be practical.

Be sure to start your research as soon as possible. Your topic will evolve along the way, and the question you begin with may become less interesting as new information draws you in other directions. It is perfectly fine to shape your topic based on available data, but don’t get caught up in endlessly revising topics.

Finding and Using Sources

There are two types of economic sources: empirical data (information that is or can be easily translated into numerical form), and academic literature (books and articles that help you organize your ideas).

Economic data is compiled into a number of useful secondary sources:

  • Economic Report of the President
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States
  • National Longitudinal Survey
  • Census data
  • Academic journals

The Outline

A good outline acts as an agenda for the things you want to accomplish:

  • Introduction: Pose an interesting question or problem
  • Literature Review: Survey the literature on your topic
  • Methods/Data: Formulate your hypothesis and describe your data
  • Results: Present your results with the help of graphs and charts
  • Discussion: Critique your method and/or discuss any policy implications
  • Conclusions: Summarize what you have done; pose questions for further research

Writing a Literature Review

The literature review demonstrates your familiarity with scholarly work on your topic and lays the foundations for your paper. The particular issues you intent to raise, the terms you will employ, and the approach you will take should be defined with reference to previous scholarly works.

Presenting a Hypothesis

Formulate a question, problem or conjecture, and describe the approach you will take to answer, solve, or test it. In presenting your hypothesis, you need to discuss the data set you are using and the type of regression you will run. You should say where you found the data, and use a table, graph, or simple statistics to summarize them. In term papers, it may not be possible to reach conclusive results. Don’t be afraid to state this clearly and accurately. It is okay to have an inconclusive paper, but it is not okay to make overly broad and unsupported statements.

Presenting Results

There are essentially two decisions to make: (1) How many empirical results should be presented, and (2) How should these results be described in the text?

  • Focus only on what is important and be as clear as possible. Both smart and dumb readers will appreciate you pointing things out directly and clearly.
  • Less is usually more: Reporting a small group of relevant results is better than covering every possible statistical analysis that could be made on the data.
  • Clearly and precisely describe your tables, graphs, and figures in the text of your results section. The first and last sentence in a paragraph describing a result should be “big picture” statements, describing how the results in the table, graph or figure fit into the overall theme of the paper.

Discussing Results

The key to discussing results is to stay clear of making value judgments, and rely instead on economic facts and analyses. It is not the job of an economist to draw policy conclusions, even if the research supports strong evidence in a particular direction.

Referencing Sources

As with any research paper, source referencing depends on the will of a professor a discourse community. However, economists generally use soft references in the literature review section and then cite sources in conventional formats at the end of papers.

This guide was made possible by the excellent work of Robert Neugeboren and Mireille Jacobson of Harvard University and Paul Dudenhefer of Duke University.

Mailing Address

Pomona College 333 N. College Way Claremont , CA 91711

Get in touch

Give back to pomona.

Part of   The Claremont Colleges

How to Write an Economics Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to write conclusion for economics project

Economics is often called “the dismal science,” and most students would agree that it never lives up to that moniker more than when they are writing an economics paper for a college, university, or MBA course. Economics essays can be challenging because they combine scientific accuracy and mathematical reasoning with the interpretive and theoretical approaches of the humanities, making them one of the most difficult types of essays to write. However, economics papers don’t have to create anxiety if you know the right way to approach an economics paper.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the right way to write an economics paper by examining the process from start to finish and offering some tips about the best way to approach each of the steps in writing an economics essay.

So, where should you begin to write an economics paper?

Read the Assignment

This might seem like a no-brainer, but the first step in writing any essay is to read the assignment and make sure that you understand exactly what the question is asking. Be sure that you are clear on each of the requirements of the assignment, and that means that you need to carefully review the question and find each of the pieces that require a response in the essay. Beyond this, you should consider whether any of the requirements are unclear. If there is anything you don’t understand, be sure to seek clarification before you start writing.

Develop a Research Question

Based on the assignment, try to develop one or two guiding questions that will help to direct your research when you start to create the assignment. What do you want to know more about? What would you need to know to address the assignment? Having sharp research questions will help to direct your research and point you in the right direction as you gather resources.

Gather Research Before You Write

Many students take the approach that the fastest way to write a paper is to start writing and grab research to support their points as they move through. However, this is an inefficient way to write. The most effective way to write an essay is to gather your research before you begin the writing process. By researching the question and evaluating resources early on, you will be in a better position to create a strong thesis statement and develop a powerful paper that will help you to address the assignment completely. One effective technique is to read each research source, pull out key quotes you might use in your paper, and produce a reference list entry for each source before you start writing. That way, you can pull from your bank of research without having to stop and research new material as you write.

Develop a Thesis Statement

Based on the research that you’ve done, you should develop a thesis statement explaining your unique perspective on the assignment and what you will demonstrate or prove during the course of the paper. A strong thesis statement is specific and sharp rather than vague and general. Your thesis should be original and not merely repeating something someone else has already done in a prior economics paper.

Outline Your Economics Paper

Many students skip this step because they think that it is a waste of time that they could be spending writing, but outlining can actually be a time-saver in the long run. Using your thesis statement, you should develop an outline that develops each part of the thesis into a paragraph or section of your outline. Each section of your outline should have supporting details, including resources, quotes, and evidence, that you will use to assemble your paper. The more detail that you put together in your outline, the easier it will be to write the final paper.

Write the Paper, Saving the Intro for Last

Your outline should make it easy to develop your paper. All you need to do at this point is to take the outline that you wrote, flesh it out by turning its points into complete sentences, drop in quotations and supporting information (with citations), and connect the dots with transitions. When you write the final paper, you should save the introduction for last. That way, you will be able to use the conclusion that you come to at the end of the paper to craft an introduction that will set up the paper. If you try doing the introduction first, you might feel tempted to tailor your conclusion to keep the introduction intact. This way, if your conclusion changes as you write, you won’t lose time or text.

Get Economics Essay Help If Needed

Writing economics papers can be hard, but these tips should make it easier. However, if you find yourself in need of additional help, it can be helpful to pay someone for writing help. When you hire an expert from an online service like WriteMyPaperHub.com , you can receive the kind of benefits that you can’t get anywhere else, including customized and personalized research and writing assistance from an expert writer with an advanced degree and years of experience producing papers for students just like you. Whether you need writing help because you are pressed for time or don’t know where to start, professional help can be the solution to help you solve your hardest essay challenges and to help you make the grade on your next economics paper.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UK – THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UK – THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

EU Monetary Policy

EU Monetary Policy

Get science-backed answers as you write with Paperpal's Research feature

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

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.

  • How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal? 

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.

how to write conclusion for economics project

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.

Align your conclusion’s tone with the rest of your research paper. Start Writing with Paperpal Now!  

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.

how to write conclusion for economics project

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.

Write your research paper conclusion 2x faster with Paperpal. Try it now!

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.

how to write conclusion for economics project

How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal?

A research paper conclusion is not just a summary of your study, but a synthesis of the key findings that ties the research together and places it in a broader context. A research paper conclusion should be concise, typically around one paragraph in length. However, some complex topics may require a longer conclusion to ensure the reader is left with a clear understanding of the study’s significance. Paperpal, an AI writing assistant trusted by over 800,000 academics globally, can help you write a well-structured conclusion for your research paper. 

  • Sign Up or Log In: Create a new Paperpal account or login with your details.  
  • Navigate to Features : Once logged in, head over to the features’ side navigation pane. Click on Templates and you’ll find a suite of generative AI features to help you write better, faster.  
  • Generate an outline: Under Templates, select ‘Outlines’. Choose ‘Research article’ as your document type.  
  • Select your section: Since you’re focusing on the conclusion, select this section when prompted.  
  • Choose your field of study: Identifying your field of study allows Paperpal to provide more targeted suggestions, ensuring the relevance of your conclusion to your specific area of research. 
  • Provide a brief description of your study: Enter details about your research topic and findings. This information helps Paperpal generate a tailored outline that aligns with your paper’s content. 
  • Generate the conclusion outline: After entering all necessary details, click on ‘generate’. Paperpal will then create a structured outline for your conclusion, to help you start writing and build upon the outline.  
  • Write your conclusion: Use the generated outline to build your conclusion. The outline serves as a guide, ensuring you cover all critical aspects of a strong conclusion, from summarizing key findings to highlighting the research’s implications. 
  • Refine and enhance: Paperpal’s ‘Make Academic’ feature can be particularly useful in the final stages. Select any paragraph of your conclusion and use this feature to elevate the academic tone, ensuring your writing is aligned to the academic journal standards. 

By following these steps, Paperpal not only simplifies the process of writing a research paper conclusion but also ensures it is impactful, concise, and aligned with academic standards. Sign up with Paperpal today and write your research paper conclusion 2x faster .  

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.

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

  • 5 Reasons for Rejection After Peer Review
  • Ethical Research Practices For Research with Human Subjects

7 Ways to Improve Your Academic Writing Process

  • Paraphrasing in Academic Writing: Answering Top Author Queries

Preflight For Editorial Desk: The Perfect Hybrid (AI + Human) Assistance Against Compromised Manuscripts

You may also like, how to write a high-quality conference paper, academic editing: how to self-edit academic text with..., measuring academic success: definition & strategies for excellence, phd qualifying exam: tips for success , ai in education: it’s time to change the..., is it ethical to use ai-generated abstracts without..., what are journal guidelines on using generative ai..., quillbot review: features, pricing, and free alternatives, what is an academic paper types and elements , should you use ai tools like chatgpt for....

So much is at stake in writing a conclusion. This is, after all, your last chance to persuade your readers to your point of view, to impress yourself upon them as a writer and thinker. And the impression you create in your conclusion will shape the impression that stays with your readers after they've finished the essay.

The end of an essay should therefore convey a sense of completeness and closure as well as a sense of the lingering possibilities of the topic, its larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion without closing it off.

To establish a sense of closure, you might do one or more of the following:

  • Conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by reiterating a word or phrase you used at the beginning.
  • Conclude with a sentence composed mainly of one-syllable words. Simple language can help create an effect of understated drama.
  • Conclude with a sentence that's compound or parallel in structure; such sentences can establish a sense of balance or order that may feel just right at the end of a complex discussion.

To close the discussion without closing it off, you might do one or more of the following:

  • Conclude with a quotation from or reference to a primary or secondary source, one that amplifies your main point or puts it in a different perspective. A quotation from, say, the novel or poem you're writing about can add texture and specificity to your discussion; a critic or scholar can help confirm or complicate your final point. For example, you might conclude an essay on the idea of home in James Joyce's short story collection,  Dubliners , with information about Joyce's own complex feelings towards Dublin, his home. Or you might end with a biographer's statement about Joyce's attitude toward Dublin, which could illuminate his characters' responses to the city. Just be cautious, especially about using secondary material: make sure that you get the last word.
  • Conclude by setting your discussion into a different, perhaps larger, context. For example, you might end an essay on nineteenth-century muckraking journalism by linking it to a current news magazine program like  60 Minutes .
  • Conclude by redefining one of the key terms of your argument. For example, an essay on Marx's treatment of the conflict between wage labor and capital might begin with Marx's claim that the "capitalist economy is . . . a gigantic enterprise of dehumanization "; the essay might end by suggesting that Marxist analysis is itself dehumanizing because it construes everything in economic -- rather than moral or ethical-- terms.
  • Conclude by considering the implications of your argument (or analysis or discussion). What does your argument imply, or involve, or suggest? For example, an essay on the novel  Ambiguous Adventure , by the Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, might open with the idea that the protagonist's development suggests Kane's belief in the need to integrate Western materialism and Sufi spirituality in modern Senegal. The conclusion might make the new but related point that the novel on the whole suggests that such an integration is (or isn't) possible.

Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay:

  • Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your main ideas.
  • Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up." These phrases can be useful--even welcome--in oral presentations. But readers can see, by the tell-tale compression of the pages, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your audience if you belabor the obvious.
  • Resist the urge to apologize. If you've immersed yourself in your subject, you now know a good deal more about it than you can possibly include in a five- or ten- or 20-page essay. As a result, by the time you've finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you've produced. (And if you haven't immersed yourself in your subject, you may be feeling even more doubtful about your essay as you approach the conclusion.) Repress those doubts. Don't undercut your authority by saying things like, "this is just one approach to the subject; there may be other, better approaches. . ."

Copyright 1998, Pat Bellanca, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

StatAnalytica

400+ Economic Project Topics: How to Choose and Excel in Research

economic project topics

Economic project topics play a pivotal role in the academic journey of students pursuing degrees in economics or related fields. These topics serve as the foundation for research, analysis, and the development of critical thinking skills. 

Selecting the right economic project topic is crucial, as it can significantly impact the success of your research and the depth of your understanding of economic principles. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the right economic project topic, explore different categories of topics, and provide tips for a successful research journey.

How To Select Economic Project Topics?

Table of Contents

Before diving into the categories of economic project topics, it’s essential to understand the process of selecting a topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and available resources. Here’s a closer look at how to choose the right topic:

Identifying Your Interests and Expertise

Passion for your research topic can be a powerful motivator. Consider areas within economics that genuinely interest you. 

Do you have a fascination with microeconomic concepts like market dynamics and consumer behavior, or are you more drawn to macroeconomic issues like fiscal and monetary policies? Identifying your interests will make the research process more enjoyable and rewarding.

Moreover, leveraging your expertise can lead to a more fruitful research experience. If you have a background in a specific industry or possess unique skills, it may be wise to select a topic that aligns with your strengths. 

Your existing knowledge can provide valuable insights and a competitive edge in your research.

Assessing the Relevance and Timeliness of Topics

Economic research should address current and relevant issues in the field. To ensure the significance of your project, consider the timeliness of the topic. 

Are you exploring an emerging economic trend, or does your research address a longstanding issue that still requires attention?

Additionally, think about the broader implications of your research. How does your chosen topic contribute to the existing body of knowledge in economics? 

Assessing the relevance and potential impact of your research can help you choose a topic that resonates with both academic and real-world audiences.

Considering Available Resources and Data

Practicality is a crucial factor in selecting an economic project topic. Assess the availability of resources and data required for your research. Do you have access to relevant datasets, surveys, or academic journals that support your chosen topic? 

It’s essential to ensure that the necessary resources are accessible to facilitate your research process effectively.

400+ Economic Project Topics: Category-Wise

Economic project topics encompass a wide range of areas within the field. Here are four major categories to explore:

100+ Microeconomics Project Topics

  • The impact of advertising on consumer behavior.
  • Price elasticity of demand for luxury goods.
  • Analyzing market structure in the tech industry.
  • Consumer preferences for sustainable products.
  • The economics of online streaming services.
  • Factors affecting pricing strategies in the airline industry.
  • The role of information asymmetry in used car markets.
  • Microeconomics of fast fashion and its environmental effects.
  • Behavioral economics in food choices and obesity.
  • The impact of minimum wage on small businesses.
  • Market competition and pharmaceutical drug prices.
  • Monopoly power in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Economic analysis of the gig economy.
  • Elasticity of demand for healthcare services.
  • Price discrimination in the hotel industry.
  • Consumer behavior in the sharing economy.
  • Economic analysis of e-commerce marketplaces.
  • The economics of ride-sharing services like Uber.
  • Factors influencing the demand for organic foods.
  • Game theory and strategic pricing in oligopolistic markets.
  • Microeconomics of the coffee industry.
  • Analyzing the effects of tariffs on imported goods.
  • Price elasticity of demand for electric vehicles.
  • The economics of artificial intelligence and job displacement.
  • Behavioral economics in the stock market.
  • Impact of advertising on children’s consumer choices.
  • Monopolistic competition in the smartphone industry.
  • Economic analysis of the video game industry.
  • The role of patents in pharmaceutical pricing.
  • Price discrimination in the airline industry.
  • Analyzing consumer behavior in the luxury fashion industry.
  • The economics of addiction and substance abuse.
  • Market structure in the online advertising industry.
  • Price elasticity of demand for energy-efficient appliances.
  • Economic analysis of the fast-food industry.
  • The impact of product recalls on consumer trust.
  • Factors influencing consumer choices in the beer industry.
  • Microeconomics of the music streaming industry.
  • Behavioral economics and food labeling.
  • Economic analysis of the fitness and wellness industry.
  • The economics of organic farming and sustainability.
  • Analyzing the demand for mobile app-based services.
  • Price discrimination in the entertainment industry.
  • Economic analysis of subscription box services.
  • Consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging.
  • Game theory in online auction markets.
  • Analyzing the effects of congestion pricing.
  • The economics of university tuition and student loans.
  • Microeconomics of the fashion resale market.
  • Behavioral economics in online shopping cart abandonment.
  • Market structure in the pharmaceutical distribution.
  • Analyzing the economics of cryptocurrency.
  • Economic analysis of the real estate market.
  • Price elasticity of demand for streaming music services.
  • Consumer choices in the electric vehicle market.
  • The economics of food delivery services.
  • Monopoly power in the cable television industry.
  • Factors influencing consumer decisions in the cosmetics industry.
  • Behavioral economics and charitable donations.
  • Economic analysis of the online dating industry.
  • The impact of healthcare regulations on prices.
  • Price discrimination in the cruise line industry.
  • Economic analysis of the fashion resale market.
  • Analyzing the effects of subsidies on agriculture.
  • Consumer preferences for eco-friendly transportation.
  • Market structure in the book publishing industry.
  • Microeconomics of the craft beer industry.
  • Behavioral economics and impulse buying.
  • Price elasticity of demand for video game consoles.
  • Economic analysis of the coffee shop industry.
  • The economics of mobile payment systems.
  • Analyzing consumer choices in the fast-food breakfast market.
  • Monopolistic competition in the smartphone app industry.
  • Factors influencing consumer decisions in the beauty industry.
  • Behavioral economics in the context of online reviews.
  • Economic analysis of the organic skincare industry.
  • The impact of government regulations on tobacco prices.
  • Price discrimination in the movie theater industry.
  • Microeconomics of the subscription box industry.
  • Analyzing the effects of trade barriers on agricultural exports.
  • Consumer preferences for sustainable fashion.
  • Market structure in the video game console industry.
  • The economics of mobile app monetization.
  • Price elasticity of demand for streaming television services.
  • Economic analysis of the organic food industry.
  • Behavioral economics and the psychology of pricing.
  • Analyzing consumer choices in the electric scooter market.
  • Monopoly power in the cable internet service industry.
  • Factors influencing consumer decisions in the wine industry.
  • Economic analysis of the impact of product reviews on sales.
  • The economics of online crowdfunding platforms.
  • Price discrimination in the music festival industry.
  • Microeconomics of the meal kit delivery industry.
  • Behavioral economics and the impact of discounts on purchasing behavior.
  • Analyzing the effects of trade agreements on global supply chains.
  • Consumer preferences for sustainable home appliances.
  • Market structure in the online marketplace for handmade goods.
  • The economics of esports and gaming tournaments.
  • Price elasticity of demand for online streaming subscriptions.
  • Economic analysis of the fast-casual restaurant industry.
  • The impact of government subsidies on renewable energy prices.

100+ Macroeconomics Project Topics

  • The impact of fiscal policy on economic growth.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of monetary policy.
  • Inflation targeting and its implications.
  • The relationship between unemployment and inflation.
  • Factors influencing exchange rates.
  • The effects of globalization on income inequality.
  • Assessing the economic consequences of trade wars.
  • The role of central banks in financial stability.
  • Economic growth in emerging markets.
  • Government debt and its impact on the economy.
  • The economics of healthcare reform.
  • Income distribution and poverty alleviation strategies.
  • The economics of renewable energy adoption.
  • The impact of automation on employment.
  • Economic consequences of climate change.
  • The economics of the gig economy.
  • The Phillips Curve and its modern relevance.
  • The economics of housing bubbles.
  • Economic development in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The economics of education funding.
  • The impact of technology on productivity growth.
  • The role of the IMF in global financial stability.
  • Economic consequences of Brexit.
  • The economics of cryptocurrency.
  • Economic implications of aging populations.
  • The economics of natural disasters.
  • The effects of income tax cuts on the economy.
  • The relationship between economic freedom and growth.
  • The role of infrastructure investment in economic development.
  • The economics of health insurance markets.
  • The impact of minimum wage laws on employment.
  • The economics of food security.
  • The effects of government subsidies on industries.
  • The role of the World Bank in global development.
  • Economic consequences of government regulation.
  • The economics of corporate mergers.
  • The relationship between government spending and economic growth.
  • Economic effects of monetary policy on asset prices.
  • The economics of social safety nets.
  • The impact of income inequality on economic growth.
  • The role of entrepreneurship in economic development.
  • Economic consequences of trade deficits.
  • The effects of financial deregulation.
  • The economics of the opioid crisis.
  • The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
  • The impact of tax evasion on government revenue.
  • Economic development in post-conflict regions.
  • The economics of the sharing economy.
  • The role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in international trade.
  • Economic consequences of government debt crises.
  • The effects of population aging on healthcare systems.
  • The economics of public-private partnerships.
  • The impact of economic sanctions on countries.
  • Economic implications of income tax reform.
  • The role of venture capital in innovation.
  • The economics of foreign aid.
  • The relationship between education and economic growth.
  • Economic effects of natural resource extraction.
  • The economics of financial market crashes.
  • The role of economic incentives in behavior.
  • Economic consequences of currency devaluation.
  • The effects of income tax progressivity on income distribution.
  • The economics of income mobility.
  • The impact of government subsidies on renewable energy.
  • Economic development in post-communist countries.
  • The economics of intellectual property rights.
  • The relationship between government corruption and economic growth.
  • Economic consequences of government budget deficits.
  • The effects of financial globalization.
  • The role of behavioral economics in policy-making.
  • The economics of healthcare access.
  • The impact of automation on manufacturing jobs.
  • Economic implications of population growth.
  • The economics of housing affordability.
  • The relationship between monetary policy and asset bubbles.
  • Economic effects of immigration policies.
  • The role of economic forecasting in decision-making.
  • The economics of taxation on multinational corporations.
  • Economic development in the digital age.
  • The impact of economic shocks on consumer behavior.
  • Economic consequences of natural disasters.
  • The effects of income inequality on social cohesion.
  • The economics of financial innovation.
  • The relationship between economic freedom and entrepreneurship.
  • Economic implications of healthcare reform.
  • The role of gender inequality in economic development.
  • The economics of climate change mitigation.
  • The impact of government regulations on small businesses.
  • Economic development in the Middle East.
  • The economics of consumer debt.
  • The relationship between trade policy and national security.
  • Economic consequences of housing market crashes.
  • The effects of monetary policy on income distribution.
  • The economics of sustainable agriculture.
  • The role of economic sanctions in international diplomacy.
  • Economic implications of corporate tax reform.
  • The economics of innovation clusters.
  • The impact of government procurement policies on industries.
  • Economic development in post-apartheid South Africa.
  • The relationship between economic inequality and political instability.

100+ International Economics Project Topics

  • Impact of Trade Wars on Global Economies
  • Exchange Rate Determinants and Fluctuations
  • The Role of Multinational Corporations in International Trade
  • Effects of Brexit on International Trade
  • Comparative Analysis of Free Trade Agreements
  • Currency Manipulation and Its Consequences
  • Economic Integration in the European Union
  • Global Supply Chains and Vulnerabilities
  • The Impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
  • Trade Liberalization in Developing Countries
  • Globalization and Income Inequality
  • Economic Consequences of Economic Sanctions
  • International Trade and Environmental Sustainability
  • The Role of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth
  • Exchange Rate Regimes: Fixed vs. Floating
  • International Financial Crises and Their Causes
  • NAFTA vs. USMCA: A Comparative Analysis
  • The Effects of Tariffs on Import-Dependent Industries
  • Trade and Economic Development in Africa
  • Offshoring and Outsourcing in a Global Economy
  • The Economics of Remittances
  • Currency Wars and Competitive Devaluations
  • International Trade and Intellectual Property Rights
  • The Impact of Economic Openness on Inflation
  • The Eurozone Crisis: Causes and Solutions
  • Trade Imbalances and Their Consequences
  • The Economics of International Migration
  • Exchange Rate Volatility and Speculation
  • The Silk Road: Historical and Modern Perspectives
  • The Role of International Aid in Development
  • Globalization and Cultural Homogenization
  • International Trade and National Security
  • The Economic Effects of Brexit on the EU
  • Sovereign Debt Crises and Bailouts
  • The Economics of Global Energy Markets
  • International Trade and Human Rights
  • The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997
  • The Economics of International Tourism
  • The Impact of Global Economic Institutions
  • International Trade and Technological Innovation
  • Comparative Advantage and Trade Theory
  • Globalization and Income Redistribution
  • International Trade and Agriculture
  • The BRICS Countries in the Global Economy
  • Exchange Rate Pegs and Currency Boards
  • The Economics of Global Health Challenges
  • International Trade and Gender Inequality
  • The Effects of Economic Migration on Sending and Receiving Countries
  • The Role of Non-Tariff Barriers in International Trade
  • International Trade and Economic Development in Latin America
  • The European Debt Crisis and Austerity Measures
  • Globalization and Income Mobility
  • The Impact of International Trade on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
  • The Economics of Regional Integration: ASEAN, Mercosur, etc.
  • Trade Agreements and Dispute Resolution
  • Exchange Rate Forecasting Models
  • The Economics of Foreign Aid Allocation
  • The Role of International Trade in Poverty Alleviation
  • International Trade and Economic Freedom
  • The Economics of International Banking
  • Globalization and Income Convergence
  • The Effects of Political Instability on International Trade
  • Trade and Economic Development in South Asia
  • The Role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Trade
  • International Trade and Labor Standards
  • Economic Consequences of Trade Deficits
  • The Economics of International Taxation
  • Trade and Economic Development in the Middle East
  • Globalization and Income Polarization
  • The Impact of Global Value Chains (GVCs) on Trade
  • International Trade and Health Care Systems
  • The Economics of Bilateral vs. Multilateral Trade Agreements
  • Trade and Economic Development in Southeast Asia
  • Exchange Rate Parity Conditions
  • The Economics of International Migration Policies
  • The Role of Trade Facilitation Measures
  • International Trade and Human Capital Development
  • Globalization and Income Insecurity
  • The Effects of Trade on Environmental Sustainability
  • The Economics of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Incentives
  • Trade and Economic Development in Eastern Europe
  • The Role of Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in Trade
  • International Trade and Technological Transfer
  • Globalization and Income Resilience
  • The Impact of Global Economic Shocks
  • Trade and Economic Development in Oceania
  • Exchange Rate Risk Management Strategies
  • The Economics of Foreign Exchange Reserves
  • International Trade and Economic Geography
  • The Role of Trade Promotion Agencies
  • Globalization and Income Diversity
  • The Effects of Exchange Rate Intervention
  • International Trade and Financial Inclusion
  • Trade and Economic Development in the Caribbean
  • The Economics of Trade Agreements on Services
  • The Role of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Trade
  • International Trade and Income Mobility
  • Globalization and Income Equality Policies
  • The Impact of Trade Disputes on International Relations.

100+ Economic Policy Project Topics

  • The impact of minimum wage laws on employment rates.
  • The effectiveness of quantitative easing in stimulating economic growth.
  • Analyzing the consequences of trade tariffs on international commerce.
  • The role of government subsidies in shaping agricultural markets.
  • The economic implications of healthcare reform policies.
  • Examining the relationship between income inequality and economic growth.
  • Evaluating the effects of corporate tax cuts on business investments.
  • The impact of immigration policies on labor markets.
  • Analyzing the economic consequences of climate change regulations.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of financial regulations in preventing economic crises.
  • The role of central banks in controlling inflation.
  • The economic implications of universal basic income programs.
  • Investigating the relationship between education spending and economic development.
  • The impact of government debt on future generations.
  • Analyzing the effects of fiscal stimulus packages on economic recovery.
  • The role of monetary policy in addressing unemployment.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of government healthcare programs.
  • The impact of exchange rate fluctuations on international trade.
  • The economic implications of public-private partnerships in infrastructure development.
  • Analyzing the effects of antitrust laws on competition in markets.
  • The role of social welfare programs in poverty reduction.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of aging populations.
  • The impact of housing policies on real estate markets.
  • Investigating the relationship between foreign aid and economic development.
  • The economic implications of globalization on income distribution.
  • Analyzing the effects of regulatory capture in financial markets.
  • The role of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of healthcare privatization.
  • The impact of immigration reform on labor market dynamics.
  • Investigating the relationship between government debt and interest rates.
  • The economic implications of trade liberalization agreements.
  • Analyzing the effects of corporate social responsibility on profitability.
  • The role of fiscal policy in addressing economic recessions.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of income tax reforms.
  • The impact of technology policies on innovation and economic growth.
  • Investigating the relationship between monetary policy and asset bubbles.
  • The economic implications of minimum wage adjustments.
  • Analyzing the effects of government regulations on the pharmaceutical industry.
  • The role of foreign direct investment in economic development.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of healthcare cost containment measures.
  • The impact of labor market policies on workforce participation.
  • Investigating the relationship between exchange rates and export competitiveness.
  • The economic implications of intellectual property rights protection.
  • Analyzing the effects of fiscal austerity measures on economic stability.
  • The role of government spending in stimulating economic growth.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of energy subsidies.
  • The impact of trade agreements on job displacement.
  • Investigating the relationship between infrastructure investment and productivity.
  • The economic implications of financial market deregulation.
  • Analyzing the effects of income tax credits on low-income families.
  • The role of social safety nets in mitigating economic shocks.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of healthcare rationing.
  • The impact of labor market flexibility on employment stability.
  • Investigating the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance.
  • The economic implications of government subsidies for renewable energy.
  • Analyzing the effects of taxation on wealth distribution.
  • The role of sovereign wealth funds in economic development.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of currency devaluation.
  • The impact of government regulation on the gig economy.
  • Investigating the relationship between foreign aid and political stability.
  • The economic implications of healthcare privatization.
  • Analyzing the effects of income inequality on social cohesion.
  • The role of infrastructure investment in reducing transportation costs.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of carbon pricing policies.
  • The impact of trade protectionism on domestic industries.
  • Investigating the relationship between public education funding and student outcomes.
  • The economic implications of housing affordability challenges.
  • Analyzing the effects of labor market discrimination on wage gaps.
  • The role of monetary policy in addressing asset price bubbles.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of financial market speculation.
  • The impact of government procurement policies on small businesses.
  • Investigating the relationship between population aging and healthcare expenditures.
  • The economic implications of regional economic integration.
  • Analyzing the effects of government subsidies on agricultural sustainability.
  • The role of tax incentives in promoting technology startups.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of trade imbalances.
  • The impact of healthcare cost containment measures on patient outcomes.
  • Investigating the relationship between government debt and economic growth.
  • The economic implications of housing market speculation.
  • Analyzing the effects of labor unions on wage negotiations.
  • The role of economic sanctions in shaping international relations.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of natural resource depletion.
  • The impact of fiscal policy on income redistribution.
  • Investigating the relationship between education quality and workforce productivity.
  • The economic implications of government investment in green infrastructure.
  • Analyzing the effects of income tax evasion on government revenue.
  • The role of gender-based economic disparities in overall growth.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of healthcare fraud.
  • The impact of public transportation policies on urban development.
  • Investigating the relationship between corporate social responsibility and consumer behavior.
  • The economic implications of government support for the arts and culture sector.
  • Analyzing the effects of government subsidies on electric vehicles.
  • The role of economic diplomacy in promoting international trade.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of financial market volatility.
  • The impact of globalization on wage convergence or divergence.
  • Investigating the relationship between economic sanctions and human rights violations.
  • The economic implications of government investments in digital infrastructure.
  • Analyzing the effects of government interventions in housing markets.
  • The role of economic policies in addressing income mobility.
  • Evaluating the economic consequences of occupational licensing regulations.

Popular Economic Project Topics

To inspire your research journey, here are some popular economic project topics within each category:

  • Case Studies

1. Analyzing the Impact of COVID-19 on a Specific Industry: Examine how the pandemic affected industries like hospitality, aviation, or e-commerce.

2. Evaluating the Economic Effects of Tax Reforms: Investigate the consequences of recent tax policy changes on businesses, individuals, and government revenue.

  • Research-Based Topics

1. Exploring the Relationship Between Inflation and Unemployment: Conduct empirical research to analyze the Phillips Curve and its relevance in the modern economy.

2. Investigating the Factors Influencing Consumer Spending Patterns: Use surveys and data analysis to understand what drives consumer spending behavior.

  • Policy Analysis

1. Assessing the Effectiveness of a Recent Economic Stimulus Package: Evaluate the impact of government stimulus measures on economic recovery, employment, and inflation.

2. Examining the Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage Adjustments: Analyze the economic effects of changes in the minimum wage on low-wage workers, businesses, and overall employment.

Research Methodologies: Economic Project Topics

The methodology you choose for your economic project can significantly impact the outcomes of your research. Here are some common research approaches:

  • Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. Common methods include:

1. Surveys and Questionnaires: Conduct surveys to gather data from respondents and use statistical analysis to draw conclusions.

2. Data Analysis and Regression Models: Employ statistical software to analyze datasets and establish relationships between variables using regression analysis.

  • Qualitative Research

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the underlying reasons, motivations, and perceptions of individuals or groups. Common methods include:

1. Interviews and Focus Groups: Conduct interviews or group discussions to gain insights into specific economic behaviors or attitudes.

2. Content Analysis: Analyze textual or visual data, such as documents, reports, or media, to identify themes and patterns.

  • Mixed-Methods Research

Mixed-methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic phenomena. Researchers often collect numerical data alongside qualitative insights.

Tips for Successful Project Topic Selection

To ensure a successful research journey, keep these tips in mind:

  • Narrowing Down Your Focus: While it’s essential to choose a topic you’re passionate about, make sure it’s specific enough to be manageable within the scope of your project.
  • Staying Informed About Current Economic Events: Stay up-to-date with economic news and events to identify emerging trends and issues that may inspire your research.
  • Seeking Guidance from Professors or Advisors: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your professors or academic advisors. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your research questions.

Selecting the right economic project topics is a critical step in your academic journey. By identifying your interests, considering the relevance and timeliness of topics, and assessing available resources, you can embark on a rewarding research journey. 

Whether you choose to delve into microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, or economic policy, remember that your research has the potential to contribute to the broader understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications.

Start your research journey today, and you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge but also make a meaningful contribution to the field of economics.

Related Posts

significance of economics

Top 8 Best Significance Of Economics Everyone Must Know

Types of Economics

Types of Economics | Which Is The Most Popular Type of Economics?

When you choose to publish with PLOS, your research makes an impact. Make your work accessible to all, without restrictions, and accelerate scientific discovery with options like preprints and published peer review that make your work more Open.

  • PLOS Biology
  • PLOS Climate
  • PLOS Complex Systems
  • PLOS Computational Biology
  • PLOS Digital Health
  • PLOS Genetics
  • PLOS Global Public Health
  • PLOS Medicine
  • PLOS Mental Health
  • PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
  • PLOS Pathogens
  • PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
  • PLOS Collections
  • How to Write Discussions and Conclusions

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. 

how to write conclusion for economics project

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:

how to write conclusion for economics project

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! 

What to do

  • 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. 

What not to do

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…

Up: Home : Study Guidance > Effective Writing and Referencing > Structuring an Essay

  • Structuring an Essay

The standard way to think about structuring an essay is in three parts.

Introduction

This should explain why the question is important. It should also signpost how you are going to tackle the question in the main body of the essay and it can include the conclusion of your argument.

The introduction should be short and concise – you rarely get any marks for it directly. Most students spend too long on their introductions, at the expense of their analysis and conclusion (especially in exam questions).

This should be a series of paragraphs. Each might be a self-contained argument (which follows the Thesis – Justification – Support rhetoric) or the argument might be spread over several paragraphs (if your justification is long, for example).

It is important to make sure your paragraphs flow logically. Typically they will be ordered in terms of importance, although other orderings are possible (e.g. chronological).

This should restate your main argument (although not in exactly the same words as the introduction). You can remind readers why the issue is important, and make some tentative policy implications from your analysis.

It might also be possible to mention other considerations which are possible areas of future investigation but which you haven’t had time/space to address.

See Bray et al . for more about structure.

Previous: What makes good support?

Next: Referencing

Share this page: Email , Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter

  • Note Taking in Economics
  • Effective Economics Reading
  • Data Collection for Economics Assignments
  • Writing the Economics Essay
  • What makes good justification?
  • What makes good support?
  • Referencing
  • Presentation and Group Work
  • Revision for an Economics Exam
  • Maths Help for Economics Students

Published by The Economics Network at the University of Bristol . All rights reserved. Feedback: [email protected] Supported by the Royal Economic Society and the Scottish Economic Society

NOW OPEN: 2024 Term Two Enrolments 🎉

how to write conclusion for economics project

A State-Ranker’s Guide to Writing 20/20 Economics Essays

So, you want to know how to improve your preliminary and HSC economics essay...

Cory Aitchison

Cory Aitchison

State Ranker & 99.95 ATAR

1. Introduction to this Guide

So, you want to know how to improve your preliminary and HSC economics essay writing? Look no further! In this guide, I’ll be covering key tips to help YOU smash the structure, amaze with your analysis, conquer the contemporary, and ultimately master the mystery of maximising your marks.

My name is Cory Aitchison, currently one of the Economics tutors at Project Academy . I completed the HSC in 2018, achieving a 99.95 ATAR as well as two state ranks — 6th in economics and 12th in chemistry. Graduating from Knox Grammar School, I also topped my grade in economics and was awarded Dux of the School for STEM. Believe it or not, at the beginning of Year 11 I initially struggled with economics due to the transition in conceptual thinking required in approaching economic assessments in comparison to my other subjects such as English. However, through Year 11 and Year 12, I built up key tips and strategies — that I’ll be sharing with you in this guide — to help me not only consistently achieve top marks in my internal assessments, but to ultimately go on to achieve the results I did in the HSC.

2. The Correct Way to Write

First off, you need to understand something: HSC economics essays are NOT english essays! They aren’t scientific discussions, nor geography reports, nor historical recounts. They’re unique and often quite different from other essays that you might’ve done previously in high school. The style of writing and approach to answering questions can be confusing at first, but follow these tips and you’ll be ready in no time:

Phrasing should be understandable and concise

Unlike some subjects where sophisticated phrasing is beneficial to getting marks, HSC economics essays should emphasise getting your point across with clarity. This means don’t run your sentences on for too long, be aware of any superfluous words, and make sure you actually understand yourself what you’re trying to say in a sentence.

For example:

GOOD: “An increase in interest rates should lead to decreased economic growth.”

NOT GOOD: “As a result of a rise or increase in interest rate levels from their previous values, the general state of economic activity in the domestic economy may begin to decrease and subsequently indicate the resultant situation of a decrease in economic growth.”

“Understandable” does not mean slang or lacking in terminology

Just because you want to get a point across, doesn’t mean you should resort to slang. In fact, using economic terminology is a strong way to boost your standing in the eyes of the marker — if you use it correctly! Always make sure you use full sentences, proper English grammar, and try and incorporate correct economic terms where possible.

GOOD: “This was a detrimental outcome for the economy.”

NOT GOOD: “This was a pretty bad outcome for the economy.”

GOOD: “The Australian Dollar depreciated.”

NOT GOOD: “The Australian Dollar decreased in value.”

Analysis should be done using low modality

Modality just refers to the confidence of your language — saying something “will” happen is strong modality, whereas saying something “might” happen is considered low modality. Since a large portion of economics is about applying theory, we have to make sure that we are aware that we are doing just that — talking about the theoretical, and so we can’t say for sure that anything will happen as predicted.

Some useful words include:

May, Might, Should, Could, Can theoretically

Don’t use words like:

Must, Will, Has to, Always

3. How to use Statistics

“What’s most important is that this contemporary is used to bring meaning or context to your argument…”

Using contemporary (statistics) can often seem straightforward at first, but using it effectively is usually harder than it looks. Contemporary generally refers to applying real-world facts to your analysis to help strengthen (or weaken) the theoretical arguments. This can include many different statistics or pieces of information, including:

  • Historic economic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, GINI coefficients, exchange rates, or unemployment rates
  • Trends or economic goals, such as long-term GDP growth rates, or the stability band for inflation
  • Names of economic policies, such as examples of fiscal or microeconomic policies
  • Specifics of economic policies, such as the amount spent on infrastructure in 2017

how to write conclusion for economics project

Whatever statistics you deem relevant to include in your essay, what’s most important is that this contemporary is used to bring meaning or context to your argument — just throwing around random numbers to show off your memorisation skills won’t impress the marker, and in fact might appear as if you were making them up on the spot. Rather, your use of contemporary should actively improve your analysis.

GOOD: “Following a period of growth consistently below the long-term trend-line of 3%, the depreciation of the AUD to 0.71USD in 2017 preceded an increase in economic growth to a 10-year high of 3.4% in 2018.”

NOT GOOD: “Economic growth increased by 1 percentage point in 2017 to 2018”

NOT GOOD: “GDP was $1.32403 trillion in 2017”

GOOD: “The 2017 Budget’s Infrastructure Plan injected $42 billion into the economy — up 30% from 2016’s $31 billion, and 20% higher than the inflation-adjusted long-term expenditure.”

NOT GOOD: “The 2017 Budget’s Infrastructure Plan injected $42 billion into the economy”

That in mind, don’t think that these statistics have to be overly specific. As long as the general ideas gets across, it’s fine. You don’t need to say “$1,505,120” — just “$1.5 million” will suffice.

Ask yourself: if I get rid of the contemporary from my paragraphs, does the essay still have enough content?

Further, don’t get roped into the “contemporary trap” — where you fall into the mindset that “if I memorise all these statistics, my essay will get good marks”. Including numbers and contemporary at the expense of having a robust theoretical explanation and analysis will definitely be detrimental in getting you top marks. Particularly in trial exams and the HSC when you’ve got all these numbers floating in your head, it can be tempting to try and include as many as you can (often just because you can!). To avoid this, always try and focus your arguments on analysis and syllabus content first, contemporary second. Ask yourself: if I get rid of the contemporary from my paragraph, does the essay still have enough content?

4. Must Have Insightful “However”s

If you really want to extend your analysis and show the marker that you know your stuff, including insightful “however”s is a strong way to do it. What I mean by this is that for each of your paragraphs, try and include a counterpoint that highlights the flexible nature of economic theory. There are broadly two kinds of “however”s:

Theoretical “However”s

These are counterpoints that are based on theory — often there will be theoretical limitations for many of the concepts you come across in economics. It’s always important to include these limitations as it reinforces your knowledge of the actual content of economics.

“Although the Budget and fiscal policy can be effective at stimulating economic growth, it is also restricted by the “implementation time lag” limitation since it is only introduced annually.”

Contemporary “However”s

These are counterpoints that are based on contemporary — highlighting how although something should happen theoretically, this isn’t usually what is observed in reality. This can be particularly powerful in that it combines your knowledge of theory with your analysis of contemporary.

“Despite the expansionary stance that the RBA adopted in 2012–2016 for monetary policy, Australia’s annual GDP growth rate has remained below the trend rate of 3% — against the theoretical expectations. This could be attributed to factors such as …”

5. How to Interpret the Question

When you first look at a question, before you even put pen to paper, you need to come up with a plan of attack — how can you ensure that you answer the question correctly, and give the markers what they want? There are three main points to look for when interpreting essay questions:

Knowing your verbs

As you may (or may not) know, NESA has a bank of words that they like to pull from when writing questions, and these words impact how they want their question answered. These verbs should help steer your analysis onto the right path. For example:

Explain: “Relate causes and effects”

To answer these questions, you have to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how theory and events impact each other and the economy. This verb particularly emphasises the idea of a process — you need to be able to make clear links as to how each step leads to the next, rather than just jumping to the outcomes.

Analyse: “Draw out and relate implications”

These questions usually wants you to investigate the connections between different aspects of economic theory. Generally this involves showing a holistic understanding of how different areas (such as micro- and macroeconomic policies) come together to make a cohesive impact on the economy. It usually helps to think back to the syllabus and how the points are introduced when figuring out which ideas to link together.

Assess/Evaluate: “Make a judgement based on value/a criteria”

These require you to not only critically analyse a topic but also come to a conclusion given the arguments you provided. This type of question usually gets you to make a judgement of the effectiveness of some economic theory — such as the ability for economic policies to achieve their goals. Make sure you actually include this judgement in your answer — for example, say things like “strong impact”, “highly influential”, “extremely detrimental”.

Discuss: “Provide points for and/or against”

Similar to assess, discuss wants you to provide arguments towards and against a particular topic. Although it doesn’t require a specific judgement to be made, it does place greater emphasis on showing a well-rounded approach to the argument — providing relatively equal weightings towards both the positive and negative sides of the discussion.

Linking to the syllabus

When trying to understand what the question wants from you, I found the best way to approach it is to consider what points in the syllabus it is referring to (To do this, you need to have a solid understanding of the syllabus in the first place). Once you’ve located it, try drawing upon other topics in the vicinity of that dot point to help you answer the question.

how to write conclusion for economics project

For example, if the question mentions “trends in Australia’s trade and financial flows”, then you know from the syllabus that you probably need to talk about value, composition and direction in order to get high marks. Further, it may also be worth it to bring in ideas from the Balance of Payments, as this is the next dot point along in the syllabus.

Digging into the source

For essay questions that provide a source for you to include in your answer, this is another goldmine from which you can discern what the marker really wants. If the source mentions microeconomic policy, it probably wasn’t on accident! Even if it may not be obvious how to link that to the question immediately, try and draw upon your knowledge and implications and see if there’s a different angle that you might be missing.

6. Putting it All together — Structuring your essay

My essays usually consisted of four main parts: an introduction, a background paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction

Your introduction should not be long. I rarely wrote an introduction longer than three sentences.

First sentence: Answer the question (thesis)

Try and answer the question, while including the main key words of the question in your answer. Don’t directly restate it — instead, try and add meaning to it in a way that represents what you’re trying to get across in your essay.

For example: if the question was “Assess the impact of microeconomic policy in improving economic growth in Australia”, my first sentence might be “Microeconomic policy has had a significant impact in increasing aggregate supply and thus long-term economic growth in Australia since the 1960s”.

Next sentences: Introduce your arguments/paragraphs

In this part, it’s fine to almost list your paragraphs — there’s no need to do a whole sentence explaining each. That’s what the paragraphs themselves are for.

For example: using the same question as above, my next sentence might be “Although trade liberalisation may have been detrimental for short-term growth in manufacturing, policies such as competition policy and wage decentralisation have been highly effective in fostering economic growth in Australia”.

Background Paragraph

The aim of a background paragraph is threefold: to get across the main theory that underpins your argument; to establish the economic context for your argument; and to show the marker that you “know your stuff”.

For example, if the essay was on monetary policy, you may want to describe the process of Domestic Market Operations (how the reserve bank changes the cash rate) in your background paragraph, so that you don’t need to mention it each time you bring up changing stances. Further, it may be good to showcase the current economic climate — such as GDP growth rate and inflation — to give context to your analysis in your essay.

Some ideas for what to include in this paragraph include:

  • Key theory such as DMOs or the rationale for macroeconomic policies
  • Economic indicators that provide context to the time period that you’re working in, such as growth rates, inflation, unemployment rates, exchange rates, cash rates, etc.
  • A brief description of the recent Budget (if talking about fiscal policy), including the stance and outcome

Bear in mind that this paragraph shouldn’t be too long — it isn’t the focus of your essay! Instead, aim for around 100–150 words at most. At this point in your essay, it may also be good to include a graph (more on this later).

Body Paragraphs

There’s no set rule for how many body paragraphs to include in your essay — I generally aim for at least 4, but there’s no real limit to how many you can (or should) write! Unlike english essays, it’s totally acceptable to just split a paragraph in two if you feel like the idea is too large to be written in one paragraph (as long as each paragraph makes sense on its own).

When writing a paragraph, I usually follow this structure:

Topic sentence

This is where you answer the question, and outline your argument or idea for this paragraph. If you are doing a discuss/assess/evaluate essay, try and make your judgement or side obvious. For example: “Trade liberalisation has been detrimental in its impact on economic growth in manufacturing industries”.

These sentences are where you bring together the theory and contemporary to build up your argument. Remember, the theory should be the focus, and contemporary a bonus. Try and weave a “story” into your analysis if you can — you should be showing the marker how everything fits together, how causes lead to effects, and ultimately bringing together relevant economic concepts to answer the question. Feel free to also include graphs here when they help strengthen your argument.

Fit in your “however” statements here. For discuss questions, this however section may take up a larger part of the paragraph if you choose to showcase two opposing arguments together.

Link your argument back to your overarching thesis, and answer the question. Following on from your “however” statement, it can often be a good idea to use linking words such as “nevertheless”, “notwithstanding”, or “despite this” to show that taking into account your arguments presented in the “however” statement, the overarching idea for the paragraph still remains.

Like the introduction, your conclusion should not be overly long. Rather, it should briefly restate the arguments made throughout your essay, and bring them all together again to reinforce how these points help answer the question.

how to write conclusion for economics project

Aggregate Demand / Supply Graph

Graphs are a great way to add extra spice to your essay — not only does it help strengthen your explanations of economic theory, it also makes it look like you wrote more pages than you actually did! Graphs, such as aggregate demand graphs, business cycle graphs, and Phillips curves, can be great in reinforcing your ideas when you mention them in your essay. They usually come either in background paragraphs or body paragraphs, and it’s usually best to draw them about a quarter to a third of the page in size. It’s also good practice to label them as “Figure 1” or “Graph 1”, and refer to them as such in your actual paragraph.

Although they can be beneficial, don’t try and force them either. Not all essays have appropriate graphs, and trying to include as many as you can without regards for their relevance may come across negatively in the eyes of the marker.

8. How to Answer Source Questions

If your essay question involves a source, try and refer to it multiple times throughout your essay. For example, this can be in the background paragraph and two of your body paragraphs. Rather than just adding in an “…as seen in the source” to one of your sentences, try and actively analyse it — show the marker that you understand why they included it, and how it actually helps strengthen your arguments.

9. Plan You Essay

Don’t be afraid to use the first page of your answer booklet as a planning page. Taking a couple minutes before you answer the question to lay out your scaffold for body paragraphs is a great first step to helping ensure that you actually end up answering the question to the best of your abilities. It also serves as a great reminder to keep checking as you finish each paragraph to ensure that you actually wrote what you intended. Just make sure to make it clear to the marker that those scribbles on the page are just a plan, and not your actual essay!

10. How to Prepare for Essays in the Exam

I find it much better to prepare paragraphs and ideas that you can draw upon to help “build up” a response during the exam itself.

Don’t go into the exam with a pre-prepared essay that you are ready to regurgitate — not only are there too many possibilities to prepare for, but it’s also unlikely that you’ll actually answer the question well with a pre-prepared response.

Instead of memorising sets of essays before the exam, I find it much better to prepare paragraphs and ideas that you can draw upon to help “build up” a response during the exam itself. What I mean by this, is that in your mind you have a “bank of different paragraphs” and ideas from all the topics in the syllabus, and when you read the exam, you start drawing from different paragraphs here and there to best formulate a response that answers the question. This allows you to be flexible in answering almost any question they can throw at you.

On top of this, ensure you have a solid foundation in both the theory and contemporary — knowing what statistics or topics to include in your essay is useless knowledge unless you have the actual content to back it up.

Now that you know the basics of how to write a good HSC economics essay, it’s time to start practising! Have a go, try out different styles, and find what works best for you. Good luck!

If you would like to learn from state ranking HSC Economics tutors at Project Academy, we offer a 3 week trial for our courses. Click to learn more !

Maximise Your Chances Of Coming First At School

Trial any Project Academy course for 3 weeks.

NSW's Top 1% Tutors

Unlimited Tutorials

NSW's Most Effective Courses

Access to Project's iPad

Access to Exclusive Resources

Access to Project's Study Space

how to write conclusion for economics project

How To Help Your Children Study More Effectively At Home

Whether studying after school, or in COVID isolation, this guide can help!

Project Team

Project Team

Team of Academic Advisors

how to write conclusion for economics project

Practical Guide on How to Collect Statistics for HSC & Prelim Economics

This is my state-ranking guide to collecting statistics for HSC Economics!

Zack Bolland

Zack Bolland

99.80 ATAR, Dux, 8th in NSW for Econ

how to write conclusion for economics project

Exam Preparation: The Mental Preparation

What most exam guides miss, and what most students cannot observe, is the hidden mental preparation high performers go through to fully prepare for an exam.

Anna Pahlman

Anna Pahlman

99.25 ATAR & ALL-ROUNDER

how to write conclusion for economics project

HSC English Module A Exemplar Essay: John Keats X Jane Campion Bright Star

Dissecting a John Keats X Jane Campion Bright Star Essay with Katriel Tan!

English Team

English Team

Katriel Tan and Marko Beocanin

Library homepage

  • school Campus Bookshelves
  • menu_book Bookshelves
  • perm_media Learning Objects
  • login Login
  • how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
  • hub Instructor Commons

Margin Size

  • Download Page (PDF)
  • Download Full Book (PDF)
  • Periodic Table
  • Physics Constants
  • Scientific Calculator
  • Reference & Cite
  • Tools expand_more
  • Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

Social Sci LibreTexts

4.7: Conclusion and Key Concepts

  • Last updated
  • Save as PDF
  • Page ID 45751

  • Douglas Curtis and Ian Irvine
  • Trent University & Concordia University via Lyryx

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}}      % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

In this chapter we have looked at indicators of macroeconomic activity and performance, and the measurement of macroeconomic activity using the national accounts. We have not examined the conditions that determine the level of economic activity and fluctuations in that level. An economic model is required for that work. In the next chapter we introduce the framework of a basic macroeconomic model.

Key Concepts

Macroeconomics studies the whole national economy as a system. It examines expenditure decisions by households, businesses, and governments, and the total flows of goods and services produced and incomes earned.

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , prices and inflation rates , and employment and unemployment rates are indicators of macroeconomic activity and performance.

Fluctuations in the growth rate of real GDP, in inflation rates, and in unemployment rates are important aspects of recent economic performance in Canada.

The expenditures by households, production of goods and services by business, and the incomes that result are illustrated by the circular flow of real resources and money payments.

The National Accounts provide a framework for the measurement of the output of the economy and the incomes earned in the economy.

Nominal GDP measures the output of final goods and services at market prices in the economy, and the money incomes earned by the factors of production.

Real GDP measures the output of final goods and services produced, and incomes earned at constant prices.

The GDP deflator is a measure of the price level for all final goods and services in the economy.

Real GDP and per capita real GDP are crude measures of national and individual welfare. They ignore non-market activities, the composition of output, and the distribution of income among industries and households.

Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, conclusions – how to write compelling conclusions.

  • © 2023 by Jennifer Janechek - IBM Quantum

Conclusions generally address these issues:

  • How can you restate your ideas concisely and in a new way?
  • What have you left your reader to think about at the end of your paper?
  • How does your paper answer the “so what?” question?

As the last part of the paper, conclusions often get the short shrift. We instructors know (not that we condone it)—many students devote a lot less attention to the writing of the conclusion. Some students might even finish their conclusion thirty minutes before they have to turn in their papers. But even if you’re practicing desperation writing, don’t neglect your conclusion; it’s a very integral part of your paper.

Think about it: Why would you spend so much time writing your introductory material and your body paragraphs and then kill the paper by leaving your reader with a dud for a conclusion? Rather than simply trailing off at the end, it’s important to learn to construct a compelling conclusion—one that both reiterates your ideas and leaves your reader with something to think about.

How do I reiterate my main points?

In the first part of the conclusion, you should spend a brief amount of time summarizing what you’ve covered in your paper. This reiteration should not merely be a restatement of your thesis or a collection of your topic sentences but should be a condensed version of your argument, topic, and/or purpose.

Let’s take a look at an example reiteration from a paper about offshore drilling:

Ideally, a ban on all offshore drilling is the answer to the devastating and culminating environmental concerns that result when oil spills occur. Given the catastrophic history of three major oil spills, the environmental and economic consequences of offshore drilling should now be obvious.

Now, let’s return to the thesis statement in this paper so we can see if it differs from the conclusion:

As a nation, we should reevaluate all forms of offshore drilling, but deep water offshore oil drilling, specifically, should be banned until the technology to stop and clean up oil spills catches up with our drilling technology. Though some may argue that offshore drilling provides economic advantages and would lessen our dependence on foreign oil, the environmental and economic consequences of an oil spill are so drastic that they far outweigh the advantages.

The author has already discussed environmental/economic concerns with oil drilling. In the above example, the author provides an overview of the paper in the second sentence of the conclusion, recapping the main points and reminding the readers that they should now be willing to acknowledge this position as viable.

Though you may not always want to take this aggressive of an approach (i.e., saying something should be obvious to the reader), the key is to summarize your main ideas without “plagiarizing” by repeating yourself word for word. Instead, you may take the approach of saying, “The readers can now see, given the catastrophic history of three major oil spills, the environmental and economic consequences of oil drilling.”

Can you give me a real-life example of a conclusion?

Think of conclusions this way: You are watching a movie, which has just reached the critical plot point (the murderer will be revealed, the couple will finally kiss, the victim will be rescued, etc.), when someone else enters the room. This person has no idea what is happening in the movie. They might lean over to ask, “What’s going on?” You now have to condense the entire plot in a way that makes sense, so the person will not have to ask any other questions, but quickly, so that you don’t miss any more of the movie.

Your conclusion in a paper works in a similar way. When you write your conclusion, imagine that a person has just showed up in time to hear the last paragraph. What does that reader need to know in order to get the gist of your paper? You cannot go over the entire argument again because the rest of your readers have actually been present and listening the whole time. They don’t need to hear the details again. Writing a compelling conclusion usually relies on the balance between two needs: give enough detail to cover your point, but be brief enough to make it obvious that this is the end of the paper.

Remember that reiteration is not restatement. Summarize your paper in one to two sentences (or even three or four, depending on the length of the paper), and then move on to answering the “So what?” question.

How can I answer the “So what?” question?

The bulk of your conclusion should answer the “So what?” question. Have you ever had an instructor write “So what?” at the end of your paper? This is not meant to offend but rather to remind you to show readers the significance of your argument. Readers do not need or want an entire paragraph of summary, so you should craft some new tidbit of interesting information that serves as an extension of your original ideas.

There are a variety of ways that you can answer the “So what?” question. The following are just a few types of such “endnotes”:

The Call to Action

The call to action can be used at the end of a variety of papers, but it works best for persuasive papers. Persuasive papers include social action papers and Rogerian argument essays, which begin with a problem and move toward a solution that serves as the author’s thesis. Any time your purpose in writing is to change your readers’ minds or you want to get your readers to do something, the call to action is the way to go. The call to action asks your readers, after having progressed through a compelling and coherent argument, to do something or believe a certain way.

Following the reiteration of the essay’s argument, here is an example call to action:

We have advanced technology that allows deepwater offshore drilling, but we lack the similarly advanced technology that would manage these spills effectively. As such, until cleanup and prevention technology are available, we gatekeepers of our coastal shores and defenders of marine wildlife should ban offshore drilling, or, at the very least, demand a moratorium on all offshore oil drilling.

This call to action requests that the readers consider a ban on offshore drilling. Remember, you need to identify your audience before you begin writing. Whether the author wants readers to actually enact the ban or just to come to this side of the argument, the conclusion asks readers to do or believe something new based upon the information they just received.

The Contextualization

The contextualization places the author’s local argument, topic, or purpose in a more global context so that readers can see the larger purpose for the piece or where the piece fits into a larger conversation. Writers do research for papers in part so they can enter into specific conversations, and they provide their readers with a contextualization in the conclusion to acknowledge the broader dialogue that contains that smaller conversation.

For instance, if we were to return to the paper on offshore drilling, rather than proposing a ban (a call to action), we might provide the reader with a contextualization:

We have advanced technology that allows deepwater offshore drilling, but we lack the advanced technology that would manage these spills effectively. Thus, one can see the need to place environmental concerns at the forefront of the political arena. Many politicians have already done so, including Senator Doe and Congresswoman Smith.

Rather than asking readers to do or believe something, this conclusion answers the “So what?” question by showing why this specific conversation about offshore drilling matters in the larger conversation about politics and environmentalism.

The twist leaves readers with a contrasting idea to consider. For instance, to continue the offshore drilling paper, the author might provide readers with a twist in the last few lines of the conclusion:

While offshore drilling is certainly an important issue today, it is only a small part of the greater problem of environmental abuse. Until we are ready to address global issues, even a moratorium on offshore drilling will only delay the inevitable destruction of the environment.

While this contrasting idea does not negate the writer’s original argument, it does present an alternative contrasting idea to weigh against the original argument. The twist is similar to a cliffhanger, as it is intended to leave readers saying, “Hmm…”

Suggest Possibilities for Future Research

This approach to answering “So what?” is best for projects that might be developed into larger, ongoing projects later or to suggest possibilities for future research someone else who might be interested in that topic could explore. This approach involves pinpointing various directions which your research might take if someone were to extend the ideas included in your paper. Research is a conversation, so it’s important to consider how your piece fits into this conversation and how others might use it in their own conversations.

For example, to suggest possibilities for future research based on the paper on offshore drilling, the conclusion might end with something like this:

I have just explored the economic and environmental repercussions of offshore drilling based on the examples we have of three major oil spills over the past thirty years. Future research might uncover more economic and environmental consequences of offshore drilling, consequences that will become clearer as the effects of the BP oil spill become more pronounced and as more time passes.

Suggesting opportunities for future research involves the reader in the paper, just like the call to action. Readers may be inspired by your brilliant ideas to use your piece as a jumping-off point!

Whether you use a call to action, a twist, a contextualization, or a suggestion of future possibilities for research, it’s important to answer the “So what?” question to keep readers interested in your topic until the very end of the paper. And, perhaps more importantly, leaving your readers with something to consider makes it more likely that they will remember your piece of writing.

Revise your own argument by using the following questions to guide you:

  • What do you want readers to take away from your discussion?
  • What are the main points you made, why should readers care, and what ideas should they take away?

Brevity - Say More with Less

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Diction

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

Simplicity

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

Unity

Suggested Edits

  • Please select the purpose of your message. * - Corrections, Typos, or Edits Technical Support/Problems using the site Advertising with Writing Commons Copyright Issues I am contacting you about something else
  • Your full name
  • Your email address *
  • Page URL needing edits *
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other Topics:

Citation - Definition - Introduction to Citation in Academic & Professional Writing

Citation - Definition - Introduction to Citation in Academic & Professional Writing

  • Joseph M. Moxley

Explore the different ways to cite sources in academic and professional writing, including in-text (Parenthetical), numerical, and note citations.

Collaboration - What is the Role of Collaboration in Academic & Professional Writing?

Collaboration - What is the Role of Collaboration in Academic & Professional Writing?

Collaboration refers to the act of working with others or AI to solve problems, coauthor texts, and develop products and services. Collaboration is a highly prized workplace competency in academic...

Genre

Genre may reference a type of writing, art, or musical composition; socially-agreed upon expectations about how writers and speakers should respond to particular rhetorical situations; the cultural values; the epistemological assumptions...

Grammar

Grammar refers to the rules that inform how people and discourse communities use language (e.g., written or spoken English, body language, or visual language) to communicate. Learn about the rhetorical...

Information Literacy - Discerning Quality Information from Noise

Information Literacy - Discerning Quality Information from Noise

Information Literacy refers to the competencies associated with locating, evaluating, using, and archiving information. In order to thrive, much less survive in a global information economy — an economy where information functions as a...

Mindset

Mindset refers to a person or community’s way of feeling, thinking, and acting about a topic. The mindsets you hold, consciously or subconsciously, shape how you feel, think, and act–and...

Rhetoric: Exploring Its Definition and Impact on Modern Communication

Rhetoric: Exploring Its Definition and Impact on Modern Communication

Learn about rhetoric and rhetorical practices (e.g., rhetorical analysis, rhetorical reasoning,  rhetorical situation, and rhetorical stance) so that you can strategically manage how you compose and subsequently produce a text...

Style

Style, most simply, refers to how you say something as opposed to what you say. The style of your writing matters because audiences are unlikely to read your work or...

The Writing Process - Research on Composing

The Writing Process - Research on Composing

The writing process refers to everything you do in order to complete a writing project. Over the last six decades, researchers have studied and theorized about how writers go about...

Writing Studies

Writing Studies

Writing studies refers to an interdisciplinary community of scholars and researchers who study writing. Writing studies also refers to an academic, interdisciplinary discipline – a subject of study. Students in...

Featured Articles

Student engrossed in reading on her laptop, surrounded by a stack of books

Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community

how to write conclusion for economics project

Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World

how to write conclusion for economics project

Credibility & Authority – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Speech & Writing

How to get an H1 in the Leaving Cert Economics Research Study

how to write conclusion for economics project

The Research Study focuses on offering students “an opportunity to research into and analyse an economic issue, problem or question” and asks you to pursue an individual line of inquiry based on the topic you choose. In this blog post, Beth, an H1 Economics student, shares her tips and tricks on how to tackle it.

how to write conclusion for economics project

The Research Study is a project completed in the first term of 6th year, and is worth 20% of your Economics grade at Higher and Ordinary level.

You’ll receive a brief (list of topics) in 6th year, from which you choose one and conduct research and analysis.

After you conduct the research study itself, you will write up your report on the research study. This is what you are actually assessed on. The SEC recommends that you keep a portfolio or folder during your research process to help you complete this.

how to write conclusion for economics project

How to choose your topic

When you receive the brief in 6th year, you will have the option of 3 different topics. Once you choose a topic, you need to come up with your own line of inquiry - the question you’re going to answer with your research study. You then need to get this line of inquiry approved by your teacher.

The SEC suggests asking yourself the following questions to help you choose a line of inquiry:

What do I already know about the topic of my research study?

What else do I need to know about the topic of my research study?

What is the central question/problem/argument/issue?

Why is this an important question/problem/argument/issue?

Try to be niche

Your line of inquiry doesn’t need to be so specific that you can’t find enough information, but equally try not to be so broad that you can’t adequately analyse each aspect of your question.

how to write conclusion for economics project

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to PLAN. Planning will help you manage your time, balance the project with everything else going on in your first term of 6th year, and ensure that your project has a great structure and approach.

Make a research plan which outlines:

Where you can find your information

How you’ll conduct your research

Who you’ll reach out to, and how you’ll do that

Make sure to leave time for editing in your timeline for the project, you don’t want to be rushing it at the last minute! I recommend going through at least 2-3 drafts with feedback from your teacher.

When editing, I found these stages useful:

  • A broader edit, where you look at the overall structure of your report and whether it achieves what you set out to do
  • Then go section by section, using the SEC criteria and guidance as a checklist to see if you’ve addressed everything you need to
  • A more specific edit, where you look at the flow of your paragraphs and sentences
  • Finally, proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes

To read all of Beth's tips on how to do well in the Economics Research study, click the attachment below. 

how to write conclusion for economics project

IMAGES

  1. 💋 How to write conclusion for project work. How to Write a Conclusion

    how to write conclusion for economics project

  2. How to Write a Research Paper Conclusion: Tips & Examples

    how to write conclusion for economics project

  3. 💣 A conclusion for a project. How to write a conclusion for a project

    how to write conclusion for economics project

  4. how to write a conclusion for report example

    how to write conclusion for economics project

  5. 🐈 Good ways to start a conclusion paragraph. How to Start a Conclusion

    how to write conclusion for economics project

  6. Macro economics projects

    how to write conclusion for economics project

VIDEO

  1. How To Write 14 Marks Conclusion

  2. How to Write Conclusion of Your Answer

  3. 🟡 How to write conclusion of CSS Essay?

  4. how to write conclusion in project

  5. How to write Conclusions? For Project file @ncdgroup

  6. Conclusion for file

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Writing Economics

    Published annually, The Economic Report of the President includes: (1) current and foreseeable trends in and annual goals for employment, production, real income, and Federal budget outlays; (2) employment objectives for significant groups of the labor force; and (3) a program for carrying out these objectives.

  2. 51+ Economics Project Topics [Updated]

    Writing an economic project involves several steps to effectively research, analyze, and present your findings. Here's a general guide on how to write an economic project: ... Write the Conclusion: Conclude your project by restating the main points and highlighting the contribution of your research to the field of economics. Discuss any ...

  3. The Young Economist's Short Guide to Writing Economic Research

    Attributes of Writing Economics The discourse is often mathematical, with lots of formulas, lemmas, and proofs. Writing styles vary widely. Some authors are very dry and technical while a few are quite eloquent. Economics writing is different from many other types of writing. It is essentially technical, and the primary goal is to achieve clarity. A clear presentation will allow the strength ...

  4. PDF A Guide to Writing in Economics

    write; in that regard the manual is primarily descriptive. The present manual deals mainly with those genres and aspects of economics writing that involve normal prose. It is primarily designed to help students understand how economics essays and papers are constructed and the kinds of information they usually contain.

  5. PDF Writing in Economics

    Conclusion The Conclusion sections of economics papers are the least standardized, and are an often neglected section. Conclusions may consist of a single paragraph restating the main points or main findings. Sometimes they suggest lines of future research. Your conclusion may do any or all of the following:

  6. Writing a Research Paper Conclusion

    Table of contents. Step 1: Restate the problem. Step 2: Sum up the paper. Step 3: Discuss the implications. Research paper conclusion examples. Frequently asked questions about research paper conclusions.

  7. PDF How to Write a Research Paper in Economics

    How Does One Write An Economics Research Paper? Summary Reminders for Next Week How to Write an Economics Research Paper To write an economics research paper: 1 Go step by step.Aswithalllargeprojects,aresearchpaperis much more manageable when broken down into smaller tasks. 2 The first step:Identifyaninteresting,specific,economic question ...

  8. How to Write an Economics Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Write the Paper, Saving the Intro for Last. Your outline should make it easy to develop your paper. All you need to do at this point is to take the outline that you wrote, flesh it out by turning its points into complete sentences, drop in quotations and supporting information (with citations), and connect the dots with transitions.

  9. How to Write a Conclusion for Your Next Writing Project

    Level Up Your Team. See why leading organizations rely on MasterClass for learning & development. Conclusions are at the end of nearly every form of writing. A good conclusion paragraph can change a reader's mind when they reach the end of your work, and knowing how to write a thorough, engaging conclusion can make your writing more impactful.

  10. PDF Writing in Economics1

    As a cumulative enterprise, research and writing in economics responds to what has been done before. As a writer, you may work to improve an existing model, use different or richer data, or ask a slightly different question. Economics and your writing in the field represent a growing body of knowledge. 1Handout Sources: Dudenhefer, Paul.

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

    Generate the conclusion outline: After entering all necessary details, click on 'generate'. Paperpal will then create a structured outline for your conclusion, to help you start writing and build upon the outline. Write your conclusion: Use the generated outline to build your conclusion.

  12. Ending the Essay: Conclusions

    Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay: Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your main ideas. Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up ...

  13. 400+ Economic Project Topics: How to Excel in Research

    Monopoly power in the pharmaceutical industry. Economic analysis of the gig economy. Elasticity of demand for healthcare services. Price discrimination in the hotel industry. Consumer behavior in the sharing economy. Economic analysis of e-commerce marketplaces. The economics of ride-sharing services like Uber.

  14. How to Conclude an Essay

    Step 1: Return to your thesis. 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.. Example: Returning to the thesis Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind ...

  15. How to Write Discussions and Conclusions

    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 ...

  16. Structuring an Essay

    Introduction. This should explain why the question is important. It should also signpost how you are going to tackle the question in the main body of the essay and it can include the conclusion of your argument. The introduction should be short and concise - you rarely get any marks for it directly. Most students spend too long on their ...

  17. A State-Ranker's Guide to Writing 20/20 Economics Essays

    NOT GOOD: "Economic growth increased by 1 percentage point in 2017 to 2018". NOT GOOD: "GDP was $1.32403 trillion in 2017". GOOD: "The 2017 Budget's Infrastructure Plan injected $42 billion into the economy — up 30% from 2016's $31 billion, and 20% higher than the inflation-adjusted long-term expenditure.".

  18. 4.7: Conclusion and Key Concepts

    Real GDP and per capita real GDP are crude measures of national and individual welfare. They ignore non-market activities, the composition of output, and the distribution of income among industries and households. This page titled 4.7: Conclusion and Key Concepts is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by ...

  19. Conclusions

    Writing a compelling conclusion usually relies on the balance between two needs: give enough detail to cover your point, but be brief enough to make it obvious that this is the end of the paper. Remember that reiteration is not restatement. Summarize your paper in one to two sentences (or even three or four, depending on the length of the paper ...

  20. How to get an H1 in the Leaving Cert Economics Research Study

    The Research Study is a project completed in the first term of 6th year, and is worth 20% of your Economics grade at Higher and Ordinary level. You'll receive a brief (list of topics) in 6th year, from which you choose one and conduct research and analysis. After you conduct the research study itself, you will write up your report on the ...

  21. Report Writing Format with Templates and Sample Report

    Compile and write the content with the purpose in mind as if it were a problem to be solved. 2. Follow the Right Report Writing Format: Adhere to a structured format, including a clear title, table of contents, summary, introduction, body, conclusion, recommendations, and appendices. This ensures clarity and coherence.