summary and conclusions

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

In the absence of conclusion, the research paper might seem incomplete. It is often contrasted with a summary, but there are subtle differences between the two. A summary is nothing but a short and clear account of the text, covering the main points, facts or elements only.

Content: Summary Vs Conclusion

Comparison chart.

Basis for Comparison	Summary	Conclusion
Meaning	Summary refers to the concise statement or account of the key points of a text, research or essay.	The conclusion is that section of the text, essay or book which serves as the final answer to the research question.
Purpose	To outline the vital points.	To arrive at a decision or judgement by giving a reason.
What does it do?	It restates the main elements or attributes, which have been discussed already.	It synthesizes and wraps up the topic.
Length	5% to 15% of the original material	Only 10% of the original material
Presents	Central ideas clearly and briefly.	Implications, recommendations, findings, next step and lessons learned.
Ideas and criticism	Does not include the writer's ideas and criticisms	Includes writer's ideas, reactions and criticisms

Definition of Summary

A summary is the compact account of the main text, i.e. an article, essay, drama, or some other form of literature. It gives an overview of the key points of the piece of writing. Moreover, one can also summarize anything which he/she has seen and heard, like speech, movie or lecture, etc.

It is typically about 5% to 15% of the original work, i.e. it may extend up to one to three paragraphs, which is around 100 to 300 words. It simply depends on the length of the text which is summarized. Its aim is to describe a piece of writing while including considerably less content than its original.

Ideal Summary

An ideal summary is one that objectively highlights the entire form of literature.
It should cover the focal point of every paragraph and the evidence supporting it.
It should exclude all the irrelevant examples, details and information.
It can make use of the keywords used in the original work, but should not use the same sentences and phrases, except if quotation marks are used.
It must express the sense of the original work while using your own words and sentences.

Definition of Conclsuion

Conclusion refers to the epilogue which is given at the end of something, to deduce the findings. It forms part of the thought process, which combines all the points discussed, so as to reach a comprehensive idea or statement.

It is the final step in the process of reasoning, in which judgement, decision or opinion is formed after complete investigation and consideration. To conclude something, different types of perspectives are considered. It is only 10% of the research paper, which has two segments – summary and final thought .

Ideal Conclusion

The conclusion is said to be ideal when it gives an interesting insight and should end on a positive note.
Highlights the main argument presented in the piece of writing.
Sums up the answer to the question, often stated in the introduction.
Refer back the questions, states the key points and findings, and wind up the discussion with the final observation.
Reinforces the primary theme of the study.
Makes a strong and long-lasting impression on the reader.
It should never introduce new points.

Key Differences Between Summary and Conclusion

The points stated below discuss the differences between summary and conclusion:

A summary is an abridgement of the work of literature, which covers the key points succinctly. On the contrary, conclusion refers to the final part of the discourse which sums up the argument and gives a statement of opinion or judgement.
A summary is written to provide the reader with a precise and objective narrative of the central ideas and aspects of the original text. Conversely, conclusion paragraph wraps up the text and presents the reader that you have accomplished, what you have set forth in the beginning.
While a summary restates the facts and elements, which are discussed in the original text, conclusion tends to synthesize all the points and wrap up the discussion. It helps the reader understand the importance of the research.
Ideally, the length of the summary is 5% to 15%, whereas the conclusion constitutes only 10% of the original work.
A summary often demonstrates the central ideas of the text clearly and concisely. In contrast, the conclusion introduces a new outlook, proposes a course of actions, provides a solution to the problem, makes suggestions for further study, and makes deductions on the basis of the argument.
A summary only includes the ideas of the original text. One should not insert their opinion, criticism, comments or interpretations. As against, the conclusion can include the researcher’s or writer’s views, ideas and criticisms at the end.

In a nutshell, a summary condenses the material as well as it informs the reader about the vital points. Contrastingly, a conclusion gives the reader the sense of completeness of the argument or topic, with a reason or final thought. It focuses on the final outcome of the argumentation or research.

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Conclusions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of conclusions, offer strategies for writing effective ones, help you evaluate conclusions you’ve drafted, and suggest approaches to avoid.

About conclusions

Introductions and conclusions can be difficult to write, but they’re worth investing time in. They can have a significant influence on a reader’s experience of your paper.

Just as your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. Such a conclusion will help them see why all your analysis and information should matter to them after they put the paper down.

Your conclusion is your chance to have the last word on the subject. The conclusion allows you to have the final say on the issues you have raised in your paper, to synthesize your thoughts, to demonstrate the importance of your ideas, and to propel your reader to a new view of the subject. It is also your opportunity to make a good final impression and to end on a positive note.

Your conclusion can go beyond the confines of the assignment. The conclusion pushes beyond the boundaries of the prompt and allows you to consider broader issues, make new connections, and elaborate on the significance of your findings.

Your conclusion should make your readers glad they read your paper. Your conclusion gives your reader something to take away that will help them see things differently or appreciate your topic in personally relevant ways. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest your reader, but also enrich your reader’s life in some way. It is your gift to the reader.

Strategies for writing an effective conclusion

One or more of the following strategies may help you write an effective conclusion:

Play the “So What” Game. If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then ponder that question and answer it. Here’s how it might go: You: Basically, I’m just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That’s important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally. You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself “So What?” as you develop your ideas or your draft.
Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction.
Synthesize, don’t summarize. Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together.
Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.
Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. This can redirect your reader’s thought process and help them to apply your info and ideas to their own life or to see the broader implications.
Point to broader implications. For example, if your paper examines the Greensboro sit-ins or another event in the Civil Rights Movement, you could point out its impact on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. A paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists.

Strategies to avoid

Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,” “in summary,” or “in closing.” Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.
Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.
Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.
Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes.
Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of an analytical paper.
Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper.

Four kinds of ineffective conclusions

The “That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It” Conclusion. This conclusion just restates the thesis and is usually painfully short. It does not push the ideas forward. People write this kind of conclusion when they can’t think of anything else to say. Example: In conclusion, Frederick Douglass was, as we have seen, a pioneer in American education, proving that education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.
The “Sherlock Holmes” Conclusion. Sometimes writers will state the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion. You might be tempted to use this strategy if you don’t want to give everything away too early in your paper. You may think it would be more dramatic to keep the reader in the dark until the end and then “wow” them with your main idea, as in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. The reader, however, does not expect a mystery, but an analytical discussion of your topic in an academic style, with the main argument (thesis) stated up front. Example: (After a paper that lists numerous incidents from the book but never says what these incidents reveal about Douglass and his views on education): So, as the evidence above demonstrates, Douglass saw education as a way to undermine the slaveholders’ power and also an important step toward freedom.
The “America the Beautiful”/”I Am Woman”/”We Shall Overcome” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion usually draws on emotion to make its appeal, but while this emotion and even sentimentality may be very heartfelt, it is usually out of character with the rest of an analytical paper. A more sophisticated commentary, rather than emotional praise, would be a more fitting tribute to the topic. Example: Because of the efforts of fine Americans like Frederick Douglass, countless others have seen the shining beacon of light that is education. His example was a torch that lit the way for others. Frederick Douglass was truly an American hero.
The “Grab Bag” Conclusion. This kind of conclusion includes extra information that the writer found or thought of but couldn’t integrate into the main paper. You may find it hard to leave out details that you discovered after hours of research and thought, but adding random facts and bits of evidence at the end of an otherwise-well-organized essay can just create confusion. Example: In addition to being an educational pioneer, Frederick Douglass provides an interesting case study for masculinity in the American South. He also offers historians an interesting glimpse into slave resistance when he confronts Covey, the overseer. His relationships with female relatives reveal the importance of family in the slave community.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. New York: Dover.

Hamilton College. n.d. “Conclusions.” Writing Center. Accessed June 14, 2019. https://www.hamilton.edu//academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/conclusions .

Holewa, Randa. 2004. “Strategies for Writing a Conclusion.” LEO: Literacy Education Online. Last updated February 19, 2004. https://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/conclude.html.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Paragraphs: Summary/Conclusion

Summary/conclusion.

Transitions : accordingly, all in all, altogether, as a result, as has been noted, as I have said, as mentioned, as shown, consequently, finally, hence, in any event, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in sum, in summary, in the final analysis, to conclude, on the whole, summing up, that is, therefore, thus

Example : As Morrison (1982) asserted, her characters could only imagine themselves as individuals when emotionally, physically, and spiritually bonded to their best friends. Therefore, self-realization required the intense bonds between women.

Explanation : Here, the author is drawing a conclusion based on what she has found to be true in Morrison's text. This connection fits into the "Because x, then y" model. Because friendship is required of the girls as they grow, then they need friendship to achieve self-realization.

Transitions Video Playlist

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

Academic Paragraphs: Introduction to Paragraphs and the MEAL Plan (video transcript)
Academic Paragraphs: Types of Transitions Part 1: Transitions Between Paragraphs (video transcript)
Academic Paragraphs: Types of Transitions Part 2: Transitions Within Paragraphs (video transcript)
Academic Paragraphs: Appropriate Use of Explicit Transitions (video transcript)
Engaging Writing: Incorporating Transitions (video transcript)
Engaging Writing: Examples of Incorporating Transitions (video transcript)
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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.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Types of conclusions for research papers

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

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

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

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

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The conclusion in a research paper serves several important purposes:

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

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

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

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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.


Summarizing Conclusion	Impact of social media on adolescents’ mental health	In conclusion, our study has shown that increased usage of social media is significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex relationship between social media and mental health to develop effective interventions and support systems for this vulnerable population.
Editorial Conclusion	Environmental impact of plastic waste	In light of our research findings, it is clear that we are facing a plastic pollution crisis. To mitigate this issue, we strongly recommend a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics, increased recycling initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to change consumer behavior. The responsibility falls on governments, businesses, and individuals to take immediate actions to protect our planet and future generations.
Externalizing Conclusion	Exploring applications of AI in healthcare	While our study has provided insights into the current applications of AI in healthcare, the field is rapidly evolving. Future research should delve deeper into the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI in healthcare, as well as the long-term outcomes of AI-driven diagnostics and treatments. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers is essential to harness the full potential of AI while addressing its challenges.

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.

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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.

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Conclusion vs. Summary

What's the difference.

Conclusion and summary are two different elements of a written piece, but they serve similar purposes. A conclusion is the final part of an essay or article where the writer wraps up their main points and provides a final thought or opinion. It is a more detailed and comprehensive section that often includes a synthesis of the main arguments presented throughout the text. On the other hand, a summary is a condensed version of the entire piece, highlighting the main ideas and key points without providing any new information or personal opinions. It is a brief overview that allows readers to quickly grasp the main content of the text. While a conclusion offers a more in-depth analysis and reflection, a summary provides a concise overview of the entire piece.

Attribute	Conclusion	Summary
Definition	A final decision or judgment reached after considering all the information	A brief overview or recap of the main points or ideas
Length	Can vary in length depending on the complexity of the subject matter	Usually shorter than the conclusion, providing a condensed version of the main points
Placement	Typically appears at the end of a document or presentation	Can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a document or presentation
Purpose	To provide a final decision or judgment based on the evidence presented	To give a concise overview of the main points for quick understanding
Content	Includes the final analysis, recommendations, and implications	Summarizes the key ideas, arguments, or findings
Tone	Can be more formal and authoritative	Can be more neutral and objective

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to writing, two terms that often confuse people are "conclusion" and "summary." While both serve the purpose of wrapping up a piece of writing, they have distinct attributes and play different roles. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between conclusions and summaries, shedding light on their unique characteristics and how they contribute to the overall structure and impact of a written work.

Definition and Purpose

A conclusion is the final part of a written work, be it an essay, research paper, or any other form of academic or non-academic writing. It aims to provide closure to the reader by summarizing the main points, restating the thesis or main argument, and offering a final thought or reflection. In essence, a conclusion is the author's last opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the key ideas presented throughout the text.

On the other hand, a summary is a condensed version of a larger piece of writing. It focuses on the main ideas, key arguments, and supporting evidence presented in the original work. The purpose of a summary is to provide a concise overview of the text, allowing readers to grasp the main points without having to read the entire piece. Summaries are commonly used in academic settings, such as when reviewing research articles or summarizing chapters of a textbook.

Content and Structure

When it comes to content, a conclusion typically includes a brief summary of the main points discussed in the body of the text. It may also restate the thesis statement or main argument in a slightly different way, emphasizing its significance and relevance. Additionally, a conclusion often offers a final thought or reflection, leaving the reader with something to ponder or consider after finishing the piece.

On the other hand, a summary focuses solely on the main ideas and key points of the original work. It does not include personal reflections or new information. Instead, a summary aims to provide an objective overview of the text, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main concepts without delving into the details.

In terms of structure, a conclusion is typically longer than a summary. It may span several paragraphs, depending on the length and complexity of the original work. A conclusion often begins with a transition phrase or signal word, such as "In conclusion" or "To sum up," to indicate that the writer is wrapping up the discussion. It then proceeds to summarize the main points and restate the thesis before offering a final thought or closing statement.

On the other hand, a summary is much shorter and more concise. It aims to capture the essence of the original work in a few sentences or paragraphs. A summary does not require a formal introduction or conclusion but should still provide a clear and coherent overview of the text.

Usage and Application

Conclusions are commonly used in various forms of writing, including essays, research papers, reports, and even speeches. They serve as a way to tie together the main ideas and arguments presented throughout the text, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and understanding. A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impact on the reader, reinforcing the main message and providing a sense of satisfaction.

Summaries, on the other hand, are particularly useful when dealing with lengthy or complex texts. They allow readers to quickly grasp the main points and decide whether they want to delve deeper into the full work. Summaries are commonly used in academic settings, such as when writing literature reviews, abstracts, or executive summaries. They also find application in journalism, where journalists often provide a summary of an event or news story in the opening paragraphs.

Conclusion vs. Summary: Key Differences

While conclusions and summaries share the common goal of wrapping up a piece of writing, they differ in several key aspects:

A conclusion is the final part of a written work, while a summary is a condensed version of the original text.
A conclusion includes a brief summary of the main points, restates the thesis, and offers a final thought, while a summary focuses solely on the main ideas and key points.
A conclusion is typically longer and may span several paragraphs, while a summary is shorter and more concise.
Conclusions are commonly used in various forms of writing, while summaries are particularly useful for condensing lengthy or complex texts.

In conclusion, while conclusions and summaries serve different purposes and have distinct attributes, they both play crucial roles in the overall structure and impact of a written work. A conclusion provides closure to the reader, summarizing the main points and leaving a lasting impression, while a summary offers a condensed overview of the text, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main ideas. Understanding the differences between these two elements is essential for effective writing and communication, enabling writers to craft compelling conclusions and concise summaries that enhance the reader's understanding and engagement.

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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

Main difference – summary vs conclusion.

Summary and Conclusion are two terms that are often used in academic writing. A summary is a concise statement or account of the main points of a text. A conclusion is the end of a chapter or text. The main difference between Summary and Conclusion lies in their purpose. The main aim of a summary is to sum up the main points whereas the aim of a conclusion is to conclude the text smoothly. Based on these different purposes, different features can be seen in these two components.

What is a Summary

A summary is an abridged version of a text that only contains the main points . The main purpose of a summary is to condense the text into a smaller text. A summary should present the central ideas and concepts clearly and concisely. However, it is possible to omit certain facts that are not essential to the text.

Sometimes a summary can be a synopsis of a book, film or a play. Here, an outline of the plot of the story can be considered as the summary. Furthermore, an executive summary, which can be seen at the beginning of a report , proposal, business plan, etc., summarizes all the content, highlighting the key points in the document. An executive summary should contain information such as subject matter, methods of analysis, findings and conclusions. This is similar to an abstract and should be written after completing the whole research.

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

A summary can be the synopsis of a book

What is a Conclusion

A conclusion is an essential part of any document . A good conclusion is both interesting and attractive; it should give the reader a good impression of the whole document. A conclusion should contain a summary of the main points, deductions made on the basis of the main points, solutions to the problems discussed in the text, findings, and recommendations. It is also important to write whether the purpose of the research has been achieved.

At the same time, you should avoid introducing new facts in the conclusion, rewriting the main points in the same words, focusing on the minor points of the text, and using sentimental, emotional appeals in an otherwise analytical and academic essay .

The summary is an abridged version of a text that only contains the main points.

The conclusion is the end or finish of a chapter or text.

The main purpose of a summary is to sum up the main points.

The purpose of a conclusion is to conclude the text smoothly.

An executive summary is at the beginning of a document.

A conclusion is at the end of a document.

A summary should also have a conclusion.

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion - infographic

Reference: English for academic study: reading and writing. Source book John Slaght, Paddy Harben and Anne Pallant. Reading: Garnet Education, 2009. English for Academic Study Series: Study Skills for Academic Writing . Trzeciak, John.Prentice Hall, 1994.

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Summary vs. Conclusion: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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Home » Research Summary – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Summary – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Summary

Definition:

A research summary is a brief and concise overview of a research project or study that highlights its key findings, main points, and conclusions. It typically includes a description of the research problem, the research methods used, the results obtained, and the implications or significance of the findings. It is often used as a tool to quickly communicate the main findings of a study to other researchers, stakeholders, or decision-makers.

Structure of Research Summary

The Structure of a Research Summary typically include:

Introduction : This section provides a brief background of the research problem or question, explains the purpose of the study, and outlines the research objectives.
Methodology : This section explains the research design, methods, and procedures used to conduct the study. It describes the sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
Results : This section presents the main findings of the study, including statistical analysis if applicable. It may include tables, charts, or graphs to visually represent the data.
Discussion : This section interprets the results and explains their implications. It discusses the significance of the findings, compares them to previous research, and identifies any limitations or future directions for research.
Conclusion : This section summarizes the main points of the research and provides a conclusion based on the findings. It may also suggest implications for future research or practical applications of the results.
References : This section lists the sources cited in the research summary, following the appropriate citation style.

How to Write Research Summary

Here are the steps you can follow to write a research summary:

Read the research article or study thoroughly: To write a summary, you must understand the research article or study you are summarizing. Therefore, read the article or study carefully to understand its purpose, research design, methodology, results, and conclusions.
Identify the main points : Once you have read the research article or study, identify the main points, key findings, and research question. You can highlight or take notes of the essential points and findings to use as a reference when writing your summary.
Write the introduction: Start your summary by introducing the research problem, research question, and purpose of the study. Briefly explain why the research is important and its significance.
Summarize the methodology : In this section, summarize the research design, methods, and procedures used to conduct the study. Explain the sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
Present the results: Summarize the main findings of the study. Use tables, charts, or graphs to visually represent the data if necessary.
Interpret the results: In this section, interpret the results and explain their implications. Discuss the significance of the findings, compare them to previous research, and identify any limitations or future directions for research.
Conclude the summary : Summarize the main points of the research and provide a conclusion based on the findings. Suggest implications for future research or practical applications of the results.
Revise and edit : Once you have written the summary, revise and edit it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and free of errors. Make sure that your summary accurately represents the research article or study.
Add references: Include a list of references cited in the research summary, following the appropriate citation style.

Example of Research Summary

Here is an example of a research summary:

Title: The Effects of Yoga on Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: This meta-analysis examines the effects of yoga on mental health. The study aimed to investigate whether yoga practice can improve mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life.

Methodology : The study analyzed data from 14 randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of yoga on mental health outcomes. The sample included a total of 862 participants. The yoga interventions varied in length and frequency, ranging from four to twelve weeks, with sessions lasting from 45 to 90 minutes.

Results : The meta-analysis found that yoga practice significantly improved mental health outcomes. Participants who practiced yoga showed a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as stress levels. Quality of life also improved in those who practiced yoga.

Discussion : The findings of this study suggest that yoga can be an effective intervention for improving mental health outcomes. The study supports the growing body of evidence that suggests that yoga can have a positive impact on mental health. Limitations of the study include the variability of the yoga interventions, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Conclusion : Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis support the use of yoga as an effective intervention for improving mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal length and frequency of yoga interventions for different populations.

References :

Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Langhorst, J., Dobos, G., & Berger, B. (2013). Yoga for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Depression and anxiety, 30(11), 1068-1083.
Khalsa, S. B. (2004). Yoga as a therapeutic intervention: a bibliometric analysis of published research studies. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 48(3), 269-285.
Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The health benefits of yoga and exercise: a review of comparison studies. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3-12.

Purpose of Research Summary

The purpose of a research summary is to provide a brief overview of a research project or study, including its main points, findings, and conclusions. The summary allows readers to quickly understand the essential aspects of the research without having to read the entire article or study.

Research summaries serve several purposes, including:

Facilitating comprehension: A research summary allows readers to quickly understand the main points and findings of a research project or study without having to read the entire article or study. This makes it easier for readers to comprehend the research and its significance.
Communicating research findings: Research summaries are often used to communicate research findings to a wider audience, such as policymakers, practitioners, or the general public. The summary presents the essential aspects of the research in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for non-experts to understand.
Supporting decision-making: Research summaries can be used to support decision-making processes by providing a summary of the research evidence on a particular topic. This information can be used by policymakers or practitioners to make informed decisions about interventions, programs, or policies.
Saving time: Research summaries save time for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders who need to review multiple research studies. Rather than having to read the entire article or study, they can quickly review the summary to determine whether the research is relevant to their needs.

Characteristics of Research Summary

The following are some of the key characteristics of a research summary:

Concise : A research summary should be brief and to the point, providing a clear and concise overview of the main points of the research.
Objective : A research summary should be written in an objective tone, presenting the research findings without bias or personal opinion.
Comprehensive : A research summary should cover all the essential aspects of the research, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions.
Accurate : A research summary should accurately reflect the key findings and conclusions of the research.
Clear and well-organized: A research summary should be easy to read and understand, with a clear structure and logical flow.
Relevant : A research summary should focus on the most important and relevant aspects of the research, highlighting the key findings and their implications.
Audience-specific: A research summary should be tailored to the intended audience, using language and terminology that is appropriate and accessible to the reader.
Citations : A research summary should include citations to the original research articles or studies, allowing readers to access the full text of the research if desired.

When to write Research Summary

Here are some situations when it may be appropriate to write a research summary:

Proposal stage: A research summary can be included in a research proposal to provide a brief overview of the research aims, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Conference presentation: A research summary can be prepared for a conference presentation to summarize the main findings of a study or research project.
Journal submission: Many academic journals require authors to submit a research summary along with their research article or study. The summary provides a brief overview of the study’s main points, findings, and conclusions and helps readers quickly understand the research.
Funding application: A research summary can be included in a funding application to provide a brief summary of the research aims, objectives, and expected outcomes.
Policy brief: A research summary can be prepared as a policy brief to communicate research findings to policymakers or stakeholders in a concise and accessible manner.

Advantages of Research Summary

Research summaries offer several advantages, including:

Time-saving: A research summary saves time for readers who need to understand the key findings and conclusions of a research project quickly. Rather than reading the entire research article or study, readers can quickly review the summary to determine whether the research is relevant to their needs.
Clarity and accessibility: A research summary provides a clear and accessible overview of the research project’s main points, making it easier for readers to understand the research without having to be experts in the field.
Improved comprehension: A research summary helps readers comprehend the research by providing a brief and focused overview of the key findings and conclusions, making it easier to understand the research and its significance.
Enhanced communication: Research summaries can be used to communicate research findings to a wider audience, such as policymakers, practitioners, or the general public, in a concise and accessible manner.
Facilitated decision-making: Research summaries can support decision-making processes by providing a summary of the research evidence on a particular topic. Policymakers or practitioners can use this information to make informed decisions about interventions, programs, or policies.
Increased dissemination: Research summaries can be easily shared and disseminated, allowing research findings to reach a wider audience.

Limitations of Research Summary

Limitations of the Research Summary are as follows:

Limited scope: Research summaries provide a brief overview of the research project’s main points, findings, and conclusions, which can be limiting. They may not include all the details, nuances, and complexities of the research that readers may need to fully understand the study’s implications.
Risk of oversimplification: Research summaries can be oversimplified, reducing the complexity of the research and potentially distorting the findings or conclusions.
Lack of context: Research summaries may not provide sufficient context to fully understand the research findings, such as the research background, methodology, or limitations. This may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the research.
Possible bias: Research summaries may be biased if they selectively emphasize certain findings or conclusions over others, potentially distorting the overall picture of the research.
Format limitations: Research summaries may be constrained by the format or length requirements, making it challenging to fully convey the research’s main points, findings, and conclusions.
Accessibility: Research summaries may not be accessible to all readers, particularly those with limited literacy skills, visual impairments, or language barriers.

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> Writing Essays in English Language and Linguistics
> Writing summaries and conclusions

Book contents

Frontmatter
Acknowledgements
Introduction
A guide to the book's icons: what do they mean?
Part 1 The basics
Part 2 Getting down to writing
Chapter 3 Analysing and answering the question
Chapter 4 The writing process
Chapter 5 Writing an introduction
Chapter 6 Writing the body of your essay
Chapter 7 Writing summaries and conclusions
Chapter 8 Referencing and quotations
Chapter 9 Stylistic issues
Chapter 10 Writing up small-scale research projects or dissertations
Frequently asked questions
Linguistics glossary

Chapter 7 - Writing summaries and conclusions

from Part 2 - Getting down to writing

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012

‘I've never really understood the difference between a summary and a conclusion. Conclusions are kind of like introductions for me: I'm never sure what to write, and it usually feels like I'm just repeating what I've already said. So what's the point?’

What's a summary and how's it different from a conclusion?

A summary is a brief restatement – or recap – of the main points you've presented in your discussion. Although it will often precede the conclusion, it's also sometimes presented as part of the conclusion. In either case, though, it's a way of reminding your reader of the main ideas you discussed so that the conclusion can be read and understood more easily with those ideas fresh in their mind.

As the quotation that begins this chapter indicates, students sometimes confuse summaries and conclusions, so let's begin by making a simple distinction between the two. A summary, because it's merely a restatement of ideas already mentioned, adds no new information. A conclusion, on the other hand, does add new information: it takes the ideas discussed in the body of your writing and then implicitly asks (and explicitly answers) the question, ‘What general observations can we make about those ideas? What do we learn from them? What do they tell us?’ In other words, a conclusion makes general statements about the ideas presented in your main discussion; statements containing ideas that will most likely not have appeared elsewhere in your writing. The new information comes not from adding to those ideas but by commenting on them.

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Writing summaries and conclusions
Neil Murray , University of South Australia
Book: Writing Essays in English Language and Linguistics
Online publication: 05 June 2012
Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139035347.011

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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

Edited by Diffzy | Updated on: May 28, 2023

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Introduction

The words summary and conclusion are employed in academic writing. A short explanation or account of a text’s major ideas constitutes a summary. A chapter or text concludes. The primary distinction between the summary and conclusion’s primary goal is to bring the material to a successful finish, and the summary’s primary goal is to summarize the key ideas. These two components have various properties depending on their various uses.

Summary vs Conclusion

Writing a conclusion can be challenging as writing an introduction because it determines whether the work is worthwhile. Both the conclusion and summary leave a deep impression on the reader. A conclusion shifts from a specific to a general statement, whereas an introduction moves from general to specific. The conclusion is an afterword that summarizes a point after all pertinent information has been taken into account. The study paper could seem lacking without a conclusion. Although it is sometimes compared to a summary, there are slight variances between the two. The summary is a concise and unambiguous account of the text that focuses primarily on its major themes, details, or components.

Any chapter in a non-fiction book can be the subject of a summary. It should highlight the key details or traits of that chapter of the book. Similarly, a description of any specific scene of an act in a play by Shakespeare or another playwright should include the key elements of the numerous events in that specific scene of the specific play of the playwright. On the other hand, a conclusion should sum up the goal that was developed during the investigation. It should have paragraphs that are brief and to the point. It should be mentioned that a conclusion shouldn’t have too many long paragraphs. On the other hand, a summary may contain lengthy paragraphs. One of the primary distinctions between a summary and a conclusion is this.

You can also list the qualities of a game or book. The character in these situations claims that “the character of Shylock” in the play “The Merchant of the Venice” can be summarized by emphasizing the events in Shylock’s life as well as a character in depth. It is noteworthy to notice that a summary can be comprehensive, and a conclusion should be succinct and accurate. The primary distinction between the summary and conclusion can also be this. The conclusion and summary both call for strong writing. Any theory that has a strong conclusion shines as well.

A summary tries to save time by providing the main points of the document; readers of the summary may then determine is worth reading. However, a study report’s conclusion seeks to highlight its key points and conclusions, and reading it gives one a sense of the content of the article.

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion (In Tabular Form)


Meaning	A summary is a succinct explanation or description of the most important ideas in a text, piece of study, or essay.	The piece of the text, essay, or book that provides the final response to the research question is known as the conclusion.
Purpose	To list the important points.	To reach a judgment or decision by justifying.
Presents	Briefly and clearly state the main points.	Conclusions, suggestions, discoveries, next steps, and knowledge gained.
What does it do?	It reiterates the key components or characteristics that have already been highlighted.	It summarizes and concludes the subject.
Importance of Conclusion	A summary should also have a conclusion.	A conclusion is at the end of a document so that it marks an impression on the reader.
Idea and Criticism	Exclude the author’s opinions and criticisms.	include the author’s thoughts, feelings, and critiques.

What Is a Summary?

An abbreviated version of a text that just includes the major ideas is called a summary. A summary’s primary goal is to reduce a lengthy text to a shorter one. The main points and concepts in a summary should be presented succinctly and clearly. However, anything that is not crucial to the narrative can be left out.

A synopsis of a play, movie, or book can occasionally be included in a summary. The summary in this case might be thought of as the story’s outline. In addition, an executive summary, which can be found at the start of a report, proposal, business plan, etc., summarizes the entire material and draws attention to the document’s most important aspects. Subject content, analytical techniques, findings, and conclusions should all be included in an executive summary. This should be written after you have finished conducting all of your research and is similar to an abstract.

It often makes up between 5% and 15% of the original piece, or between one and three paragraphs, or between 100 to 300 words. Simply said, it depends on how much text is being summarized. Its objective is to summarize a piece of literature with significantly less substance than the original. It filters the content in addition to saving the reader’s time.

Ideal Summary

The best summaries objectively emphasize the entire literary genre.
It should include the main idea and supporting details for each paragraph.
It should be free of all extraneous facts, examples, and information.
Although it may include some of the same sentences and phrases as the original work unless quote marks are used, it should not.
It must utilize your own words and sentences while conveying the meaning of the original work.

To make a summary that will be as beneficial to the reader as possible, writers should follow a specific approach. Some actions to take are:

Go over the main text in detail.
Recognize the article’s primary points. If a summary will be needed, it could be beneficial to make a list of your main ideas as you write.
When writing the summary, rely on your memories. This will aid in preventing plagiarism and enable you to simply restate the summary’s essential points. Make a list of the sources you used to distinguish your words from the original text.
A thesis statement outlining the summary’s topic should be included in the first sentence. Continue to write methodically while adhering to the standard guidelines for constructing a paragraph with the appropriate flow. Keep the summary succinct and objective.
Examine your summary by contrasting it with the original work. While using different wording, the two articles should have the same meaning. The summary should be brief enough to solely communicate the most important ideas, with a maximum of a few further facts .

The author can use a few mechanics and tools to offer an efficient overview of the work while writing a decent summary. By utilizing words to give the source a function inside the work at the outset of the summary, the author can contextualize the source. In the summary, the writer should state the major idea, and then provide evidence from the source to support that idea. Describe the source and explain why it is being utilized in the article. For instance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. outlines his goal of creating a society where people of color have freedom and opportunity in his speech “I Have a Dream” from 1963.

What Is a Conclusion?

Every document must include a conclusion. A strong conclusion is eye-catching and engaging, and it should leave the reader with a positive impression of the entire paper. A conclusion ought to include a summary of the key ideas, any inferences drawn from the primary ideas, fixes for any issue raised in the text, as well as conclusions and suggestions. It’s also crucial to state whether the research’s objective was met.

Additionally, you should refrain from restarting the thesis in the same words, concentrating on the text’s minor features, and making sentimental or emotional appeals in an otherwise analytical and scholarly essay.

To make a conclusion that will be as beneficial to the reader as possible, writers should follow a specific approach. Some actions to take are:

A strong conclusion reinforces the thesis and serves to remind the audience of the essay’s goal. But refrain from restarting the thesis in full. Rephrase your argument a little bit while keeping the main issue in mind.
Along with restating your thesis, you should also restate the arguments you made throughout the work to support it. But summarize the concepts rather than merely restating the paper’s arguments.
It’s frequently useful to refer back to the concepts from the opening to give the reader a strong sense of closure. You can achieve this by employing related ideas, going back to an earlier scenario, or using the same images.
Your conclusion ought to provide the reader with a resolution, an understanding, inquiries for additional research, or a call to action. What repercussions might your arguments have? Who could care? These kinds of queries should be addressed here so that your viewers will have something to ponder.

Conclusion Outline

Topic Sentence: Here is where you restate your thesis. To eliminate repetition, make sure it is rephrased.
Supporting Sentences: Briefly summarize the main ideas and arguments you make in the paper. Describe the ideas’ relevance and the connections between them.
Closing Sentence: This is when you refer back to a statement, illustration, or anecdote that was made in the introduction. It serves as your last statement on the matter and provides the reader with a sense of closure.

Ideal Conclusion

When the ending offers a fascinating insight and should conclude on a positive note, it is deemed to be excellent.
Emphasizes the primary argument made in the writing.
Summarizes the response to the query, which is frequently stated in the opening.
Refer back to the original questions, highlights the significant insights, and conclude with a concluding observation.
Strengthen the study’s central theme.
Has a significant and enduring impact on the reader.
Never should fresh ideas be brought up.
Main Differences Between the Summary and Conclusion (In Points)
A summary is a condensed version of a literary work that expresses important ideas clearly. Contrarily, a conclusion is the final section of a speech that summarizes the argument and expresses an opinion or verdict.
A summary is produced to give the reader a clear, factual account of the main points and features of the original material. The conclusion paragraph, on the other hand, summarizes the text and shows the reader what you have achieved concerning your initial goals.
A conclusion, as opposed to a summary, tends to synthesize all the points and bring the discussion to a close by restating the details and topics covered in the original text. It aids the reader in appreciating the significance of the study.
The ideal summary should be between 55 and 155 in length, while the conclusion should only make up 10% of the original material.
A summary frequently provides a succinct and straightforward explanation of the text’s main points. The conclusion, in contrast, offers a fresh perspective, suggests a course of action, resolves the issue, gives recommendations for further research, and draws conclusions based on the argument.
Only the main concepts of the original work are included in a summary. Nobody should add their personal commentary, criticism, interpretations, or opinions. In contrast, the conclusion can incorporate the researcher’s or writer’s final opinions, suggestions, and criticisms.

In a nutshell, a Summary and a conclusion should be included in every academic work as two separate sections. In terms of where they occur in the document, what they say, and how long they are, both are different from one another. A summary alerts the reader to the content and provides them with the most important details. On the other hand, a conclusion not only includes a rationale or ending statement but also giver the reader a sense of closure regarding the issue or argument. It focuses on the stance that the research or argument takes and focuses on the justification or closing statement by concluding the research made or the argument.

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Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

Transition words help us structure our thoughts and guide the reader or listener through what we are saying. When it’s time to summarize your message or end a paragraph, conclusion transition words let you signal this closing.

It’s good to know some synonyms for ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’, because although these are good examples of concluding words, they can get repetitive.

Our comprehensive list of transition words for conclusion and summary should give you all the inspiration you need, whether you are writing an essay or speech, or just want to become more confident forming an argument. These signal words can also be helpful for restating ideas, drawing attention to key points as you conclude.

We have included plenty of examples of how you can use these transition words for concluding paragraphs or sentences, so by the end of this article, you should be clear on how to use them properly.

Conclusion transition words with examples

We have grouped these summarizing and concluding transition words according to how and where they can be used. For example, some should only be used when forming a final conclusion, whereas others can be used to summarize sections mid-way through your speech or writing.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion .

Summary vs conclusion

A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points but is not as in-depth as a conclusion.

If you are giving a presentation or writing a blog, you may wish to summarize the main points in your introduction so that people know what you are going to cover. You could also summarize a section part-way through before moving on to another angle or topic.

In contrast, the conclusion always comes at the end, and you should only use specific conclusion transition words as you are drawing to a close.

Transition words for conclusion paragraphs

Let’s begin with some discourse markers that signal you are moving to the concluding paragraph in your presentation, speech, essay, or paper. These can all be used to start a conclusion paragraph.

In conclusion
To conclude
We can conclude that
Given these points
In the final analysis
As can be seen
In the long run
When all is said and done
I’ll end by
As we draw to a close

The last three on this list, the ‘closing’ transition words, would generally only be used in spoken discourse.

Some transition words for order and sequencing should also help with structuring what you want to say, including the ending.

Example conclusion sentences

The following sentences show how to use conclusion words correctly:

In conclusion , we can say that plan A will be of greater benefit to the company.
When all is said and done , it’s clear that we should steer clear of this investment strategy.
Given these points , I believe the trial was a great success.
I’ll end by reminding you all that this experiment was just the beginning of a much larger project.
To wrap up , let’s look at how this learning can be applied.
In the long run , we will make more profit by investing heavily in new machinery.
Having analyzed seven of our competitors in detail, we can conclude that our content marketing strategy should be updated.

Transition words for summary

The following summary transition words may be used as part of a conclusion paragraph, but they are especially helpful for concisely drawing together several points.

To summarize
On the whole
Generally speaking
All things considered
In a nutshell (informal)
In any case

Note that although you can insert summary transition words anywhere, the specific phrases ‘In summary’, ‘To summarize’ and ‘To sum up’ are generally only used at the end, similar to conclusion phrases.

Example summary sentences

In brief , this presentation is going to cover the pros and cons of the device and how we can apply this to our own product development.
This new technology is, in a word , revolutionary.
All things considered , we found that Berlin was a great city for a weekend break.
To summarize , we can say that Shakespeare’s writing continues to have a global influence.
We can say that the combustion engine was, on the whole , a good invention.
In any case , we should put the necessary precautions in place.
Generally speaking , girls are more thoughtful than boys.

Transition words to end a paragraph

You may wish to add ending transition words in the final sentence of a paragraph to conclude the ideas in that section of text, before moving on to another point.

Here are some transition words to conclude a paragraph:

This means that
With this in mind
By and large
For the most part

Note that some of these could equally be used to begin a new paragraph, so long as that paragraph is summarizing the points previously mentioned.

Cause and effect transition words could also be helpful in this context.

Examples of transition words for the end of a paragraph

Jamie is a vegan and Sheryl has a lot of allergies. This means that we should be careful which restaurant we choose.
The weather forecast said it would rain this afternoon. With this in mind , should we postpone our hike?
Each of the students has their own opinion about where to go for the field trip. Ultimately , though, it’s the teacher who will decide.

Restating points as you conclude

Conclusion transition words can also signal that you are restating a point you mentioned earlier. This is common practice in both writing and speaking as it draws the reader or listener’s attention back to something you want them to keep in mind. These are, therefore, also examples of transition words for emphasizing a point .

Here are some helpful transition words for concluding or summarizing by restating points:

As mentioned previously
As stated earlier
As has been noted
As shown above
As I have said
As I have mentioned
As we have seen
As has been demonstrated

You may switch most of these between the passive and active voice, depending on which is most appropriate. For example, ‘As has been demonstrated’ could become ‘As I have demonstrated’ and ‘As shown above’ could become ‘As I have shown’.

Example sentences to restate a point in conclusion or summary

As I stated earlier , the only way we can get meaningful results from this survey is by including at least a thousand people.
As has been demonstrated throughout this conference, there are exciting things happening in the world of neuroscience.
As shown by this study, the trials have been promising.

If you were researching these transition words for concluding an essay, you might find it helpful to read this guide to strong essay conclusions . Of course, there are many ways to use summary transition words beyond essays. They may be a little formal for casual conversation, but they certainly can be used in speech as part of a presentation, debate, or argument.

Can you think of any other concluding words or phrases that should be on this list? Leave a comment below to share them!

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Summary vs. Conclusion — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

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SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter summarizes the whole research process. It first provides a brief summary of the whole study with particular reference to the research problem, research methodology, results, the main contributions of the research and recommendations for future work. It provides a summary of the main findings of the study, conclusions and recommendations. This chapter should be reasonably short.

The readers would want to know whether the objectives of the study were achieved, and whether the work has contributed to knowledge. Therefore, when compiling this chapter, a researcher should focus on answering these questions.

Any conclusions drawn should be those resulting from the study. A researcher should make relevant references to chapters that support the listed findings and may also refer to the work of others for comparison. However, one should not discuss the stu1y’s results here.

Summary of the Main Findings

In summarizing, a researcher should identify the findings of the study and discuss them briefly. In addition, the methodological problems encountered should be outlined so that future/other researchers may take the relevant precautions. The researcher should clearly pinpoint if the study objectives were achieved or not. An effective summary has the following qualities:

It bases on results from the study.
It is brief, all statements are concise, and pinpoint to the contributions that the researcher has made.

Recommendations

All statements are factual.

One way to present the summary is to use one paragraph for each idea. Alternatively, the researcher can use a point-by-point format.

The Conclusion section should be very brief, about half a page. It should indicate what the study results reaffirm. It should also briefly discuss some of the strategies highlighted by the respondents. In this section, the researcher should clearly state how the study has contributed to knowledge.

The recommendations section is important in research. This section often exposes further problems and introduces more questions. As a researcher, there is a time limit to the research project, so it is unlikely that the study would have solved all the problems associated with the area of study. The researcher is therefore expected to make suggestions about how his/her work can be improved, and also based on the study findings, point out whether there are areas that deserve further investigation. This section will indicate whether a researcher has a firm appreciation of his/her work, and whether he/ she has given sufficient thought to its implications, not only within the narrow confines of the research topic but to related fields. This section reflects the researcher’s foresightedness and creativity.

Written by MJ

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Knowledge Base
Dissertation

How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion

Published on September 6, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 20, 2023.

The conclusion is the very last part of your thesis or dissertation . It should be concise and engaging, leaving your reader with a clear understanding of your main findings, as well as the answer to your research question .

In it, you should:

Clearly state the answer to your main research question
Summarize and reflect on your research process
Make recommendations for future work on your thesis or dissertation topic
Show what new knowledge you have contributed to your field
Wrap up your thesis or dissertation

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Discussion vs. conclusion, how long should your conclusion be, step 1: answer your research question, step 2: summarize and reflect on your research, step 3: make future recommendations, step 4: emphasize your contributions to your field, step 5: wrap up your thesis or dissertation, full conclusion example, conclusion checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about conclusion sections.

While your conclusion contains similar elements to your discussion section , they are not the same thing.

Your conclusion should be shorter and more general than your discussion. Instead of repeating literature from your literature review , discussing specific research results , or interpreting your data in detail, concentrate on making broad statements that sum up the most important insights of your research.

As a rule of thumb, your conclusion should not introduce new data, interpretations, or arguments.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Depending on whether you are writing a thesis or dissertation, your length will vary. Generally, a conclusion should make up around 5–7% of your overall word count.

An empirical scientific study will often have a short conclusion, concisely stating the main findings and recommendations for future research. A humanities dissertation topic or systematic review , on the other hand, might require more space to conclude its analysis, tying all the previous sections together in an overall argument.

Your conclusion should begin with the main question that your thesis or dissertation aimed to address. This is your final chance to show that you’ve done what you set out to do, so make sure to formulate a clear, concise answer.

Don’t repeat a list of all the results that you already discussed
Do synthesize them into a final takeaway that the reader will remember.

An empirical thesis or dissertation conclusion may begin like this:

A case study –based thesis or dissertation conclusion may begin like this:

In the second example, the research aim is not directly restated, but rather added implicitly to the statement. To avoid repeating yourself, it is helpful to reformulate your aims and questions into an overall statement of what you did and how you did it.

Your conclusion is an opportunity to remind your reader why you took the approach you did, what you expected to find, and how well the results matched your expectations.

To avoid repetition , consider writing more reflectively here, rather than just writing a summary of each preceding section. Consider mentioning the effectiveness of your methodology , or perhaps any new questions or unexpected insights that arose in the process.

You can also mention any limitations of your research, but only if you haven’t already included these in the discussion. Don’t dwell on them at length, though—focus on the positives of your work.

While x limits the generalizability of the results, this approach provides new insight into y .
This research clearly illustrates x , but it also raises the question of y .

You may already have made a few recommendations for future research in your discussion section, but the conclusion is a good place to elaborate and look ahead, considering the implications of your findings in both theoretical and practical terms.

Based on these conclusions, practitioners should consider …
To better understand the implications of these results, future studies could address …
Further research is needed to determine the causes of/effects of/relationship between …

When making recommendations for further research, be sure not to undermine your own work. Relatedly, while future studies might confirm, build on, or enrich your conclusions, they shouldn’t be required for your argument to feel complete. Your work should stand alone on its own merits.

Just as you should avoid too much self-criticism, you should also avoid exaggerating the applicability of your research. If you’re making recommendations for policy, business, or other practical implementations, it’s generally best to frame them as “shoulds” rather than “musts.” All in all, the purpose of academic research is to inform, explain, and explore—not to demand.

Make sure your reader is left with a strong impression of what your research has contributed to the state of your field.

Some strategies to achieve this include:

Returning to your problem statement to explain how your research helps solve the problem
Referring back to the literature review and showing how you have addressed a gap in knowledge
Discussing how your findings confirm or challenge an existing theory or assumption

Again, avoid simply repeating what you’ve already covered in the discussion in your conclusion. Instead, pick out the most important points and sum them up succinctly, situating your project in a broader context.

The end is near! Once you’ve finished writing your conclusion, it’s time to wrap up your thesis or dissertation with a few final steps:

It’s a good idea to write your abstract next, while the research is still fresh in your mind.
Next, make sure your reference list is complete and correctly formatted. To speed up the process, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Once you’ve added any appendices , you can create a table of contents and title page .
Finally, read through the whole document again to make sure your thesis is clearly written and free from language errors. You can proofread it yourself , ask a friend, or consider Scribbr’s proofreading and editing service .

Here is an example of how you can write your conclusion section. Notice how it includes everything mentioned above:

V. Conclusion

The current research aimed to identify acoustic speech characteristics which mark the beginning of an exacerbation in COPD patients.

The central questions for this research were as follows: 1. Which acoustic measures extracted from read speech differ between COPD speakers in stable condition and healthy speakers? 2. In what ways does the speech of COPD patients during an exacerbation differ from speech of COPD patients during stable periods?

All recordings were aligned using a script. Subsequently, they were manually annotated to indicate respiratory actions such as inhaling and exhaling. The recordings of 9 stable COPD patients reading aloud were then compared with the recordings of 5 healthy control subjects reading aloud. The results showed a significant effect of condition on the number of in- and exhalations per syllable, the number of non-linguistic in- and exhalations per syllable, and the ratio of voiced and silence intervals. The number of in- and exhalations per syllable and the number of non-linguistic in- and exhalations per syllable were higher for COPD patients than for healthy controls, which confirmed both hypotheses.

However, the higher ratio of voiced and silence intervals for COPD patients compared to healthy controls was not in line with the hypotheses. This unpredicted result might have been caused by the different reading materials or recording procedures for both groups, or by a difference in reading skills. Moreover, there was a trend regarding the effect of condition on the number of syllables per breath group. The number of syllables per breath group was higher for healthy controls than for COPD patients, which was in line with the hypothesis. There was no effect of condition on pitch, intensity, center of gravity, pitch variability, speaking rate, or articulation rate.

This research has shown that the speech of COPD patients in exacerbation differs from the speech of COPD patients in stable condition. This might have potential for the detection of exacerbations. However, sustained vowels rarely occur in spontaneous speech. Therefore, the last two outcome measures might have greater potential for the detection of beginning exacerbations, but further research on the different outcome measures and their potential for the detection of exacerbations is needed due to the limitations of the current study.

Checklist: Conclusion

I have clearly and concisely answered the main research question .

I have summarized my overall argument or key takeaways.

I have mentioned any important limitations of the research.

I have given relevant recommendations .

I have clearly explained what my research has contributed to my field.

I have not introduced any new data or arguments.

You've written a great conclusion! Use the other checklists to further improve your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

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

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

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

A restatement of your research question
A summary of your key arguments and/or results
A short discussion of the implications of your research

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion. Scribbr. Retrieved July 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/write-conclusion/

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Who won the Biden-Trump debate? Biden's freeze draws age concerns

WASHINGTON – Presidential debates are always about expectations. And Thursday’s verbal sparring match between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was no exception.

The stakes were highest for Biden who, at age 81, was already battling perceptions he is too elderly for a second term. Meanwhile, Trump, 78, was facing concerns from moderate and swing voters about his at times bombastic style.

The biggest moment of the night came early, when Biden froze for several seconds while answering a question about the economy.

That – and all of the many other gaffes of the evening − will be replayed on cable news shows and shared thousands of times on social media for weeks to come. But how will it influence the 2024 election?

Here’s a breakdown of who came out on top and who fell short in the immediate aftermath.

Trump showed more energy than Biden

Experts USA TODAY spoke with said they saw sharp differences in the stamina of the two candidates on stage Thursday night, and they said Biden’s low-energy demeanor could hurt him for months to come.

In one of the most defining moments of the debate, Biden took a prolonged pause and froze while answering a question about the economy. After stuttering, the president continued, but began talking about COVID-19 and Medicare.

Even some of Biden's Democratic supporters felt his freeze on stage and his somewhat wooden performance tipped the scales in Trump's favor.

Trump sought to highlight Biden’s slower responses, at one point saying, “I really don't know what he said at the end of this, and I don't think he knows what he said, either."

Thomas Whalen, a presidential historian and professor at Boston University, said Biden was “looking his age,” while Trump was “more controlled and sticking to his talking points.”

Aaron Kall, director of Debate for the University of Michigan Debate Program, suggested Biden’s pauses “could spur endless news cycles about (his) age and fitness to serve another term in office.”

New debate format aimed to decrease chaos

If seeing Trump and Biden on stage together again didn’t provide enough deja vu, their matchup also marked the first time since 1960 that a presidential debate was held without a live audience . The last time was when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon clashed.

The format was designed to eliminate immediate reactions to candidates’ remarks. Aaron Kall, director of debate for the University of Michigan, suggested it forced genuine responses rather than scripted statements from the candidates.

Rather than rely on audience energy, Trump and Biden had to “trust their guts and instincts and previous debate experiences,” Kall said.

The use of muted microphones in the debate also nearly eliminated the type of candidate crosstalk that has plagued past debates, including most recently during the GOP primary.

Georgia voters are central focus

Trump and Biden weren’t the only ones in the spotlight Thursday night. All-important Georgia voters were, too.

The location of the debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta underscored Georgia’s role as crucial swing state in the election and served as a reminder that the candidate's messages − and bickering − will echo far beyond the stage.

Biden won Georgia by just under 12,000 votes in 2020. But recent polling this year has shown Trump with a slight edge over his competitor in the key battleground territory.

And the side-by-side comparison of the two candidates Thursday could very well sway the minds of undecided voters in the state. It was one of few opportunities the public will have to hear from the two men directly and judge for themselves who is the better pick for the country.

Not to mention that the location gave both candidates an opportunity to campaign around the Atlanta suburbs. Trump called in to a local barbershop on Wednesday to talk with a group his campaign called the Black American Business Leaders Barbershop Roundtable. And Biden’s campaign said the president planned to attend watch parties across the city after the debate to talk with voters.

Also of significance: The debate occurred only a few miles from the jail where Trump was booked last year on charges related to claims that he conspired to overturn the 2020 election.

A major money boost for Democrats and Republicans

Both major parties are expected to raise big dollars off Thursday’s affair. Similarly well-watched events have brought in the green for the two candidates.

Biden’s campaign said he raised $10 million in the 24 hours after the State of the Union address. After Trump’s felony conviction in his New York hush money trial, his campaign said it raised $34.8 million in small-dollar donations.

And both groups we’re leaning into their fundraising.

Hours before the debate began, Biden’s team sent out a message telling supporters that he was “counting on” them to donate at least $30.

“Tens of thousands of new supporters stepped up following my debates against Trump in 2020. And tonight, can’t be any different,” the message said.

The Democratic Party of Georgia also hosted a watch party charging $24 per advance ticket. Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was similarly hosting a high-dollar event for Trump the night of the debate.

Biden’s campaign said it had its best grassroots fundraising hours of the entire campaign leading up to the debate.

False claims abound

Ashley Koning, director of the Rutgers Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, argued that “facts and truth” were the biggest losers of the night.

Both Trump and Biden made false comments throughout the debate that largely went unchecked by the moderators.

Trump repeated claims that the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s fault. Trump claimed he offered Pelosi “10,000 soldiers” to stop the attack. Pelosi’s office has said, however, that she never received such an officer and that she wouldn’t have had the power to refuse either way.

The former real estate mogul also claimed the U.S. southern border is the most dangerous place in the world. There is no evidence to suggest this.

Biden also made incorrect claims. At one point, he claimed he was “the only president this century ... that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world.”

In 2021, during Biden’s presidency, 13 U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan as thousands tried to flee the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

RFK and third-party candidates absent from the conversation

Noticeably absent from the CNN stage? Robert F. Kennedy Jr .

Kennedy didn’t meet the qualifications for the debate, which required candidates to appear on a “sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote thresholds to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four qualifying national polls, according to CNN.

In a three-way matchup with Biden and Trump, Kennedy receives 10.7% of the vote, according to a Real Clear Politics average of polling .

Kennedy counterprogrammed the prime-time debate by answering the same questions as Biden and Trump live on a social media stream and on his website. But he remained largely out of sight for most voters on a night that centered on the two major party candidates.

Supported by

Who Won the Debate? Biden Stumbles Left Trump on Top

A halting debate performance by President Biden left Democratic strategists reeling, raising questions about his fitness to stay in the race.

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By Alan Rappeport

Reporting from Washington

In the first presidential debate of the year between the leading Democratic and Republican candidates, President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump clashed on inflation, taxes, Ukraine and the future of democracy.

A halting performance from Mr. Biden and a relatively steady and measured delivery by Mr. Trump left Democrats deeply concerned about Mr. Biden’s prospects. Personal attacks overshadowed discussions of policy during the debate, with the candidates sparring over who had a better golf game, their respective cognitive abilities and their legal problems.

On cable news and social media, strategists from both parties wondered if Mr. Biden could continue in the race against Mr. Trump. Few Democrats could muster an upbeat assessment of the president’s performance.

Here is a sampling of the reaction.

“It was a really disappointing debate performance from Joe Biden. I don’t think there’s any other way to slice it. His biggest issue was to prove to the American people that he had the energy, the stamina — and he didn’t do that,” Kate Bedingfield, Mr. Biden’s former White House communications director, said on CNN.

“Biden is even whiffing on his easy pitches — abortion and Jan. 6. I mean, my God,” said Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist and former senior adviser to the presidential campaign for Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.

“Look, I debated Joe 7 times in 2020. He’s a different guy in 2024,” Andrew Yang, a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, said on the social media platform X, adding the hashtag #swapJoeout.

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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion
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COMMENTS

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion (with Comparison Chart)
A summary is an abridgement of the work of literature, which covers the key points succinctly. On the contrary, conclusion refers to the final part of the discourse which sums up the argument and gives a statement of opinion or judgement. A summary is written to provide the reader with a precise and objective narrative of the central ideas and ...
How to Write a Summary
When to write a summary. Step 1: Read the text. Step 2: Break the text down into sections. Step 3: Identify the key points in each section. Step 4: Write the summary. Step 5: Check the summary against the article. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about summarizing.
Conclusions
In a short paper—even a research paper—you don't need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings ...
Conclusions
Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as "in conclusion," "in summary," or "in closing." Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing. Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion. Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.
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.
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.
Academic Guides: Paragraphs: Summary/Conclusion
Transitions: accordingly, all in all, altogether, as a result, as has been noted, as I have said, as mentioned, as shown, consequently, finally, hence, in any event, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in sum, in summary, in the final analysis, to conclude, on the whole, summing up, that is, therefore, thus. Example: As Morrison (1982) asserted, her characters could ...
How to Write a Conclusion for Research Papers (with Examples)
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 ...
Conclusion vs. Summary
A conclusion is the final part of a written work, while a summary is a condensed version of the original text. A conclusion includes a brief summary of the main points, restates the thesis, and offers a final thought, while a summary focuses solely on the main ideas and key points. A conclusion is typically longer and may span several ...
Difference Between Summary and Conclusion
A conclusion is the end of a chapter or text. The main difference between Summary and Conclusion lies in their purpose. The main aim of a summary is to sum up the main points whereas the aim of a conclusion is to conclude the text smoothly. Based on these different purposes, different features can be seen in these two components.
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 ...
Summary vs. Conclusion: What's the Difference?
15. A summary might appear at the beginning of a text to provide preliminary insights (as in an abstract) or throughout to offer a reduced description of various details. In contrast, a conclusion is typically positioned at the end of a text or discourse. This positioning underlines its role in providing a concluding reflection on the prior ...
Research Summary
Research Summary. Definition: A research summary is a brief and concise overview of a research project or study that highlights its key findings, main points, and conclusions. It typically includes a description of the research problem, the research methods used, the results obtained, and the implications or significance of the findings.
Writing summaries and conclusions (Chapter 7)
A summary is a brief restatement - or recap - of the main points you've presented in your discussion. Although it will often precede the conclusion, it's also sometimes presented as part of the conclusion. In either case, though, it's a way of reminding your reader of the main ideas you discussed so that the conclusion can be read and ...
Summary vs. Conclusion
Summary vs Conclusion. Writing a conclusion can be challenging as writing an introduction because it determines whether the work is worthwhile. Both the conclusion and summary leave a deep impression on the reader. A conclusion shifts from a specific to a general statement, whereas an introduction moves from general to specific.
42 Summary & conclusion transition words (with examples)
First, let's be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion. Summary vs conclusion. A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points ...
How to Write a Conclusion (With Tips and Examples)
1. Restate the thesis. An effective conclusion brings the reader back to the main point, reminding the reader of the purpose of the essay. However, avoid repeating the thesis verbatim. Paraphrase your argument slightly while still preserving the primary point. 2. Reiterate supporting points.
Summary vs. Analysis
Summary vs. Analysis. When asked to write an analysis, it is not enough to simply summarize. You must also add your own analysis of what you've discovered about your topic. Analysis means breaking something down into its various elements and then asking critical thinking questions such as WHY and HOW in order to reach some conclusions of your ...
Summary vs. Conclusion
A Summary encapsulates the main ideas or events of a piece, giving a reader a quick overview of the content. Conversely, a Conclusion typically offers a resolution, an opinion, or emphasizes the significance of the information presented. 6. When reading a book or article, a Summary might condense chapters or sections, highlighting the primary ...
What Is The Difference Between Summary And Conclusion?
Remember that a conclusion aims to revise the entire paper while a summary aims to highlight the main points. Also, keep in mind that a conclusion is used as the finishing part of the text. It has to be a concise version of the document that conveys its character. On the other hand, a summary is used as synopsis to show central facts or ideas.
Summary of Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations
An effective summary has the following qualities: It bases on results from the study. It is brief, all statements are concise, and pinpoint to the contributions that the researcher has made. Recommendations. All statements are factual. One way to present the summary is to use one paragraph for each idea. Alternatively, the researcher can use a ...
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion
Step 1: Answer your research question. Step 2: Summarize and reflect on your research. Step 3: Make future recommendations. Step 4: Emphasize your contributions to your field. Step 5: Wrap up your thesis or dissertation. Full conclusion example. Conclusion checklist. Other interesting articles.
Analysis and commentary on CNN's presidential debate
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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

Content: Summary Vs Conclusion

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Ideal Summary

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Ideal Conclusion

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Conclusions

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

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Conclusion vs. Summary

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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

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Research Summary – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Summary

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Chapter 7 - Writing summaries and conclusions

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Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

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Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

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Summary vs conclusion