How to Write an Effective Conclusion for Academic Writing

UK Study Bridge Academy – Academic Skills Series

Introduction

In academic writing, the conclusion is often underestimated but plays a vital role in reinforcing the argument, reflecting on the findings, and leaving a lasting impression. Whether in an essay, assignment, or dissertation, an effective conclusion provides closure and brings together all the key elements of the discussion. For international students adjusting to UK academic norms, understanding how to write a focused and powerful conclusion is essential.

The Purpose of a Conclusion

According to Bailey (2018), the conclusion is not a summary alone—it’s the final opportunity to demonstrate understanding, reiterate the thesis, and leave a lasting impact on the reader. It should also show awareness of broader implications and potential areas for future study (Cottrell, 2019).

Key functions of a conclusion:

• Reaffirm the thesis or central argument.
• Summarise the main points (without repeating them word-for-word).
• Reflect on the significance of the topic.
• Offer recommendations or highlight areas for further exploration (especially in dissertations).

Typical Structure of a Conclusion

A conclusion should follow a logical structure that complements the introduction and main body. University of Manchester (2022) recommends the following outline:

1. Restate the Thesis – Rephrase your main argument in a fresh way.
2. Summarise Key Points – Highlight the main themes discussed, without adding new information.
3. Reflect on Significance – Explain why your discussion matters.
4. Optional Final Thought or Recommendation – Offer insights into broader implications or future research directions.

Example (Essay Conclusion)
“In summary, while UK universities have made considerable efforts to support international students, significant gaps in accessibility remain. Addressing these challenges requires systemic change and a more inclusive support framework. Ultimately, equitable access is vital for academic success and student wellbeing.”

What to Avoid in a Conclusion

Students often fall into certain traps when writing conclusions, such as:

Instead, use phrases like:

• “This discussion has shown…”
• “The findings suggest…”
• “Taken together, the evidence implies…”

Essay vs. Dissertation Conclusions

While the principles are the same, dissertation conclusions tend to be longer and more detailed. According to Godwin (2021), a dissertation conclusion may include:

• A summary of findings
• Reflections on the research process
• Implications for practice or policy
• Limitations of the study
• Suggestions for future research

Example (Dissertation Conclusion)
“This study has highlighted the challenges faced by international nursing students in adapting to UK clinical environments. While institutional training programmes support initial transition, long-term cultural competence is often overlooked. Future studies should examine cross-cultural mentorship models in greater depth.”

The Importance of Alignment

The conclusion must align with your introduction and thesis. It should “close the loop,” creating a sense of completeness. As Yorke (2020) advises, students should revisit their thesis statement and demonstrate how the body of work has addressed it.

Additionally, students should mirror the structure of the introduction—if you opened with a question, try returning to it in the conclusion with a developed response.

Critical Reflection in the Conclusion

A strong conclusion shows critical thinking, not just summary. This includes:

• Considering alternative viewpoints
• Reflecting on the strength or weakness of your evidence
• Recognising complexities in the topic
• Acknowledging your argument’s limitations

This analytical depth strengthens your academic voice and builds credibility.

Checklist for Effective Conclusions

☐ Have I restated my thesis clearly?
☐ Did I summarise my key points briefly and logically?
☐ Have I shown why my discussion is important?
☐ Did I avoid introducing new information or ideas?
☐ Have I maintained an academic tone and formal language?

Final Writing Tips

• Write your conclusion after completing the body—it ensures full alignment.
• Keep it concise—around 10% of the total word count.
• Use transition phrases that suit formal academic writing.
• Revise and read aloud—the conclusion should sound resolved, not abrupt.

Conclusion

Writing an effective conclusion is about more than restating what you’ve said—it’s your final chance to impress. For international students, the conclusion is a space to demonstrate critical awareness, summarise key arguments, and bring clarity to the discussion. Whether writing a short essay or an extended dissertation, a well-structured conclusion enhances coherence, depth, and academic quality.

References

• Bailey, S. (2018). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (5th ed.). Routledge.
• Cottrell, S. (2019). The Study Skills Handbook (5th ed.). Bloomsbury.
• Godwin, J. (2021). Planning Your Essay (3rd ed.). Macmillan Education.
• University of Manchester. (2022). Academic Phrasebank.
• Yorke, M. (2020). Helping International Students Succeed in UK Higher Education. Journal of Academic Support.