When crafting a concluding statement, a writer should avoid the following common pitfalls:
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Introducing New Information: Conclusions should summarize or synthesize the main points without introducing new arguments, facts, or details that were not covered in the body.
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Being Vague or Generic: Avoid overly broad or cliché phrases that do not add meaningful closure to the discussion. Instead, aim for specificity that relates back to the main points.
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Repeating the Introduction Word-for-Word: While it can be effective to echo the main thesis or theme, repeating the introduction verbatim can feel redundant. Instead, reframe or restate your main ideas in a fresh way.
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Overly Emotional Language: While it’s fine to express feelings, avoid being overly sentimental or dramatic, which can undermine the credibility of your argument or analysis.
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Apologizing or Undermining Your Argument: Statements that second-guess your argument or imply uncertainty can weaken the conclusion. Confidence in your final thoughts is essential.
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Leaving Loose Ends: Avoid ending without a sense of resolution. A good conclusion ties up all main points and provides a final insight.
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Inconsistent Tone: Ensure that the tone of the conclusion matches the overall tone of the piece. A sudden shift can be jarring and detract from the reader's experience.
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Providing Irrelevant Information: Any information that does not directly tie back to the main argument or theme can confuse readers and detract from the overall message.
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Rhetorical Questions: While sometimes effective, excessive rhetorical questions can feel manipulative or may leave readers feeling unsettled instead of satisfied with the closure.
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Prolonged Length: Conclusions should be concise; avoid the temptation to drag them out with unnecessary elaboration or repetition.
By steering clear of these issues, a writer can craft a strong, effective concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
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