What are two things a well-written conclusion should NOT do?

1 answer

A well-written conclusion should NOT do the following two things:

  1. Introduce New Information or Arguments: The conclusion should summarize and reflect on the main points discussed in the body of the text without introducing new ideas, arguments, or evidence that haven't been covered. Introducing new content can confuse readers and detracts from the coherence of your argument.

  2. Be Vague or Generic: A conclusion should not be overly broad or generic. It should provide a specific and clear synthesis of the main points and implications of the work. Using clichéd phrases like "In conclusion" or "To sum up" without adding meaningful insights can weaken the impact of the conclusion.

By avoiding these pitfalls, a conclusion can effectively reinforce the main arguments and leave a lasting impression on the reader.