Introduction
The Conclusion chapter of your FYP is your opportunity to:
Summarise or reiterate the main points;
If your explanation is already
in the 'presentation of results' section, any further
discussion can be combined with the conclusion into one chapter.
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What tense is usually used to describe the findings?
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Which of the points
below sound like a good idea to include in your conclusion?
Tick the checkbox after the statement if you think it is a good idea.
| 1. | Recapitulate what you said in your introduction, to suggest to your reader that you have accomplished your aims. | |||
Yes. Recapitulating what you said in
your Introduction indicates to your reader and yourself that you
have accomplished your aims. If you find that your original project
statement now sounds inaccurate or irrelevant, then you need either
to revise your argument or to redefine your introduction. |
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2. |
Emphasise anything controversial or subjective and finish with a flourish that shows how hard you have tried. | |||
No. Do not finish with a flowery paragraph or overemphasise conclusions. It is better to claim too little than too much. The conclusion should contain a definite, positive statement, but that statement needs to be based on the results of your research. |
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| 3. | Bring in a brilliant new idea that you have been saving until the end. | |||
No. Your conclusion is not the place to raise new ideas. If a brilliant idea suddenly arises, include it earlier in the project. If it does not fit the structure or argument of the rest of the project, leave it out. Your conclusion should not introduce any new ideas or information. Ask a friend to read your project before you hand it in: in addition to proof reading, they may notice irrelevancies or misplaced statements. |
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| 4. | Compare or contrast your subject or interpretation of facts to other situations. | |||
Yes, if relevant, compare or contrast your content to other situations. This shows you have read around your subject and are capable of deep learning and critical thinking, not only of repeating facts. It can be a good idea to extrapolate, or widen the context. |
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| 5. | Add in the extra points that you promised in the Introduction or mentioned in the Abstract but didn't manage to include in the body of the project. | |||
No. If the introduction stated you were going to cover four points and you covered only two, don't try to insert those last two points into your final paragraph. Instead, revise your introduction and remove the extra points or, if they are important, take the time to revise previous chapters and include them. |
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| 6. | Be modest, almost apologetic, about any original or well argued ideas or opinions. | |||
No. There is no need to be modest or
apologetic for any arguments, original ideas or opinions you may
have expressed in your project. They are hopefully the result
of critical thinking and independent judgement. Your readers will
be impressed by someone who can demonstrate these qualities in
their FYP. |
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| 7. | Use a quotation or evoke a vivid image, to leave your reader with a positive, strong impression. | |||
Yes. if appropriate. A quotation, a vivid image or metaphor, or a strongly expressed recapitulation of a core idea or argument leaves your reader with a positive, strong impression. |
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Depending on the subject and style of your thesis, you could also consider including any of the following in your conclusion:
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8.
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A provocative question. |
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9.
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A call for some sort of action. |
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10.
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A warning, with recommendations of how to avoid difficulty. |
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11.
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Other suggestions based on results or consequences. |
Click here to see a sample
Conclusion
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