First, it’s important to restate your purpose and thesis statement from the introduction in your own words. This helps the reader understand how your conclusion relates back to the main idea you set out to explore. You don’t want to simply copy your introduction, but expressing the thesis in a new yet similar way reminds the reader of your focus.
Next, you’ll want to very briefly summarize the main points of your paper without going into too much detail. The body should contain your evidence, analysis, and arguments while the conclusion highlights the key takeaways. Focus on one to three of the strongest topics rather than an exhaustive list. Draw attention to how your findings addressed the research problem or question.
It’s also effective to convey the implications or significance of your work. Discuss what your results mean for the field of engineering and potential applications or extensions of your research. How do your conclusions provide value, insight, or move the discussion forward? Leave the reader with a sense of bigger picture significance rather than specific technical details.
You may also choose to discuss any limitations, unanswered questions, or future directions for research. By pointing out the scope of your study and aspects that warrant more exploration, you acknowledge room for continued improvement and progress. This provides a more well-rounded perspective and justification for additional investigation. Do not dwell on weaknesses but present opportunities.
Close by expressing the importance of your topic using passionate yet professional language. reinforcement of why the issue matters draws the essay full circle. Restate how your findings addressed a problem or topics of industry relevance. Thank the reader for their time and interest in your contribution can also be a nice finishing statement.
The conclusion should be between 500-1000 words to achieve an appropriate level of depth while remaining concise. Check that it clearly ties back to the introduction and purpose without introducing new analysis or evidence. Maintain a formal, objective tone throughout. Proper proofreading is crucial to avoid errors distracting from the key takeaways. Follow standard formatting of your chosen engineering style guide for consistency. With practice and revisions, conclusions can effectively bookend technical papers and reports. I hope these tips provide a framework for strategic conclusions in engineering writing.
