Examples of Weak vs. Strong Research Paper Conclusions

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 A strong conclusion summarizes the main points of your research without simply restating the introduction.
• 📝 It provides a sense of closure and demonstrates the significance of your findings.
• 💡 A weak conclusion may introduce new information or fail to connect the research to a broader context.
• 🌍 A good conclusion often suggests avenues for future research or discusses the limitations of the current study.
• 🧪 Avoid phrases like "in conclusion" or "to summarize" – let the strength of your writing speak for itself.
• 📈 Strong conclusions tie back to the research question, indicating if it was answered, and how.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of a *weak* research paper conclusion?
   1. A) Summarizes the main points clearly.
   2. B) Introduces entirely new arguments not discussed in the paper.
   3. C) Offers suggestions for future research.
   4. D) Provides a sense of closure.
2. Which of the following best exemplifies a *strong* conclusion?
   1. A) Simply repeats the introduction verbatim.
   2. B) Raises more questions than it answers.
   3. C) Highlights the significance of the findings and their implications.
   4. D) Ignores the limitations of the research.
3. What should a good conclusion *avoid* doing?
   1. A) Connecting the research to a broader context.
   2. B) Acknowledging limitations.
   3. C) Introducing new, unsupported claims.
   4. D) Suggesting future research.
4. A conclusion that states, "More research is needed" without specifying *why* or *how* is generally considered:
   1. A) A strong and insightful observation.
   2. B) A weak and generic statement.
   3. C) An effective call to action.
   4. D) A demonstration of thoroughness.
5. Which element is crucial for providing closure in a research paper conclusion?
   1. A) Introducing a completely new topic.
   2. B) Restating the thesis in different words and summarizing findings.
   3. C) Ignoring the research question.
   4. D) Apologizing for any shortcomings in the research.
6. What distinguishes a *strong* conclusion from a mere summary?
   1. A) Length; longer conclusions are always stronger.
   2. B) The inclusion of new data.
   3. C) An analysis of the implications of the research findings.
   4. D) The use of highly technical jargon.
7. Which of the following phrases would *weaken* a research paper's conclusion?
   1. A) "The study suggests..."
   2. B) "This research contributes to..."
   3. C) "In conclusion, as demonstrated above..."
   4. D) "Future studies should explore..."