What makes a good conclusion?

While the introduction and the main body of an essay are obviously very important to gaining a good mark, the most integral aspect of essay writing is the conclusion. A paragraph at the very end of an essay which is designed, essentially, to answer the question directly that one has been discussing up until that point. The standard A Level standard question will ask you to explain, discuss or make a judgement about 'how far' a certain factor was important in a certain event etc. Therefore, a good conclusion will ensure that it first addresses this question directly and allows the examiner to see that one has understood the question being asked, considered the various points on both sides of the debate (this will be the main body of the text) and subsequently made a mature and justifiable judgement. A conclusion of the highest calibre may also include a sentence or two at the very end which widens the scope of the question asked and potentially highlights any potential flaws in ones ability to answer the question. Ultimately though, the perfect conclusion is one which gives a concise answer to the title question and can support this answer with a couple of clear points.

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Answered by Simon F. History tutor

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