Conclusions I can write an effective conclusion that summarizes my main points and gives a call to action.

Conclusion Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research.

Conclusions Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.

Conclusion Strategies Restate or summarize the major points Offer a final “clincher” point (a “parting gift”) Emphasize one specific insight Cite the broad significance or deeper implications of the main points Make a prediction Recommend how the information can be applied Be creative: Tell a relevant story, ask a question or cite an authority

What to AVOID in your Conclusion: Do not go off the track. Do not reword your introduction.   Do not announce what you have done. Do not make absolute claims. Do not apologize.

MLA Formatting for your Research Paper

MLA Formatting Format 12 point font, Times New Roman Double spaced 1 inch margins on all sides In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks; write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters. Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number.

MLA Works Cited Page Is located at the end of the paper on a separate page. Is alphabetized by the first letter of the first MAJOR word (a and the don’t count) Is UNIFORMLY DOUBLE SPACED (you should not hit the enter key more than once—ever) Indent second and third lines five spaces or use a “Hanging Indent” under paragraph formatting options. Is 12pt font, Times New Roman

General Tips: Works Cited List only those sources that you actually used List the complete title of the article, essay, or book When you have one author, their LAST NAME comes first. When you have two authors, the first author’s LAST NAME comes first, but the second author’s FIRST NAME comes first. (Smith, Adam, and Julie Holland.) Where you put periods and commas MATTERS.

General Tips: Dates Dates are formatted in the following order: Day Abbreviated Month Year Ex: 4 May 2015 10 June 2015 25 Oct. 2015 Abbreviate all months except May, June, and July. Use the first 3 letters AND a period for your abbreviations. If there is NO DATE GIVEN FOR PUBLICATION, you must put n.d.

Drafting We will be working on drafting our research paper, including our conclusions, for the rest of class!

Peer Review and Editing If you would like to self-edit or find a peer to trade papers with, I have provided several resources for you to do this on my website. This is not a requirement, but if you are concerned about your paper, I suggest you take this extra step!  Also, remember that you can always practice Reverse Outlining on your own paper, as well as others, to check for consistency and clarity of argument.