How to write an effective conclusion Also known as putting it all together

What is a conclusion? A conclusion is a summary of the experiment. It is putting the hypothesis together with the data, analyzing the data, and coming up with a concluding or ending thought. It is a written answer to the original question with supporting evidence from your data.

So where to start… Every conclusion begins with a topic sentence. In a conclusion, the topic sentence is (1) the restatement of the problem/question.

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate the Problem

Now on to your hypothesis.. Your hypothesis is the driving force in your experiment. Therefore, the next thing you do is (2) restate the hypothesis. What was it you predicted?

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate the problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis

So was your hypothesis supported by the data? Evaluate your hypothesis (3A) Does the data support the hypothesis? State either the results supported your hypothesis or the results did not support your hypothesis.

Our conclusion outline 1= Restate the problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis 3 = Evaluate your hypothesis A = Do your results support your hypothesis?

Now provide evidence (3B) Provide actual data in sentence form that backs up your previous statement about results supporting or not supporting your hypothesis. By doing this you are providing evidence to support the claims or statements you make in your conclusions.

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate the problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis 3 = Evaluate your hypothesis A = Do your results support your hypothesis? B = Provide evidence from your data

Next (4) What type of relationship was there, if any? Provide evidence. –How did the test variable effect the outcome variable? –Were there any trends (changes; increases or decreases) or patterns (repeated data that is similar) in the data?

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate the problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis 3 = Evaluate your hypothesis A = Do your results support your hypothesis? B = Provide evidence from your data 4 = Evaluate the relationships or trends in the data –Provide evidence

Getting closer (5) Discuss issues, problems or errors with the investigation. Provide evidence.

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate the problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis 3 = Evaluate your hypothesis A = Do your results support your hypothesis? B = Provide evidence from your data 4 = Evaluate the relationships or trends in the data –Provide evidence 5 = Issues or problems with the investigation –Provide evidence

Yeah! We’re almost there….

Concluding sentence (6) This sentence should –Begin with a transition word To sum it up Clearly In conclusion Obviously –Rephrase the original question or problem –Remind the reader why this was important

Our conclusion outline 1 = Restate Problem 2 = Restate your hypothesis 3 = Evaluate your hypothesis A = Do your results support your hypothesis? B = Provide evidence from your data 4 = Relationships or trends in the data –Provide evidence 5 = Issues or problems with the investigation –Provide evidence 6 = Wrap it up! - Concluding sentence with transition word, rephrased problem, and explanation of why the experiment was important.