The conclusion of a research paper in MLA format serves an important purpose—it brings closure to the ideas, arguments, and evidence presented throughout the paper. While the conclusion may seem rather straightforward, crafting an effective conclusion takes skill and careful consideration. This article will explore key elements of the abstract and conclusion sections in MLA format research papers to help students and researchers develop conclusion paragraphs that tie together the overall paper in a cohesive manner.
The Abstract
Let’s first discuss the abstract, which comes before the main body and conclusion in a research paper formatted according to MLA style. An abstract is a brief (usually 150-250 words) summary of the key points in your paper. It should include your research topic, research question or thesis, sources used, methodology, and main findings or conclusions. The purpose of the abstract is to provide potential readers with a preview of your paper so they can easily determine its overall scope and focus without reading the entire document. The abstract is also useful for databases that may archive your research.
Some key things to remember when writing an abstract in MLA format include:
Concisely summarize your paper’s central theme or research question within the first few sentences.
Briefly mention your primary sources and methodology, such as which texts or archival materials you examined and how you analyzed them. Only provide high-level info here.
Include a sentence or two summarizing your main findings and conclusions without going into too much detail. The goal is to foreshadow your results, not give away the entire argument.
Limit the abstract to one paragraph and stay within the 150-250 word range. Be succinct in your language.
Do not include citations, images, footnotes, or headings in the abstract. Its purpose is to independently encapsulate the essence of your paper.
Properly writing an abstract in MLA format establishes the foundation and context readers need prior to delving into the full document and conclusion. Crafting it clearly and concisely sets the stage for your entire research effort.
The Conclusion Paragraph
After the main body sections where you analyze and discuss sources, evidence, opposing viewpoints, and ultimately lay out your overall argument—you arrive at the conclusion. This final paragraph has four main objectives in MLA research papers:
Briefly restate your thesis. Restate the central argument or research question you outlined in your introduction, only using different wording to avoid repetition. Remind readers of your focus.
Summarize main points. Concisely highlight the two or three most important findings, analyses, or perspectives discussed in the body paragraphs that relate back to your thesis.
Note significance. Discuss how your research adds value by noting implications, addressing limitations, connecting to broader issues, showing how it advances knowledge, or highlighting topics for future study.
Close statement. Conclude with a final, impactful remark that ties everything together and leaves the reader with a strong final thought. Avoid introducing new information and keep this high-level.
Some additional tips for crafting an effective MLA conclusion paragraph include:
Maintain the same academic style and avoid overly emotional language you used throughout the paper.
Keep it concise at 2-5 sentences while addressing the four objectives above in a clear, logical flow.
Do not introduce new evidence, arguments, or topics not previously discussed in the body. Synthesize old rather than introduce new.
Consider ending on a thought-provoking note that prompts further thought or sends the reader away with inspiration.
Check that your closing statement relates directly back to your thesis and doesn’t drift off topic.
Proofread carefully to avoid grammatical errors that could undermine your otherwise solid conclusion.
A well-crafted conclusion is vital for tying together all the different strands of thinking in a research project formatted according to MLA guidelines. Addressing each of the key elements outlined helps develop a cohesive ending that leaves lasting impact. With practice, students and researchers can hone concise yet insightful conclusions.
Synthesizing Sources
Now that we’ve reviewed the proper components of an abstract and conclusion paragraph, let’s delve deeper into synthesizing outside sources to support your writing. Strong research papers rely on intelligent use of credible sources to validate arguments, fill in context and address counterclaims. It is therefore important to effectively weave relevant quotes, summaries and paraphrases from sources throughout the body and into the conclusion.
Some best practices for source synthesis:
Introduce sources with signaling phrases like “According to [author],…” before paraphrasing or quoting briefly.
Summarize, paraphrase or quote sources accurately but concisely, avoiding excessive length that interrupts the flow.
Where multiple sources support a claim, cite them together with “semicolon method” for brevity, e.g. (Smith 25; Johnson 76; Williams 12).
Smoothly integrate sources within sentences using transitions like “furthermore,” “in addition” or “similarly.” Avoid abrupt changes in voice.
Explain the relevance or need for source input rather than just dropping uncited details.
Ensure quoted text directly connects back to your main argument and is properly set off with quotation marks in the body.
Include cited sources in your conclusion as well when restating main points, either by summarizing author perspectives or quoting directly to reinforce impact.
Thoroughly yet judiciously synthesizing relevant source material strengthens claims and lends credibility. Doing so takes practice but makes for more compelling arguments when integrated smoothly throughout, especially the conclusion which solidifies your contribution to knowledge.
Effective Writing Methods
Now that we have explored abstract and conclusion components along with incorporating sources, let’s delve deeper into a few writing methods that can be employed to develop an impactful research project framework, especially for the conclusion:
Backwards Outlining – Many researchers find it helpful to first sketch out potential conclusion points before diving into the body. Outlining the conclusion you want readers left with can guide your analysis and arguments.
Freewriting – Unrestricted “stream of consciousness” journaling about your findings and their significance can spark insights to distill into an overview for the conclusion.
Thesis Statement Development – Iterative refining of your central argument statement through research helps ensure the conclusion coherently links back without feeling contrived.
Reverse Brainstorming – Imagine the conclusion first then map back to the connecting evidence threads. This scaffolding approach focuses analysis.
Concluding Transition Words – Playing around with phrases like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” or “ultimately” when outlining aids flow.
Sandwich Structure – Surrounding the thesis restatement with summarizing impact statements makes the reiteration clearer.
These prewriting methods facilitate reflection on how to bring synthesis and closure. Regardless of technique, the key is crafting a logical flow from introduction to body paragraphs and a satisfying conclusion that addresses areas for future research and leaves lasting insight. With practice, researchers garner abilities to craft cohesive conclusions that tie up the analytic loose ends.
Additional Tips
Let’s conclude with a few final tips on polishing that MLA conclusion:
Check paragraph adheres to conventional MLA length, structure and style established.
Reread full paper to ensure conclusion logic aligns and arguments/evidence referenced connects back seamlessly.
Ask peers to review for flaws, clarity and impact. Fresh eyes aid objectivity.
Consider emulating conclusion techniques from exemplary published papers on related topics as learning models.
Proofread thoroughly for grammar, punctuation, formatting and citing errors that undermine evidence presented.
Leave conclusion on powerful note reasserting core message. Leaving pondering can prompt further critical thought and action.
Feel empowered to iterate and improve, honing ability to tie research together through thoughtful conclusion.
Practicing constructing sound MLA format conclusions will serve these ends, whether for student papers or publications. With focus on distilling key threads in the summarizing, assessing and closing phases, impactful endings unite analytic efforts into meaningful wholes.
Andrew Stroud