Conclusions

In (very) general, a "good" conclusion will

—reinforce ideas without becoming repetitive

—engage readers by helping them connect personally with the points you have just covered

Some common "traps" that writers often fall into when writing conclusions include:

—“In conclusion,” (Your conclusion should create an air of finality rather than having to proclaim that it is, indeed, a conclusion.)

—“So we should all just be nicer to each other.”

¡You should avoid offering a really vague, simplistic solution to what you’ve just spent several pages arguing about.

For class tomorrow, please come in with a few thoughts about the conclusion of "Music in US-China Diplomacy. First of all, where does the conclusion begin? Does it fall into any of the common "traps" of conclusion-writing? Does it successful reinforce ideas and engage readers?

You should answer the same two questions about your partners' conclusions, which means that you will need to read both papers in their entirety. Come prepared to discuss the introduction and conclusion of their paper in class tomorrow.