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Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

This guide explains the process required to complete the IB Extended Essay.

Writing Your Conclusion

The conclusion of your Extended Essay should reiterate the key findings and main points development in the body of the essay and must answer your research question.

General advice about conclusions

  • A conclusion is not just a summary of your points or a re-statement of your thesis.
    • When you do summarize, use fresh language.
    • Remind the reader of how the evidence you’ve presented has contributed to your thesis.
  • Like the rest of your essay, the conclusion involves critical thinking.
    • Reflect upon the significance of what you’ve written.
    • Try to convey some closing thoughts about the larger implications of your argument.
  • Broaden your focus a bit at the end of your essay.
    • A good last sentence leaves the examiner with something to think about. Consider reflecting on a concept that you've somehow illuminated by what you’ve written in your essay.
Tip: a recommended word count for your conclusion is 350-450 words.

Dos and Don'ts for the Conclusion

Here is a list of elements that you can include in your conclusion, as well as writing choices to avoid:

DO

DON'T
  • Provide a response to the actual question on your title page (instead of drifting into a different question or focus)
  • Comment on any inconclusive findings or multiple interpretations (if that's what your research has indicated)
  • Disprove your core thesis (if your evidence has led you to this conclusion)
  • Offer an evaluation of the value and limitations of the methodology, process, or any sources you've used
  • Mention any unresolved or additional questions that have arisen as a result of your research and why their answer goes beyond the scope of your essay
  • Summarize the key points raised in the main body and synthesize them into a final analysis
  • Answer a question that is different to the one on the cover
  • Introduce any new material (this includes quotes you haven't already introduced in your essay)
  • Offer no conclusion whatsoever (you should offer a resolution even if it's partial or incomplete)
  • Include any emotive or personal statements
  • Include any accusations (it's not your role to judge)