Have you ever struggled with determining the difference between a summary and a conclusion? You’re not alone! These two terms may seem similar, but they serve different purposes in academic writing.
A summary is a concise representation of the main ideas and significant details of a text, article, or presentation it provides a condensed version of the original material, often omitting minor points and examples, and focuses on the most important information. While a conclusion is the final section of a text, article, or presentation that brings together the key findings and provides a final opinion or recommendation.
Summary vs. Conclusion
| Summary | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| The purpose of a summary is to give an overview of the main points of a text, article, or presentation in a concise manner. | The purpose of a conclusion is to bring together the key ideas presented in the body of a text, article, or presentation and to provide a final opinion or recommendation. |
| It is usually shorter than the original text and focuses on the most important information. | It is typically longer than a summary and includes a more detailed discussion of the findings and their implications. |
| A summary focuses on the main ideas and significant details, often omitting minor points and examples. | A conclusion provides a comprehensive analysis of the main findings, including supporting evidence, limitations, and recommendations for future research. |
| It is usually placed at the beginning of a text or article to provide a preview of the content. | It is usually placed at the end of a text or article to summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. |
| A summary is written in an objective, third-person voice and does not include personal opinions or interpretations. | A conclusion may include the author’s personal views and opinions, as well as suggestions for further research or practical applications. |
| It is written for readers who want to quickly understand the main points of a text without reading the entire piece. | It is written for readers who have read the entire text and want a deeper understanding of the author’s findings and opinions. |
What is a summary?
A summary is a brief statement or account that gives the main points or gist of something. A conclusion, on the other hand, is the end or finish of something.
A summary simply provides an overview of the main points, while a conclusion draws conclusions from those points. In other words, a summary tells you what happened, while a conclusion tells you what it all means.
What is a conclusion?
A conclusion is the last section of an essay, report, or presentation. It summarizes the main points and gives your audience a final take-away.
A conclusion often includes the author’s personal views and opinions, as well as suggestions for further work or practical applications of the research or analysis conducted.
The purpose of a conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide a final opinion or recommendation based on the evidence presented in the body of the work.
How to write a summary and conclusion
A summary is a brief explanation of the main points of an article, report, or book. A conclusion is a final statement that draws together the main ideas of an argument or piece of writing.
A summary should provide a concise, objective account of the main points of an article or other text.
A conclusion, on the other hand, should offer a subjective interpretation of the material and provide a personal assessment of its implications.
Examples of summaries and conclusions
Examples of summaries:
- Research Paper Summary: “In this study, we investigated the effects of exercise on cognitive function in older adults. Through a randomized controlled trial involving 100 participants, we found that regular physical activity positively influences memory, attention, and executive function. These findings highlight the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.”
- Book Summary: “In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ F. Scott Fitzgerald explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream during the Jazz Age. The story follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, revealing the dark underbelly of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald’s evocative prose and vivid characters immerse readers in a world of glamour, decadence, and the tragic consequences of unfulfilled dreams.”
Examples of conclusions:
- Research Paper Conclusion: “In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence for the positive effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction. Through a comprehensive literature review and a meta-analysis of existing studies, we have demonstrated that regular mindfulness practice significantly decreases perceived stress levels and improves overall well-being. These findings support the integration of mindfulness-based interventions in stress management programs and highlight the potential for promoting mental health and resilience.”
- Essay Conclusion: “In summary, the Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on society, transforming economies, social structures, and daily life. It sparked the transition from agrarian to industrial societies, leading to urbanization, technological advancements, and mass production. While it brought about unprecedented economic growth and improved living standards, it also gave rise to numerous challenges such as poor working conditions, income inequality, and environmental degradation.
Tips for writing an effective summary or conclusion
- Keep it concise A summary or conclusion should be a brief recap of the main points of your article. It is not necessary to include new information or arguments in a summary or conclusion.
- Make sure it is clear A summary or conclusion should be easy to understand and should flow logically from the rest of the article. Be sure to proofread your summary or conclusion before publishing to ensure that it is free of errors.
- Highlight the key points A summary or conclusion is a good opportunity to highlight the most important points of your article for readers who may not have read the entire piece. Use bullet points or bolding to make key points stand out.
Key differences between summary and conclusion
- Purpose: The purpose of a summary is to provide a concise overview of the main points, ideas, or findings of a work. It focuses on presenting the essential information in a condensed form. In contrast, a conclusion aims to provide a final statement or interpretation based on the information presented. It offers a sense of closure to the work and often includes a reflection or recommendation.
- Content: A summary primarily focuses on the content of the work, presenting the main ideas, arguments, or findings in a brief and objective manner. It does not include personal opinions or interpretations. On the other hand, a conclusion may include a brief summary but also incorporates the author’s analysis, evaluation, or synthesis of the information presented. It may offer insights, implications, or suggestions for further research.
- Placement: In terms of placement within a written work, a summary is typically located at the beginning or end of a piece to provide readers with an overview before delving into the details. It helps readers understand the main points without having to read the entire work. A conclusion, on the other hand, is usually positioned at the end of the work as a final section that wraps up the discussion and provides a sense of completion.
- Length: Summaries are generally shorter in length compared to conclusions. They aim to condense the information into a concise format, often consisting of a few sentences or paragraphs. In contrast, conclusions tend to be longer and more detailed, as they incorporate a reflection on the information presented and may include recommendations or implications.
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Conclusion
A summary provides a brief overview of the main points of a text, while a conclusion summarizes the key findings and offers a final opinion or recommendation. While a summary is usually placed at the beginning of a text, a conclusion is typically placed at the end. Both a summary and a conclusion are important in helping readers understand the main ideas and messages of a piece of writing.
