What’s a conclusion?

An important part of any argument is a conclusion. It’s something that can be evident at the end of a persuasive piece or you can ‘guess’ what it is from reading an argument paragraph.

A conclusion is a statement that summarises or ‘wraps up’ what is being claimed and the evidence provided in an argument paragraph.

That’s why, in many respects, determining what a paragraph concludes is reading comprehension activity and a thinking activity.

The thinking usually relates to which of the options best encapsulates the paragraph.

Sounds simple right? Well… let’s see how to identify a conclusion.

How to identify a conclusion among options

To identify a conclusion among options, following this simple guide:

1. Look at options provided – identify ‘narrow’ range vs. broad range vs. 1+ components range (see video for explanation). Understand exactly what each option is saying and understand their limitations and how they differ.
2. Read the argument provided noting down the claim and evidence. Does the evidence extend the claim or lead into a different angle?
3. Match up the best option with the argument paragraph. Use an on-balance approach – that is, refer to the paragraph for ‘evidence’ and use quantity to guide you to select the correct answer. That is, if there are more statements that lead to one option, it’s likely to be the correct one.

Let’s see it in action now with a worked example.

Example Question/s

Watch video for explanation of the following question/s:

Byron Bay, a regional town abundant in natural beauty is becoming a very well-known place. Celebrities have flocked to the area to establish homes due to the natural environment and as a result, the celebrities have attracted more tourists and people wishing to reside in the area permanently. With greater foot traffic in the area, the natural environment has suffered and is costing Byron Bay the beautiful scenery on which its attraction depends.

A. Byron Bay needs its natural beauty to attract celebrities.
B. Celebrities can significantly influence the popularity of a location.
C. Tourism causes destruction to the environment of regional towns.
D. Increased population is damaging Byron Bay’s natural environment which is its drawcard.

Key Rules to remember

• A conclusion ‘wraps up’ an argument – therefore, hints to select the right answer will be found in both the options and also in the argument. In many respects, this is a ‘thinking’ reading comprehension question.
• Look at the angle of options and look at what’s broad, narrow or combined.
  
• Use an on-balance approach to decide on your answer selection.

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Here’s a thought experiment #7.

Remember, there is no formal answer and this experiment is provided to help stimulate your creativity and critical thinking (a ‘thought experiment’ is provided at the end of every checkpoint except checkpoint 18).

Thought experiment 7:

If you could send one thing to live in outer space to represent Earth, what would it be? And why?

Take your time to work through this thought experiment as it is not assessed and provided to help develop your deeper thinking skills. Think about various components of the question. What questions will you ask yourself and how do you answer your questions?

Now, let’s turn to the checkpoint questions.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let’s get started on your practice questions.

---