A good conclusion, read in isolation, should provide the reader with an overview of the preceding account. It should be possible to work out the topic matter that has been written about together with the general emphasis of the argument.
For the current A Level essays that are required, a conclusion should amount to between 75 and 100 words.
The first thing to say is that a clear conclusion must be evident, even if it consists of just one sentence. It should address the question directly and make a final judgement about the ideas/issues which the essay has focused on.
However, it is advisable to produce a more substantial conclusion - not merely a perfunctory sentence. This is because the mark schemes for the evaluative essays put a high premium on the ability of candidates to:
(i) think and/or reflect critically
(ii) and/or make connections between different geographic ideas and issues to develop a topic overview.
(iii) or both.
When it comes to ‘to what extent’ or ‘how far do you agree’ questions:
• never ‘sit on the fence’
• equally, it is best to avoid extreme agreement or disagreement
• An 'agree because….., but…...' or a 'disagree because …., but…...' judgement is often the best position to take.
A good conclusion acknowledges explicitly that any conclusion reached is likely to be partial because there are many ways of thinking about the issue, and/or many perspectives to consider. It should refer to the most significant facts which have featured in the main body of the essay (in support of an evidence-based final judgement). It may refer to specialist geographical theories, terms or ideas in order to add 'weight' to the final judgement. Finally, it may establish connections between different ideas and themes that are featured in the essay.
The following sections examines two conclusions to two different essay titles. A brief commentary is provided in each case.
Title 1: ‘Globalisation is mainly driven by the actions of transnational corporations (TNCs).’
How far do you agree with this statement?
Conclusion A:
Having looked at both sides of the question, on balance I believe that nowadays TNCs are the most powerful force driving globalisation. They have more money than many poor countries and can make their products profitable in almost any country by using glocalisation, as this essay has shown. However, technology is important too, especially the internet, so it is not just TNCs that are important in making globalisation happen.
Commentary: an overview of the argument is provided in the first sentence. A single counterargument has been provided – the role of technology – adding some breadth to the argument.
Conclusion B:
In conclusion, TNCs act alongside other forces. I certainly do not agree that TNCs drive political globalisation - this is more likely the work of bodies such as the UN, EU and IMF. Furthermore, powerful governments like the USA have driven geopolitical changes that make it easier for their own TNCs to promote economic globalisation. Finally, technology in conjunction with TNCs drives social globalisation (e.g. Facebook). So while the statement may largely be true for economic globalisation, I have shown that other forces are driving different aspects of globalisation.
Commentary: an overall assessment is provided in the final sentence. However, the preceding sentences flag up that the argument has recognised that there is not a single definition of globalisation – economic, social, political – and one can infer that these have been examined in turn.
Title 2: Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied.
Conclusion A:
To conclude, generally the water balance of the Amazon is changing such that water is being lost from the system mainly due to human factors. Increased population has led to increased demand for resources putting a strain on our natural planet mostly felt by fragile environments such as the rainforest.
Commentary: a vague conclusion that points to human factors driving change in the water balance. There seems to be no acknowledgement of any other factors. Similarly, the impacts of these changes are difficult to decipher.
Conclusion B:
In summary, deforestation is causing the most impact on the Amazon rainforest in the short term, allowing more rainwater to reach the ground, and reducing evapotranspiration, whereas in the longer term it is likely that climate change will have the greatest impact. It is predicted that rainfall amounts will become less in total, and more variable. Climate change could in fact result in the decrease of the forest naturally through a drier climate, so the two main causes are interrelated.
Commentary: a stronger conclusion that points to two main causal factors – deforestation and climate change – with some clear reference to impacts on the water cycle. Furthermore, the final clause suggests a link between the two main themes.
I teach eduqas alevel geography, am I right in assuming the same protocols apply? They have 45 mark essays for some of the units. Thanks
is there a general format you have for conclusions - like a skeleton to follow for assess questions for example?