Difference Between Summary and Conclusion: Know the Differences (2024)

When it comes to writing academic papers, reports, or even articles, two essential components often included are the summary and the conclusion. While they both serve distinct purposes, many people confuse them or use the terms interchangeably. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between a summary and a conclusion, their unique characteristics, and their importance in written work.

Summary

Conclusion

Briefly restates the main points or ideas of a text

Provides a final analysis or judgment based on the information presented

Concisely captures the key information or main ideas

Offers a final thought or opinion on the subject

Focuses on the content of the text or presentation

Reflects on the significance or implications of the information

Usually appears at the beginning or end of a text

Typically appears at the end of a text

Does not introduce new information or ideas

May introduce new insights or perspectives

Objective and factual

Can be subjective and speculative

Does not include personal opinions or judgments

May include personal opinions or judgments

Provides a condensed version of the original material

Offers a synthesis of the information presented

Helps readers understand the main points without reading the entire text

Helps readers interpret the findings and understand their implications

May be used as a standalone piece to provide an overview

Requires the context of the preceding content

Example: "In summary, the article discussed the causes and effects of climate change."

Example: "In conclusion, based on the evidence presented, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate the impact of climate change."

Example: "To summarize, the novel follows the journey of a young protagonist as she navigates personal growth and societal challenges."

Example: "In conclusion, the author successfully conveys the theme of resilience through the protagonist's transformative journey."

Example: "In brief, the report highlighted the key findings of the study and their implications for future research."

Example: "In conclusion, the study's findings suggest the need for further investigation into the potential therapeutic applications of the new drug."

Emphasizes the main points without adding personal interpretation

Offers a final interpretation or judgment based on the presented evidence

Does not require the writer's personal opinion or perspective

Often reflects the writer's personal perspective or stance

Can be a standalone piece summarizing the main points of a text

Relies on the preceding content to build a comprehensive argument or analysis

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion: Know the Differences (2024)

FAQs

Difference Between Summary and Conclusion: Know the Differences? ›

Key Differences

What is the difference between conclusion and summary? ›

A summary is a condensed version of previous facts while a conclusion is a deduction or inference based on those facts. This portion of a document does not introduce new facts or arguments, it simply reviews and lists facts and arguments previously presented and then draws conclusions based on those facts.

What is the difference between summary of findings conclusion and recommendations? ›

Findings: recitation of the facts that have been established. Conclusions: the writer's summary opinion of what the facts precisely demonstrate. Recommendations: future actions that the writer feels make sense, based on the Findings and Conclusions.

What is the main difference between conclusion and results? ›

RESULTS are the presentation of data and hence findings or investigations. DISCUSSION provides the explanation and interpretation of results or findings by comparing with the findings in prior studies. CONCLUSION is to write the output of the work/ investigations in summarized form.

What is the difference between the executive summary and the conclusion? ›

The executive summary previews what the plan is going to be about, while the conclusion reviews what the plan has discussed. An executive summary is a broad overview of the business plan, while the conclusion is a concise summary of the information a certain investor or individual needs to know.

What is the difference between Summery and conclusion? ›

Key Differences

Purpose: A summary aims to provide an overview of the main points, while a conclusion offers closure and final thoughts. Content: Summaries focus on condensing the entire text, while conclusions draw from the main points and arguments.

What is an example of a conclusion? ›

Example: In conclusion, Frederick Douglass was, as we have seen, a pioneer in American education, proving that education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

What is the conclusion of summarizing? ›

A conclusion is the final section of an essay or document summarizing the most important points made throughout the main body of writing. It's essentially the final statement that defines a decision reached by reasoning and analysis.

What is the definition of conclusion? ›

A conclusion is the last part of something, its end or result. When you write a paper, you always end by summing up your arguments and drawing a conclusion about what you've been writing about.

What is the difference between an opinion and a conclusion? ›

Opinions are thoughts people have about the facts. Conclusions are logical derivations from the facts. One of the most important things I learned at McKinsey was to never confuse opinions with facts or conclusions.

What are the three main points of a conclusion? ›

A good conclusion should do a few things:
  • Restate your thesis.
  • Synthesize or summarize your major points.
  • Make the context of your argument clear.

What are the 3 conclusions? ›

The conclusion of an essay has three major parts:
  • Answer: the thesis statement, revisited.
  • Summary: main points and highlights from the body paragraphs.
  • Significance: the relevance and implications of the essay's findings.
Oct 25, 2012

How do you identify a conclusion? ›

The main conclusion is the statement that the arguer is trying to prove, and everything else is in its service. It's usually a broad claim. It's often a prediction, value judgment, recommendation, interpretation, or theory, but it can also be a simple statement of something the arguer believes to be true.

Which comes first, summary or conclusion? ›

Which comes first, summary or conclusion? Typically they come at the same time, in the same place. A summary is something that is often included in the conclusion (of a written piece).

What is the difference between summary abstract and conclusion? ›

Summary: Its a brief note that gives us an overview, ideas and insight about major topics in a paper. Abstract: Its a short note that express the contents of the work. Conclusion: Its a statement/decision reached by the researcher based on findings in the research.

How long should a summary be? ›

Summaries can vary in length. A normal summary is 1-2 pages at most, while a brief summary is usually no more than 1-2 paragraphs.

How do you write a summary or conclusion? ›

o Reiterate the thesis statement/sentence O Summarize the paper's major points o Restate or re-emphasize the significance of the topic(s) o Reaches a conclusion that is based on concrete facts o States a conclusion as a result of facts and explanation ■ NOTE: A writer cannot have a conclusion without evidence (facts) ...

How do you summarize without saying in conclusion? ›

lastly. Another transition word that is good for conclusions is lastly, an adverb meaning "in conclusion; in the last place; finally." Lastly can be used in informational or argumentative essays or speeches. It is a way to signal that you are about to provide the last point in your summary or argument.

Should you summarize in a conclusion? ›

The best conclusion will include a synthesis, not just a summary—instead of a mere list of your major points, the best conclusion will draw those points together and relate them to one another so that your reader can apply the information given in the essay.

How do you explain a conclusion? ›

Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 5452

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.