What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a conclusion for a UPSC Mains Exam?

 

The UPSC Mains examiner turns to your essay conclusion, hoping for an impactful final act. But a hasty wrap-up lacking synthesis leaves them unimpressed. With preparation time running out, how can you perfect the art of impactful conclusions?

Avoiding common conclusion writing mistakes is key. Steer clear of abrupt endings, disconnected thoughts, and repetitive summaries. Understand how to seamlessly unify your ideas into a compelling final paragraph. 

In this article, we provide UPSC aspirants with insights from essay experts on structuring strong conclusions. Learn how to impress examiners by reinforcing your thesis logically, highlighting key takeaways, and ending powerfully. Let's dissect the anatomy of impactful conclusions to give your UPSC essay writing an upgraded edge!

 Understanding the Significance of a Conclusion

Before delving into the mistakes, let's grasp the importance of a conclusion in the UPSC Mains Exam. A conclusion serves as the final impression you leave on the examiners. It's the last chance to drive home your main points and convince the evaluator of your argument's strength. A well-crafted conclusion can elevate an otherwise average answer to a remarkable one.

Common Mistakes in Conclusion Writing

Repetition of Main Points

One of the most common mistakes aspirants make is restating the main points from the body of their answers. While summarization is essential, repetition can make your conclusion redundant. Instead, aim to offer a fresh perspective or insight that ties your argument together.

Introduction of New Information

Your conclusion should refrain from introducing new facts, data, or arguments. This disrupts the flow of your answer and can confuse the examiner. Stick to what you've already discussed in your answer and avoid springing surprises in the conclusion.

Lack of Clarity

A vague and unclear conclusion can leave the examiner unsatisfied. Ensure that your concluding statements are concise and to the point. Avoid convoluted language or excessive jargon.

Not Addressing the Question Directly

Some candidates stray away from directly addressing the question in their conclusion. Remember that your conclusion should be a concise response to the main question or prompt. Deviating from this can cost you valuable marks.

Being Overly Biased

Maintain objectivity in your conclusion. While you may have a personal opinion, the conclusion should not come across as biased. Stick to a balanced and neutral tone.

Lengthy and Complex Sentences

Long, complex sentences can confuse the reader and dilute the impact of your conclusion. Keep your sentences clear and straightforward to ensure your message is understood.

Neglecting the Word Limit

Exceeding the word limit in your conclusion is a grave mistake. It reflects a lack of time management and can result in valuable content being left unaddressed. Always adhere to the prescribed word limit.

How to Write an Effective Conclusion

Now that we've identified the common mistakes, let's explore how to write an effective conclusion for your UPSC Mains Exam.

Summarize Key Points

Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points you've made in your answer. This reinforces your argument and reminds the examiner of your main ideas.

Restate Your Thesis

Reiterate your thesis statement in a concise manner. This reminds the examiner of your central argument throughout your answer.

Leave a Thought-Provoking Ending

End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a question related to the topic. This leaves a lasting impression on the examiner and encourages further reflection.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1: Can I include personal experiences in my conclusion?

Ans: While it's essential to maintain objectivity, you can use personal experiences if they directly relate to the topic and support your argument. But be careful not to overdo it. 

Q.2: Should I include citations in my conclusion?

Citations are generally not required in the conclusion. Your conclusion should be a concise summary of your own ideas and arguments.

Q.3: How long should a conclusion be?

Ans: A conclusion should be brief and to the point, typically comprising 10-15% of your total answer length.

Q.4: Can I use bullet points in my conclusion?

While bullet points can be effective for summarizing, they should be used sparingly in a conclusion. It's generally better to use complete sentences for clarity.

Q.5: Is it okay to end with a quote in the conclusion?

Ending with a relevant and impactful quote can be a powerful way to conclude your answer, but ensure it aligns with your argument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting an effective conclusion for a UPSC Mains Exam is a skill that can significantly impact your scores. By avoiding common mistakes such as repetition, introducing new information, being overly biased, and following the guidelines for writing an effective conclusion, you can leave a strong and lasting impression on the examiners. Remember, your conclusion is your final opportunity to showcase your knowledge and argumentative skills, so make it count. Good luck with your UPSC Mains Exam, and may your conclusions always be impeccable.

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