Documenting United States History

putting it all together 55

Conclusion

Effective conclusions move beyond a summary of the body paragraphs into more

global statements about the issue at hand. When you conclude a comparison-and-

contrast essay, the conclusion should answer one (or more) of these questions:

1. Why is this particular comparison important to understanding this topic?
   In this case, how does comparing the economic and religious aspects of early
   colonization enhance our understanding of this era?


2. What allowed these competing forces of economics and religion to endure?


3. To what extent does this comparison resemble earlier eras of history? Why?

Compose a concluding statement to this outline. In a future revision, this

concluding statement may actually be closer to your revised final thesis.

03_STA_2012_ch2_027-056.indd 55 11/03/15 12:38 PM