How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion

ByDr. Hudgens Essay Writing Guides

Nursing students are often tasked with writing compare-and-contrast essays analyzing two nursing-related subjects. The conclusion is a critical part of any strong essay. For compare and contrast essays, the conclusion should summarize key points and reinforce the significance of the comparison. This article will discuss techniques for writing compelling concluding paragraphs in compare and contrast nursing essays.

Purpose of the Conclusion in Compare and Contrast Essays

In a compare and contrast essay, a well-structured conclusion is essential to effectively summarize the main points of the comparison and to reiterate the significance of the analysis. Below is a general structure with key concepts for your conclusion:

  • Summarizes the main points of comparison and contrast presented in the body paragraphs
  • Synthesizes the analysis into broader conclusions and takeaways
  • Reinforces the significance of the comparison and reiterates key learnings
  • Connects back to the original thesis statement and purpose of the essay
  • It provides closure for the reader without introducing any new arguments

For compare and contrast essays, the conclusion combines the main similarities and differences explored throughout the essay. It acts as the final word on the analysis you have laid out.

Strategies for Writing Strong Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusions

Here are effective strategies to implement when writing conclusions for compare-and-contrast essays:

Briefly Summarize Key Points

Open the conclusion by briefly recapping the main similarities and differences discussed in your body paragraphs without going into too much detail. Use summary phrases like “As outlined above…” to reinforce the topics covered.

Synthesize Insights

Move beyond just summarizing points to synthesize broader insights. What overall conclusions can you draw from the detailed comparison? What new understanding has the reader gained? Share reflective final thoughts on the significance of the analysis.

Revisit the Thesis

Directly connect back to your original thesis statement. Reiterate the main focus areas compared; the aspects contrasted, and the overall purpose you established. Show how your analysis supported the central thesis.

Close with Impact

End by explaining why this comparison matters to nursing practice, education, leadership, or knowledge-building. Make final remarks on the broader implications and impact to leave the reader with memorable takeaways.

Echo Introduction

Consider incorporating imagery, quotes, or questions from the introduction to create cohesion. Subtly remind the reader of how the essay opened.

Transition Smoothly

Use transition words like “In conclusion,” “Overall,” “In summary,” or “In closing” to cue the reader that you are moving to final thoughts. This provides smooth continuity.

What to Avoid in Your Concluding Paragraph

When closing your nursing compare and contrast essay, be sure to avoid:

  • Introducing new arguments, evidence, or topics
  • Simply restating the thesis verbatim without synthesizing insights
  • Neglecting to tie conclusions back to the original focus and purpose
  • Making the conclusion overly repetitive of earlier paragraphs
  • Concluding abruptly without a cohesive wrap-up
  • Keep your concluding remarks focused and impactful.

Tips for Refining Your Concluding Paragraph

Writing conclusions for nursing compare and contrast essays involves creativity and strategy. Use these tips to strengthen your final paragraph:

  • Spend time synthesizing and reflecting on key learnings to identify impactful closing thoughts.
  • Craft a cohesive paragraph that flows smoothly without abrupt shifts.
  • Read your draft conclusion before the introduction to check for continuity.
  • Avoid repetitiveness by using fresh language to recap the main points.
  • Ask a peer to read your essay without the conclusion and summarize key takeaways. Incorporate these insights.
  • Double-check that the conclusion aligns with the central focus of your thesis.

Taking time to polish your concluding paragraph will elevate your entire essay.

Key Takeaways on Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusions

The conclusion provides the final statement when comparing and contrasting two nursing subjects in an essay. An effective concluding paragraph:

  • Concisely recaps major similarities and differences
  • Synthesizes analysis into impactful conclusions
  • This relates to the original thesis
  • Highlights broader implications for nursing
  • Provides graceful closure for the reader

Using strategic techniques for summarizing, synthesizing, and reiterating the significance of your comparison will result in a polished essay that makes a convincing argument. Nursing students who master writing cogent conclusions are well-equipped to compose influential essay topics.

Compare and Contrast Nursing Essay Conclusion Examples

When writing a conclusion for a compare and contrast essay, you are essentially bringing together the key findings to underscore the central argument. Here are some essay examples to guide you:

Example 1

In conclusion, this essay has analyzed key similarities and differences between nursing education curriculum at the associate degree and bachelor's degree levels. While both programs provide foundational nursing skills and knowledge, the extra coursework required for a BSN degree equips nurses for leadership, research, and population health perspectives. 

Both pathways lead to RN licensure and strong clinical capabilities. However, the research-focused BSN courses cultivate analytical skills to translate evidence into nursing practice. This aids nurses in making judgements for providing holistic, evidence-based care. 

In an evolving healthcare landscape, BSN-prepared nurses are well-positioned to improve patient outcomes through their clinical reasoning, leadership, and healthcare system analysis. Although ADN and BSN nurses qualify for the same nursing jobs initially, the additional expertise developed through a BSN program prepares nurses for advanced roles improving patient care delivery and advocacy.

Example 2

While hospital nursing diploma programs and university BSN programs take different approaches to nursing education, they share the common goal of preparing competent, caring nurses. The hospital-based pathway provides extensive clinical hours on technical skills and practical experience. Meanwhile, university BSN programs incorporate more theory, research, and liberal arts into a broader curriculum.

Ultimately, both programs cover the fundamentals of evidence-based nursing care. However, the additional coursework required for a university BSN lays the foundation for nurses to understand better the social, cultural, and political factors that impact patient populations. 

This helps develop leadership competencies to drive change within complex healthcare systems. Moving forward, university BSN programs will continue playing a key role in preparing nurses to address emerging population health challenges and serve as collaborative partners with other healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The conclusion of a compare and contrast nursing essay plays a pivotal role in reinforcing key analyses and driving home the significance of the comparison. Students should leverage proven techniques for summarizing critical points, synthesizing insights, returning to the thesis, and highlighting impact. 

A strong concluding paragraph provides graceful closure without introducing new topics. Nursing students who take the time to craft cohesive conclusions will elevate the effectiveness of their compare-and-contrast essays.