Your conclusion should remind the reader of the line of reasoning you have guided them through, and how your essay has answered the original question.

In your introduction, these will probably have been used in the future tense eg, 'This essay will discuss.' In your conclusion, you could use the same verbs but in the past tense eg, 'This essay has discussed.'

Look at the verbs you have used in your introduction (eg, suggest, discuss, argue).

Some useful tips for signposting in conclusions You will also use retrospective signposting in your conclusion. This should happen at the end of paragraphs, to highlight the point that you have made and its relevance to your essay question. You can also signpost things you have already covered, as a reminder and summary to the reader. Remember: precise language help you to communicate more accurately and effectively with you reader. Consider the specific meaning of a signposting like 'consequently'- do not use it if the idea that follows is not truly a consequence of the previous one.

'However' should indicate that you are adding something to the previous point. Think carefully about the link between two paragraphs, and choose a word that effectively conveys that link. Avoid the temptation to dot signposting words throughout your text at random. It can make your work seem sloppy if you use words like 'however' or 'conversely' in the wrong contexts. Small scale signposts are individual words or short phrases which help to signal direction, such as:

'Having discussed the arguments in favour of the Third Way, it is also necessary to consider its limitations'.Ģ. Large Scale signposting tells the reader specifics about what is to come or what has gone before, for example:.Throughout an essay you will probably use two types of signposting: small and large scale. Quantify your aims or the content of your essay ('This essay will discuss three approaches to the issue of.').Justify why you have chosen to focus on certain aspects of a topic ('For this reason.will be the focus of the essay.').what ideas or factors will be discussed and in what order ('Firstly.what is the overall aim of your essay ('This essay intends to.').The signposts in your introduction should indicate: When should you signpost? Signposting in an introduction This reminds the reader that at least one aspect has already been discussed, and another is about to be revealed. Example of signposting phraseĪnother aspects of Hardy's portrayal of Tess is. The reader realises in advance that the writer is going to be using some theories to explore the causes of the London Riots. In order to understand the causes of the London Riots, it would be useful to apply sociological theories. It also makes the reader feel as if you are in control of the structure. Signposting can be useful for linking your paragraphs together. There should be some element of signposting in each paragraph. Signposting should happen in your introduction and throughout your whole essay. They indicate what will happen, remind them of where they are at key points along the way, and indicate the direction your essay is going to head in next. Signposts help to guide the reader through. Your paragraphs are stepping stones in that journey. Your essay is a journey through your argument or discussion. What is signposting and why is it important?

Signpost speech definition