* Not simply stating facts: Your conclusions should go beyond summarizing information or presenting established knowledge.
* Based on evidence and analysis: You need to analyze the evidence you've gathered and draw logical conclusions from it.
* Open to discussion and debate: Your conclusions should be thought-provoking and invite further discussion. They should not be presented as absolute truths.
* Supported by your research: Your conclusions should be logically connected to the evidence you have presented in your essay.
Here's a breakdown of the idea:
* Research essays are not just about summarizing information. They are about taking a stance on a particular topic and making an argument.
* Your conclusions should be based on your own analysis of the evidence. You are not simply regurgitating what others have said; you are adding your own interpretation.
* Your conclusions should be open to debate. There is no single "right" answer to most research questions. Your conclusions should be presented in a way that invites others to engage with them.
Think of it this way: A debatable conclusion is like a thesis statement that you are trying to prove throughout your essay. You are arguing for a specific point of view, and your research is designed to support that point of view.
Example:
Non-debatable Conclusion:
"The Great Depression was a difficult time for the United States."
Debatable Conclusion:
"The government's response to the Great Depression exacerbated its effects."
This second conclusion is debatable because it takes a stance and invites further discussion. It argues that the government's actions had a negative impact on the economy, which is a controversial topic. You would need to provide evidence to support your claim and address opposing viewpoints.
Remember: A debatable conclusion is not about being controversial for the sake of being controversial. It is about presenting a thoughtful and well-supported argument that invites others to engage with your ideas.