The title of this section is “Summary and Outlook” or “Summary, Conclusion, and Outlook” – not “Ending.”
How it’s done
- In the final part of your paper, you answer the questions posed in the introduction.
- You do not address new content-related aspects in this closing chapter.
- You do not present your personal opinion (in the sense of a gut feeling) here, but rather your reasoned assessment based on the previous sections, as well as your conclusions and if applicable recommendations for action.
Summary
Objective: Readers get a brief overview of the completed paper.
The summary must not be confused with the abstract:
| Abstract: | Summary: |
| Before the main paper | In the closing chapter |
| Length: prescribed (usually 1,000 to 1,500 characters incl. spaces) | Length: not fixed. The summary in the closing chapter is usually significantly longer than the abstract |
| Concise summary of the paper, but not chronological; mentions the main theses and results | Can summarize the paper (the main body) chronologically. The order of ideas may differ from the order of presentation in the paper |
| Usually no reference to literature, therefore no direct or indirect citations | If literature is referenced or cited, sources are mandatory |
| No indication of open questions | Indication of open questions possible |
Conclusion
In the conclusion, you have the (one-time) opportunity to describe your own work and its conditions in an evaluative way. A good conclusion is short and, despite being evaluative, is neutrally worded.
Outlook
Finally, you give a reasoned outlook on whether and in what form research in the addressed field should be continued.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good summary?
The summary serves to concisely and neutrally describe the main results. Readers should get a brief overview of the completed paper.
What should I keep in mind for my summary?
The summary must not be confused with the abstract. The abstract comes before the main paper, while the significantly longer summary is in the closing chapter.
Do I absolutely need a conclusion?
No, the conclusion is optional and is rejected by some instructors. Clarify this with your supervisors in advance.
What should I address in my outlook?
In your outlook, describe whether and in what form research in the addressed field should be continued.
How long should my closing section be?
Depending on whether you also write an optional conclusion, the closing section of your paper will be longer or shorter. The summary and the outlook, however, are the two longest sections of your closing chapter, and the conclusion would be the shortest.
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This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in November 2024.