Answering an Essay in the Conclusion

[Reag]

Can you add your own thoughts in the conclusion (to answer the essay question), and would doing so constitute new material?


This was taken from a website:
"It should contain no new material and be relatively short when compared to the rest of the essay. Essentially, it reiterates the main argument you have proposed".

 

[Rob Legat - SBPL]

If you're adding your thoughts about the material presented, that would be acceptable - as long as you don't draw on reasoning which is new. As you've quoted, "Essentially, it reiterates the main argument you have proposed."

Of course, you also need to pick whether it is an essay which calls for your opinion.

 

[Rod]

A bit of context here would be useful.

To me it reads like someone wants you to compare your thoughts to the essay conclusion, and if your thoughts are different, do they add anything new.