Provide Concluding Statement
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8th Grade Writing › Provide Concluding Statement
Read the explanation and identify the weakness in the conclusion.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the sun and the moon. Earth’s shadow falls on the moon, making it look dimmer and sometimes reddish because some sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon, but they do not happen every month because the moon’s orbit is tilted compared to Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Conclusion: “In conclusion, the sun is a star made of hot gases, and it produces light through nuclear fusion.”
What weakens this conclusion most?
It shifts to a different topic (the sun’s structure) instead of synthesizing the explanation of lunar eclipses.
It provides a clear summary of how Earth’s shadow causes the moon to appear reddish.
It offers a neutral implication about why lunar eclipses are visible from every place on Earth at once.
It is too detailed and repeats the entire explanation of lunar eclipses step-by-step.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). An informative conclusion must stay focused on the topic that was explained and should not shift to unrelated subjects, even if they seem connected in a broader context. For example, a conclusion about photosynthesis shouldn't suddenly discuss animal migration, even though both involve living things. Option B correctly identifies that the conclusion's main weakness is shifting to an entirely different topic (the sun's structure) instead of synthesizing the lunar eclipse explanation. Option C is incorrect because the given conclusion doesn't summarize lunar eclipses at all—it discusses the sun instead. When writing informative conclusions, maintain focus on the specific topic you explained and resist the temptation to introduce new, unrelated information.
Read the explanation and choose the best concluding paragraph.
Weathering breaks rock into smaller pieces, while erosion moves those pieces to new places. Physical weathering can happen when water freezes in cracks and expands, or when plant roots grow and push rocks apart. Chemical weathering changes the minerals in rock, such as when acidic rainwater reacts with limestone. Erosion then carries the broken material away by wind, moving water, ice, or gravity.
Which conclusion best synthesizes the information?
In conclusion, everyone should stop hiking because footsteps can cause erosion and ruin nature forever.
In conclusion, physical weathering happens when water freezes, and chemical weathering happens when acid reacts, and erosion happens when wind blows, and erosion happens when rivers move, and erosion happens when glaciers move.
In conclusion, weathering and erosion work together: weathering breaks rock down physically or chemically, and erosion transports the pieces by wind, water, ice, or gravity, reshaping Earth’s surface over time.
In conclusion, rocks are found all over Earth, and some rocks are igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). A strong informative conclusion should synthesize the relationship between related concepts explained in the passage, showing how they work together rather than listing them separately or introducing unrelated ideas. For example, after explaining two connected processes, the conclusion should clarify how they interact to create a larger phenomenon. Option A effectively synthesizes how weathering and erosion work together as complementary processes that reshape Earth's surface over time. Option C merely lists examples without synthesis, while option D inappropriately shifts to persuasive writing with an extreme call to action. When concluding explanations of related processes, focus on how they connect and what their combined effect achieves.
Read the explanation and choose the conclusion that best emphasizes the significance without introducing new topics.
The circulatory system moves blood through the body using the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins return blood to the heart. Capillaries are tiny vessels where oxygen and nutrients move into body cells and wastes like carbon dioxide move out. This continuous circulation helps keep cells supplied and removes materials they no longer need.
Which conclusion best fits?
In conclusion, the circulatory system’s constant movement of blood delivers oxygen and nutrients and removes wastes, helping every cell function properly and keeping the body in balance.
In conclusion, the heart has four chambers, and some animals have different numbers of chambers, and doctors use stethoscopes.
In conclusion, blood is red.
In conclusion, everyone should exercise for an hour every day, or their circulatory system will fail.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). A conclusion about a body system should synthesize its overall function and significance, showing how the components work together to maintain health without introducing new topics or making prescriptive health claims. For instance, after explaining a biological system, the conclusion should emphasize how it supports life and maintains balance. Option A effectively synthesizes the circulatory system's continuous function of delivering necessities and removing wastes, emphasizing its role in maintaining cellular function and body balance. Option B introduces new information not in the passage, while option D inappropriately shifts to prescriptive health advice. When concluding explanations about biological systems, emphasize their integrated function and importance to overall health.
Read the explanation and evaluate the conclusion.
A bill becomes a law through several steps. First, a member of Congress introduces the bill. Then it goes to a committee, where members review it, hold hearings, and may revise it. If the committee approves, the bill is debated and voted on by the full House or Senate. Both chambers must pass the same version, so differences are worked out in a conference committee. Finally, the president can sign the bill into law or veto it.
Proposed conclusion: “In conclusion, the lawmaking process includes multiple stages—introduction, committee work, votes in both chambers, and presidential action—designed to review and refine ideas before they become laws.”
Does this conclusion effectively follow from and support the explanation?
Yes, because it repeats every detail from the passage word-for-word, which is the best kind of conclusion.
Yes, because it synthesizes the major steps described and provides clear closure without adding unrelated information.
No, because it introduces new topics like the Supreme Court and state legislatures that were not explained.
No, because it argues that Congress is corrupt and tells the reader to vote certain people out of office.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). A strong informative conclusion should summarize the key stages or components explained in the passage without adding unrelated information or simply repeating details verbatim. For instance, after explaining a multi-step process, the conclusion should highlight how these steps work together to achieve the intended outcome. Option A correctly identifies that the proposed conclusion effectively synthesizes the lawmaking stages and provides appropriate closure by explaining the purpose of the process. Option B incorrectly claims the conclusion introduces new topics when it actually only summarizes what was already explained. When evaluating informative conclusions, check that they capture the essence of the explanation while providing a sense of completion and understanding.
Read the explanation and choose which conclusion is stronger.
A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves usually caused by sudden movement of the seafloor, such as during an undersea earthquake. The movement pushes a huge amount of water upward. In deep water, the waves may be fast but not very tall. As the waves reach shallow coastal water, they slow down and grow taller, which can cause severe flooding and damage.
Conclusion 1: “In conclusion, tsunamis form when sudden seafloor movement displaces water, creating waves that grow more dangerous as they slow and rise near shore.”
Conclusion 2: “In conclusion, oceans are big, and waves can be scary.”
Which conclusion better follows from the explanation and why?
Conclusion 2, because it is shorter and ends the paragraph quickly.
Conclusion 1, because it synthesizes the cause of tsunamis and explains how their impact changes near shore, matching the information given.
Conclusion 1, because it introduces new information about hurricane categories and storm surge.
Conclusion 2, because it uses emotional language to keep the reader interested.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). A strong informative conclusion should capture the cause-and-effect relationship explained in the passage and synthesize how the process unfolds, using specific language that reflects the content rather than vague generalizations. For example, after explaining a natural phenomenon, the conclusion should summarize both what causes it and what effects result. Option C correctly identifies that Conclusion 1 is stronger because it synthesizes the cause of tsunamis and their changing behavior near shore, directly matching the explained information. Conclusion 2 is too vague and doesn't address the specific content about tsunami formation and behavior. When writing conclusions for cause-and-effect explanations, include both the triggering event and the resulting consequences in your synthesis.
Read the explanation and determine what a strong conclusion should include.
In a compare-and-contrast explanation, a writer shows how two subjects are alike and different. One method is the point-by-point structure, where the writer discusses the same feature (like cost, appearance, or effectiveness) for both subjects in each paragraph. Another method is the block structure, where the writer explains everything about one subject first and then everything about the other. Transition words such as “similarly,” “however,” and “on the other hand” help readers follow the comparisons.
What should an effective conclusion include?
A list of transition words only, without mentioning how they connect ideas.
A new comparison between two additional subjects that were not discussed earlier.
A persuasive call to action telling readers which method they must use and why the other method is wrong.
A synthesis of the two organizational methods and why transitions help clarify similarities and differences, providing closure to the explanation.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). An effective conclusion for an explanation about methods or strategies should synthesize why the different approaches work and how the supporting elements (like transitions) help achieve the overall goal. For instance, after explaining different organizational patterns, the conclusion should tie together their purposes and effectiveness. Option B correctly identifies that a strong conclusion should synthesize the two methods and explain how transitions help clarify the comparisons, providing appropriate closure. Option C inappropriately shifts to persuasive writing by telling readers what they must do, while option A introduces new content not covered in the explanation. When concluding explanations about techniques or methods, synthesize their purposes and explain how they help achieve the intended outcome.
Read the explanation and choose the best revised conclusion.
When you cite sources in a research paper, you show where your information came from. Citations help readers find the original source to check facts or learn more. They also give credit to the author or organization that created the information. Without citations, a writer may accidentally plagiarize by presenting someone else’s ideas as their own.
Weak conclusion: “In conclusion, citations are good.”
Which revision best improves the conclusion?
In conclusion, citations include MLA, APA, and Chicago style, and each has many rules about commas, italics, and capitalization.
In conclusion, you should cite sources or your teacher will give you a zero, so always use citations.
In conclusion, citations help readers locate sources, support fact-checking, and give proper credit, which helps writers avoid plagiarism and strengthens research writing.
In conclusion, citations are good because they are usually written in small print at the bottom of the page.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). An effective informative conclusion should expand beyond vague statements to synthesize the key purposes and benefits explained in the passage, providing readers with a clear understanding of why the topic matters. For instance, after explaining a concept's functions, the conclusion should tie together how these functions serve the overall purpose. Option B correctly synthesizes the multiple purposes of citations (locating sources, fact-checking, giving credit) and connects them to the benefits (avoiding plagiarism, strengthening writing). Option A focuses on irrelevant formatting details, while option C shifts to a threatening tone inappropriate for informative writing. When revising weak conclusions, aim to capture the 'why' and 'how' of your topic, not just state that something is 'good' or 'important.'
Read the explanation and identify the best concluding sentence.
When a computer sends information over the internet, the data is broken into smaller units called packets. Each packet includes part of the message plus addressing information so it can be routed to the right destination. Packets may travel along different paths through networks depending on traffic. At the destination, the packets are reassembled in the correct order to recreate the original message.
Which conclusion best synthesizes the process?
In conclusion, packets are small, and the internet is fast.
In conclusion, packets include addressing information, packets travel different paths, packets get reassembled, packets are used on the internet, packets are important.
In conclusion, computers should always be turned off at night to save energy.
In conclusion, breaking data into packets allows networks to route pieces efficiently and then reassemble them, making reliable communication possible even when paths differ.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). A technical explanation's conclusion should synthesize how the described process achieves its purpose, connecting the steps to the overall outcome rather than just listing them or making vague statements. For example, after explaining how a system works, the conclusion should clarify why this design enables the intended function. Option B correctly synthesizes how breaking data into packets enables efficient routing and reliable communication, connecting the process to its purpose. Option A is too vague and doesn't capture the specific process explained, while option D merely lists steps without synthesis. When concluding technical explanations, focus on how the described mechanism achieves its intended goal.
Read the explanation and choose the best concluding sentence.
In a food web, energy enters an ecosystem when plants use sunlight to make sugars through photosynthesis. Herbivores get that energy by eating plants, and carnivores get it by eating herbivores. Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organisms and waste, returning nutrients to the soil so plants can grow again. Because energy is used for life processes and released as heat at each step, less usable energy is available higher up the food web.
Which conclusion best follows from this explanation?
These steps show how energy starts with the sun, moves through producers and consumers, and ends up supporting decomposers and nutrient recycling, even as less usable energy remains at higher levels.
Therefore, everyone should stop eating meat to prevent energy loss in food webs.
In conclusion, ecosystems are complicated, and living things depend on each other in many ways.
This is why photosynthesis happens in mitochondria and cellular respiration happens in chloroplasts.
Explanation
This question tests providing concluding statements for informative/explanatory writing that follows from information or explanation presented (logically connected) and supports it (synthesizes main points, reinforces understanding, provides closure appropriate for informative purpose). An effective informative conclusion should synthesize the key concepts explained in the passage and reinforce how they connect, without introducing new ideas or making persuasive arguments. For example, after explaining a process, the conclusion might summarize how the steps work together to achieve the overall result. Option B correctly synthesizes the energy flow process described in the passage, connecting how energy moves from the sun through the food web and explaining why less energy remains at higher levels. Option A is too vague and doesn't specifically address the energy flow concept that was the focus of the explanation. When writing informative conclusions, focus on bringing together the main ideas in a way that helps readers understand how the parts create the whole.
An explanation describes why the seasons change: Earth’s axis is tilted. As Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt causes different parts of Earth to receive more direct sunlight and longer days at different times of year. When a hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, it has warmer temperatures and longer days; when tilted away, it has cooler temperatures and shorter days.
Which conclusion best emphasizes the significance of this explanation without adding unrelated new information?
In conclusion, seasons happen because Earth is sometimes closer to the Sun and sometimes farther away, which changes the weather.
In conclusion, people should move to warmer places during winter because cold weather is unpleasant.
In conclusion, the Sun is a star made mostly of hydrogen and helium, and it will eventually become a red giant.
In conclusion, Earth’s tilted axis and orbit explain predictable seasonal patterns, helping scientists and communities plan for changes in daylight, temperature, and growing seasons each year.
Explanation
This question tests providing a concluding statement for informative/explanatory writing that follows from the information presented (Earth's tilt causing seasons) and supports it by emphasizing the significance without adding unrelated information. An effective informative conclusion can highlight the importance or applications of the explained concept while staying connected to the content. For example, after explaining a natural phenomenon, the conclusion might note its predictability and usefulness. Choice A correctly emphasizes how Earth's tilted axis and orbit create predictable seasonal patterns that help with planning, directly following from the explanation while adding appropriate significance. Choice B contains the factual error that seasons are caused by distance from the Sun, Choice C inappropriately shifts to personal recommendations, and Choice D introduces completely unrelated information about the Sun's composition. When concluding scientific explanations, you can note real-world applications while maintaining accuracy about the explained mechanism.