Why summarise the main body?

Main section: How do I structure my paper
Previous questions in this section:
- What should be covered by ... ?
- How do I approach the discussion (interpretation)?
Further questions in this section:
- How do I draw up the conclusion

The summary of the main body of the text is aimed at recapitulating your paper. It can be a separate chapter or a supplementary portion of the discussion chapter. Internal reference is a useful means of avoiding unnecessary repetitions of what you have already written in the previous chapter.

Unlike the chapter summaries mentioned so far, in which the key points of the chapter are briefly recapitulated and which serve as transitions to the next chapter, here the entire main body or paper presented so far is summarised. You give a synopsis of all previous chapters and prepare the conclusion. You make a statement on processes and results, and draw conclusions.

Tip

Answer the following question: So what? Would have been different if you hadn’t written this paper?
If you hadn’t carried out your analysis? What is it that makes your paper special? The answer to this question explains what you have accomplished by writing your bachelor’s paper.
If you use internal reference you can refer to previous chapters and specify where you have treated a point in question. Don’t forget to link forward to the conclusion.

Please note: Do not address new subjects in the conclusion. What you are summarising here should already be included in the foregoing chapters.

Checklist

Have you summarised the theory concisely?
Have you summarised your methodological approach concisely?
Have you summarised your discussion and interpretation concisely?
Have you explained what you have accomplished – what ideas and conclusions you have drawn from your study?