Introduction Implications and Future Directions
The “Implications and Future Directions” section in the conclusion of an essay is a short sentence or section that discusses the broader implications of the findings or arguments presented in the essay and suggests possible avenues for future research or action.
This section aims to highlight the significance and potential impact of the conclusions beyond the immediate scope of the topic. It may address the implications of the findings for specific fields, policies, or societal contexts.
Also, it suggests areas where further investigation or exploration is required to gain more insight. By including this section, the conclusion demonstrates the broader relevance and potential future developments emerging from the main arguments and conclusions.
How to Write Implications and Future Directions in Conclusion
| Aspect | Description |
| 1. Identify broader implications | – Consider the wider impact of your research findings. |
| – Reflect on how your findings contribute to existing knowledge. | |
| – Explore how your research may influence future developments or decisions. | |
| 2. Connect to real-world applications | – Discuss practical applications of your research findings. |
| – Highlight the relevance of your findings to real-world challenges. | |
| – Consider the potential benefits of implementing your research in various contexts. | |
| 3. Discuss implications for specific stakeholders | – Identify stakeholders affected by your research findings. |
| – Analyze how your findings can impact different groups. | |
| – Consider the benefits and changes your research may bring for specific stakeholders. | |
| 4. Highlight limitations and gaps | – Acknowledge limitations or constraints of your study. |
| – Discuss areas where further research is needed. | |
| – Reflect on methodological or conceptual limitations that may have influenced outcomes. | |
| 5. Suggest future research directions | – Propose areas or questions for future research. |
| – Identify opportunities to expand the understanding of the topic. | |
| – Offer suggestions for alternative methodologies or data sources. | |
| 6. Consider interdisciplinary connections | – Explore intersections with other disciplines. |
| – Discuss opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. | |
| – Highlight the benefits of interdisciplinary approaches. | |
| 7. Highlight innovation and impact | – Emphasize novel or innovative aspects of your research. |
| – Discuss the impact of your findings on theory, practice, or policy. | |
| – Consider the broader significance of your research in creating positive change. | |
| 8. Remain balanced and realistic | – Provide a balanced assessment of implications and future directions. |
| – Avoid unsupported claims about the impact of your research. | |
| – Ground your conclusions in evidence and maintain a realistic outlook. |
Examples of Writing Implications and Future Directions in the Conclusion of an Essay
| Essay Topic | Implication or Future Research Sentence/Section in Conclusion |
| The Use of Metaphor in T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” | Further research should explore the deeper symbolic meanings and implications of the metaphors employed in “The Waste Land,” shedding light on the multi-layered complexity of the poem and its impact on reader interpretation. |
| Postcolonial Critique of Colonial Narratives in Literature | The implications of this critique call for future research to examine the ways in which postcolonial literature challenges and subverts colonial narratives, opening up avenues for decolonial storytelling and amplifying marginalized voices. |
| Exploring Gender Roles and Identity in Shakespeare’s Sonnets | Future research should delve into the gender dynamics and construction of identity in Shakespeare’s sonnets, examining how the poet challenges or reinforces societal norms and offering fresh insights into the complexities of love and desire. |
| The Significance of Magical Realism in Latin American Novels | The analysis of magical realism in Latin American novels suggests the need for future research to investigate the cultural and political contexts that shape this literary genre, uncovering its role in challenging established narratives and representing historical realities. |
| Feminist Critique of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway | The implications of this feminist critique call for further exploration into the ways in which Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway disrupts traditional gender norms and explores women’s experiences, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the novel in contemporary feminist discourse. |
| Deconstructing Symbolism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Novels | Additional research is warranted to unravel the intricate symbolism employed in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novels, offering a deeper understanding of his literary techniques and their implications for the exploration of themes such as memory, love, and power. |
In these examples, the first column represents the essay’s topic, while the second column presents the implications and future directions in the conclusion.
Suggested Readings
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 4th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.
- Langan, John. College Writing Skills with Readings. 9th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.
- Ramage, John D. et al. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. 8th ed., Pearson, 2016.
- Strunk Jr., William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 1999.