Free download

Conclusion Section Checklist

Our proven conclusion checklist, built from an examiner's view. Free to use. Instant access.

Developed by Grad Coach's Doctoral-Qualified Team15 Million Downloads · Used by 500+ Universities

4.9 Stars

Client Satisfaction

10,000+

Students coached

100%

Client Pass Rate

15 Million

Video Lesson Downloads

What this checklist covers

A run through what your conclusion chapter needs to land, grouped into seven sections built from coaching 10,000+ students through theirs:

Addressing research questions: did you actually answer them?
Implications of findings: what they mean for theory and practice.
Limitations and acknowledgments: an honest account of constraints.
Recommendations for future research: realistic next steps.
Personal reflection: what the process taught you, and a closing note.
Compliance and quality control: word count, formatting, citations.
Final review: the last pass, including your supervisor’s input.

The checklist can be copied to your Google Drive or downloaded as a fully editable document, so you can tick items off as you go.

Frequently asked questions

Does it expect a personal reflection in the conclusion?

Yes, one section is dedicated to it, a brief note on the research process (lessons learned) and a closing statement on the significance of your work, alongside implications and limitations.

How specific do future research recommendations need to be?

The checklist asks for “practical and realistic” ones, naming a few directions: a different methodology, population, or theoretical framework.

Does it ask how my findings relate to existing theory?

Yes, whether you’ve explored how your results might challenge, support, or extend existing theories, not just what they mean practically.

Do I need to re-answer every research question here?

Yes, that’s the first section, addressing and answering your original research questions with a concise summary of how each was resolved, based on your findings.

Does it separate limitations from recommendations?

Yes, two different sections: Limitations and Acknowledgments (an honest account of what constrained your conclusions) versus Recommendations for Future Research (forward-looking).

What level of study is this checklist meant for?

It’s written for the conclusion chapter at honors, master’s or doctoral level. Your own university’s assessment criteria still take priority where they differ.

What format is the checklist?

It’s a Google Doc. Make a copy to your own Drive to edit it, or download it as a fully editable file if you’d rather work offline.

Can I share this checklist with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share it in its original format (no editing allowed). If you post about it on your blog or social media, please reference this page as your source.