Should the Conclusion or Bibliography Come First in Academic Writing?

In academic and research papers, the order in which conclusions and bibliographies (or references) are placed is often a subject of debate. Conventional wisdom suggests that the conclusion comes first, followed by the bibliography. However, some argue that placing the bibliography before the conclusion can break the flow of the writing. This article explores the reasons behind the conventional order and the implications of deviating from it.

Standard Order: Conclusion Before Bibliography

The typical structure in academic and research papers is to present the conclusion before the bibliography. The conclusion serves as the final section of the main text, summarizing the key findings and arguments presented in the paper. It provides a concise overview of the overall discussion and arguments, helping readers to understand the core message and implications of the work. Meanwhile, the bibliography section lists all the sources cited throughout the paper, signposting the research foundation and supporting evidence.

This order facilitates a smooth reading experience for the audience. By presenting the main findings and arguments first, readers are better prepared to understand the basis of the conclusions from the supporting sources listed in the bibliography. It also encourages readers to see the evidence before forming their opinions on the overall argument. This sequential presentation helps to maintain the continuity and logical flow of the document.

Consequences of Reversing the Order

Placing the bibliography before the conclusion can disrupt the natural flow of the narrative. Without the overarching summary provided by the conclusion, the readers might struggle to understand the significance of the sources listed in the bibliography. It can also make the paper seem fragmented and less polished. For instance, if a reader encounters a thorough discussion of the findings followed by a list of sources, they might miss the intended takeaway from the paper. This can be particularly detrimental in longer documents like dissertations or research reports where the reader is expected to navigate through extensive material.

Argument for Placing Bibliography First

Some scholars argue that there are valid reasons to place the bibliography first. For example, in journal articles or chapters within books, the author might want to establish trust and credibility by listing all the sources at the beginning. This can be useful in scenarios where the reader trusts the bibliography before reading the main content.

Conclusion on Order

While the standard practice is to present the conclusion before the bibliography, the choice ultimately depends on the specific context and the preferences of the author. In most academic and research papers, it is advisable to follow the conventional order to maintain a coherent and effective writing style. The conclusion should succinctly summarize the main findings, arguments, and implications of the work, while the bibliography should provide detailed citations of the sources used. Ensuring clarity and a logical flow enhances the overall readability and impact of the document.

Key Takeaways

Typically, the conclusion comes first to summarize the main findings. The bibliography lists all sources cited throughout the work, providing a comprehensive reference. Deviating from the standard order may disrupt the continuity and readability of the document. The choice of order depends on the specific context and preferences of the author.

References and Further Reading:

Thomson, R. (2010). A Guide to Academic Writing. New York: Routledge. Smith, J. (2015). Proper Citation and Referencing in the Humanities. London: Bloomsbury.