Difference Between Summary and Conclusion with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

Main Difference – Summary vs Conclusion

Summary and conclusion are two terms that are often used in academic writing. A summary is a concise statement or account of the main points of a text. A conclusion is the end of a chapter or text.

The main difference between Summary and Conclusion lies in their purpose. The main purpose of a summary is to summarize the main points. While the objective of a conclusion is giving final judgement and opinion of given problem or question.  According to these different purposes, different characteristics can be seen in these two components

Top differences between summary and conclusion

There are following top differences between summary and conclusion.

1. Purpose:

Summary: The summary is a shortened version of a text that only contains the quick overview main points.
Conclusion: It offers final thoughts or decisions based on the information provided.

2. Length:

Summary:  It is generally short and concise.
Conclusion: It can be longer as it wraps up the overall discussion.

3. Timing:

Summary: Usually appears at the beginning of a text.
Conclusion: Typically found at the end of the docoment.

4. Inclusion of Opinions:

Summary: Usually objective, focusing on facts.
Conclusion: Can include the writer’s opinions or judgments.

5. Reader Interaction:

Summary: Helps readers decide if they want to read the entire piece.
Conclusion: Leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

6. Depth:

Summary: Surface-level understanding.
Conclusion: Provides a deeper understanding of the topic.

7. Context:

Summary: Stands alone, giving a snapshot of the content.
Conclusion: Relies on the context of the entire text, wrapping up the discussion.

8. Content:

Summary: Condenses and highlights key information.
Conclusion: Reflects on the overall significance and may include personal opinions.

9. Detail Level:

Summary: Skims the surface, avoiding indeapth details of the topic.
Conclusion: May dive deeper into the complications of the topic.

10. Function:

Summary: Serves as a quick guide for understanding.
Conclusion: Offers a final perspective or decision.

What is a summary?                      Difference Between Summary and Conclusion

An summary is a shortened version of a text that only contains the main points. . The main purpose of an summary is to condense the text into a smaller text. A summary should present the central ideas and concepts clearly and concisely. However, it is possible to omit certain facts that are not essential to the text.

Sometimes an summary can be a synopsis for a book, movie, or play.

Executive summary

It can be viewed at the beginning of a report, proposal, business plan, etc., It summarizes all content, highlighting key points in the document. An executive summary should contain information such as topic, analysis methods, results, and conclusions. This is similar to an abstract and should be written after completing all the research.

What is a conclusion?

A conclusion is an essential part of any document . A good conclusion is interesting and attractive at the same time. It should give the reader a good impression of the entire document. A conclusion should contain a summary of the main points, the deductions made based on the main points, the solutions to the problems discussed in the text, the findings, and the recommendations. It should be written in attractive, easy to undetstand and appealing mode.  It is also important to write if the objective of the investigation has been achieved.

At the same time, we should avoid introducing new facts in the conclusion, rewrite the main points in the same words, focus on the minor points of the text, and use emotional and sentimental appeals in an academic and otherwise analytical essay.