Which of the following statements describes a good conclusion?

a. a good conclusion refers to the major themes of the piece
b. a good conclusion includes an interesting fact that did not fit in anywhere else
c. a good conclusion always ends with a question to encourage further reading
d. a good conclusion restates the introduction with different words

a. a good conclusion refers to the major themes of the piece

which of the following describes one of the tasks of a good conclusion

A good conclusion is typically described as a succinct summary of the main ideas or arguments discussed in the piece. While there may be some variations depending on the context, option a. "a good conclusion refers to the major themes of the piece" is the statement that best describes a good conclusion. Restating the introduction with different words, as mentioned in option d., can also be an effective way to wrap up the piece, but it may not always be necessary or appropriate. Options b. and c. ("includes an interesting fact that did not fit in anywhere else" and "ends with a question to encourage further reading") can be elements of a good conclusion in certain cases, but they are not always necessary for a conclusion to be considered effective.

To determine which of the provided statements describes a good conclusion, we can analyze the purpose and qualities of a conclusion. A conclusion typically serves to summarize the main points or ideas presented in a piece of writing and bring the piece to a logical end.

Option a suggests that a good conclusion refers to the major themes of the piece. This is a commonly recognized characteristic of a good conclusion, as it helps to tie the various ideas together and provide closure. The inclusion of major themes in the conclusion can reinforce the central message of the piece.

Option b suggests that a good conclusion includes an interesting fact that did not fit in anywhere else. While adding an intriguing fact can captivate the reader, it may not always be considered an essential aspect of a strong conclusion. The primary purpose of a conclusion is to summarize and provide closure, so the inclusion of new information that did not fit elsewhere may not always align with that goal.

Option c suggests that a good conclusion always ends with a question to encourage further reading. While posing a question can engage the reader and leave them wanting more, this approach is not a universal requirement for a good conclusion. Conclusions often aim to provide a sense of resolution or synthesis, rather than explicitly prompting further reading.

Option d suggests that a good conclusion restates the introduction with different words. Though it is important for a conclusion to bring the writing to a logical end, simply restating the introduction verbatim may not be sufficient. A good conclusion often goes beyond repetition and offers a synthesis of the presented ideas, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

Considering these points, option a, "a good conclusion refers to the major themes of the piece," aligns well with the typical characteristics of a good conclusion. However, it is important to note that the style and structure of a conclusion can vary depending on the specific context and purpose of the writing.