Writing conclusions p.2
Activity
And now in practice
Example 1 Film Studies & Creative Writing
Critique the ways in which one genre, via the close textual analysis of one or more films, develops and engages with issues of nation and national identity.
Introduction
Defined by Roscoe and Hight, as ‘fictional texts which to varying degrees ‘look’ (and sound) like documentaries’, the mock-documentary [TOPIC] parodies ‘the assumptions and expectations associated with factual discourse’, often striving to offer some form of commentary or political critique on aspect(s) of contemporary culture in the process [Opening statement, locating this essay within the literature]. 1 Via the close analysis of Ricky Gervais’ 2001-2002 television series, The Office, and its adaptation, The Office – an American Workplace [APPROACH 1], I will critique the ways in which the mockumentary genre comments on and engages with issues of British and American nation, and national identity [ FOCUS ] of the essay.In particular, I will consider how the alterations to the plot and humour made to The Office’s American counterpart, depict a fundamentally different approach to life and how the mockumentary format enables a critique of their different values [AIM]. I will also consider how issues of nation are formally engaged with, through the differences in the programme’s production process. [ APPROACH 2 ].*
*It would be good to hear why the writer plans to address the production process, as this seems to be rather an after-thought. Try to achieve a balance in your discussion of the theme of your essay within your introduction.
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Conclusion
To conclude, the mockumentary genre engages with issues of nation and national identity, by tailoring its humour to a specific audience. [What has been achieved] Proven by the show’s successful adaptation around the world, the faux-documentary format and general aesthetic of The Office is timeless, yet in order to have parodic effect transnationally, cultural differences must be grasped and catered to, such as the importance of the class system in Britain, or the prominence of the American dream in the US. By creating an Americanised adaptation, rather than broadcasting the British Office in the U.S., the producers of the Office acknowledged this, and used mockumentary conventions, such as the single camera set up and realism, to examine the difference between British and American national culture. [A strong statement of the POINT the writer wanted to make by writing this essay]
Points for reflection
- Notice how from the opening statement 'parodies' and 'some form of commentary or political commentary' have been developed through this essay to become 'mockumentary conventions, such as X and Y' and 'the class system in Britain', and 'the prominence of the American dream in the US'.
- This shows us what has been achieved in terms of analysis and argument
- You may also wish to include some remarks about the limitations of your study* - for example, 'while this investigation has focussed on X and Y, parallels may be drawn to encompass the wider field of etc etc'
- For more examples of how this is achieved well, have a look at the conclusions of articles written by scholars in your own field or, as ever, in the sample essays on the CAL Bank of Assessed Work.
- But beware! Many published authors use their conclusion as an opportunity to flag up their desire / the need to do some further research on the topic of their investigation. This may be appropriate in your case, but try not to just use statements like this as a 'filler' in your conclusion. Your reader needs to be very convinced that this claim for the need for further research has been justified within your essay (or dissertation) for this to be an effective concluding sentence of your assignment.
*In some disciplines, it is customary to include a 'discussion' section, either within the conclusion, or as a stand-alone chapter in a dissertation. If you do choose to include a separate section, then this is the place to discuss the limitations of your study.