What should be avoided in the conclusion of a report?

In a report's conclusion, introducing new information that was not previously discussed can create confusion and dilute the impact of the established findings. The conclusion is meant to wrap up the discussion, consolidate the insights gained throughout the report, and reinforce the main messages rather than introduce additional concepts that the audience has not yet encountered. This would undermine the report’s clarity and coherence, as readers are expecting a synthesis of the arguments made rather than new, unexamined content.

Summarizing key points and findings, offering recommendations based on those findings, and restating the purpose of the report are all appropriate practices for the conclusion. They help to remind the reader of the essential messages and ensure that the main objectives of the report are clearly conveyed before concluding.