Conclusion Writing

- Aim to write a short summary of your main points, (try not to simply restate by using the same language or key phrases). This should be 1-2 sentences and should emphasize above all, the relationship between the main ideas. - Aim to explore how the ideas in this story are relevant in a broader context - what examples of social marginalisation are you aware of in DC or HK society that you could mention, (obviously not with names, etc. but in broader terms) - What is meant by the final lines of the story, 'there will always be a Mr Van Gogh somewhere'? What point is Marshall making here? - Is social marginalsation an inevitable feature of human society? - Final response to the essay question - what action or reflection is Marshall urging us towards

Exemplar
Main ideas of essay BP1: We are often dismissive of the elderly we consider them less capable or a hindrance BP2: We discriminate against the elderly judging them on their status as elderly rather than learning about them as individuals BP3: Ultimately, we ourselves fear becoming old Conclusion The Rule of Jenny Pen makes the readers reflect on their own often shameful treatment of the elderly in western society. Marshall influences the reader to consider their own actions towards elderly individuals, in terms of the prejudices that they may exhibit and subsequent dismissive behaviours in everyday contexts when we regard the elderly as inferior or burdensome. In doing so, the reader may realise that their behaviour is discriminatory and cruel. What is behind this, the author suggests is our own fear of aging. By marginalising the elderly we are somehow trying to reject the fact that we too will one day become frail and weakened. In a world that favours youth and the commercial emphasis on the new, we struggle with the idea that we may become irrelevant, the arrogance of youth denies this should happen to us. Yet, such insecurity is ultimately irrational. We fear growing old because of the diminished status of the elderly in society. If, however, we were to be more empathetic towards the elderly and understand that they still can contribute positively to society and indeed should occupy a special rather than a diminished place, then we ourselves might not be so fearful of one day becoming them. But such social change is difficult and Marshall suggests that our fears and myopic tendencies tend to dominate our actions. He posits that unless we reconsider our treatment of the elderly today, we are doomed to become that which we fear the most. If not, our prejudicial actions today inevitably pave the way for our own unhappy retirement and if this is our fate, Marshall advocates it is a just one.