What does "conclude" mean in the context of an essay?

In the context of an essay, "conclude" refers to the act of providing a final analysis of the topic, which often includes a restatement of the main arguments, reflections on the implications of the findings, and a closing thought to leave the reader with something to consider. This is the section where the author wraps up the discussion and synthesizes the information presented throughout the essay, guiding the reader to a final understanding of the topic.

The other choices do not align with the primary purpose of a conclusion. Beginning a new section typically refers to introducing new themes or arguments rather than synthesizing what has already been presented. Presenting new information would be more appropriate for the body of the essay, where evidence and examples are introduced to support the argument. Summarizing the introduction focuses on reiterating what has already been discussed rather than drawing the overall discussion to a close as the conclusion does.