A well-crafted conclusion can be the difference between a good and a great IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. It’s your final opportunity to impress the examiner and solidify your argument. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write effective conclusions, complete with examples and practical tips to help you achieve a Band 8+ score.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Conclusion
Think of your conclusion as the closing argument in a courtroom. You’ve presented your evidence in the body paragraphs, and now it’s time to remind the jury (the examiner) of your key points and persuade them to rule in your favor.
A strong conclusion does the following:
- Summarizes your main points: It concisely reiterates the key arguments you’ve made in your essay without introducing new information.
- Restates your position: It reminds the examiner of your stance on the issue discussed.
- Provides a sense of closure: It leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your overall message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before we dive into writing techniques, let’s address common pitfalls that can lower your score:
- Introducing new arguments: Your conclusion should only summarize what you’ve already discussed.
- Simply paraphrasing the essay question: While your conclusion should relate back to the question, avoid merely repeating it word-for-word.
- Using informal language or clichés: Maintain a formal tone and avoid overused phrases like “in a nutshell” or “to sum up.”
- Being too short or too long: Aim for a conclusion that’s about the same length as your introduction (around 2-3 sentences).
Strategies for Writing Effective Conclusions
1. Use Transition Signals
Begin your conclusion with a transition signal to indicate you’re wrapping up your argument. Here are some examples:
- In conclusion,
- To summarize,
- Ultimately,
- Therefore,
- As a result,
Example:
Body Paragraph: …Furthermore, investing in renewable energy sources can create new jobs and boost the economy, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
Conclusion: Therefore, embracing renewable energy is not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous.
2. Summarize Your Main Points
Briefly reiterate the main points you discussed in your body paragraphs. Focus on the key arguments you want the examiner to remember.
Example:
Body Paragraph 1: One significant advantage of studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture.
Body Paragraph 2: Moreover, international education can enhance career prospects by providing students with globally relevant skills.
Conclusion: In conclusion, studying abroad offers invaluable cultural immersion and enhances career prospects, making it a highly beneficial experience for students.
3. Restate Your Opinion or Position
Clearly restate your stance on the issue, reinforcing the viewpoint you’ve supported throughout your essay.
Example:
Essay Question: Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier. Others argue that it has made our lives more complicated. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Conclusion: While technology undoubtedly presents challenges, its ability to simplify communication, streamline tasks, and connect us globally ultimately makes it a force for positive change in our lives.
4. Offer a Final Thought or Recommendation
While not always necessary, you can end your conclusion with a thought-provoking question, a prediction about the future, or a recommendation for further action. This leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Example:
Conclusion: In conclusion, tackling climate change requires a multifaceted approach involving government regulations, technological innovations, and individual responsibility. By working together, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Conclusion Examples
Here are some examples of effective conclusions based on different essay types:
Opinion Essay:
Question: Some people believe that the government should invest more money in public transportation. Others think that it is better to invest in roads. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while improving roads is essential, prioritizing investments in public transportation offers a more sustainable and efficient solution to traffic congestion and environmental concerns. By expanding and modernizing public transport systems, governments can create more livable and environmentally conscious cities.
Discussion Essay:
Question: Some people believe that children should be allowed to use mobile phones in school. Others argue that mobile phones should be banned in schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while mobile phones can be valuable learning tools, their potential for distraction and misuse in the classroom cannot be ignored. A balanced approach that restricts their use during lessons while allowing access during breaks or for educational purposes may be the most effective way to manage their presence in schools.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 conclusions is practice. Analyze sample essays, identify the different techniques used, and try implementing them in your own writing. Regularly reviewing your work and seeking feedback from experienced IELTS instructors can significantly improve your writing skills and boost your confidence on exam day.