As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I understand the importance of a strong conclusion in your IELTS Writing tasks. A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the examiner and boost your overall score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of writing effective conclusions for both Task 1 and Task 2.
Understanding the Purpose of a Conclusion
The conclusion is your final opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the task and leave a clear and concise summary of your main points. It should not introduce any new ideas but rather consolidate the information presented in the body paragraphs.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Concluding Your Report
For Task 1, where you are required to describe visual data, your conclusion should:
Summarize the Key Trends
Briefly restate the most significant trends or patterns observed in the data. Avoid simply repeating the same language used in the introduction or body paragraphs.
Avoid Specific Details
Refrain from including any specific numbers or figures in the conclusion. The focus should be on the overall picture presented by the data.
Example
Body Paragraph: “The consumption of chocolate steadily declined from 1990 to 2010, while the consumption of ice cream experienced a gradual increase.”
Conclusion: “In conclusion, the data reveals contrasting trends in the consumption of chocolate and ice cream over the two decades.”
IELTS Writing Task 2: Concluding Your Essay
In Task 2, which requires you to present your perspective on a given topic, your conclusion should:
Restate Your Opinion
Clearly reiterate your stance on the issue discussed in the essay. However, vary your language from the introduction to avoid sounding repetitive.
Summarize Your Main Arguments
Concisely recap the key arguments presented in your body paragraphs, highlighting how they support your overall opinion.
Offer a Final Thought
Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a prediction, a recommendation, or a call to action.
Example
Introduction: “This essay will argue that technology has had a largely positive impact on education.”
Conclusion: “In conclusion, while some challenges exist, the integration of technology has fundamentally enhanced the educational landscape, paving the way for more engaging and accessible learning experiences.”
IELTS Writing Conclusion Tips
Common Errors to Avoid
- Introducing new ideas: Your conclusion should summarize, not introduce.
- Repeating the introduction verbatim: Rephrase your main points using different language.
- Including personal opinions (Task 1): Stick to summarizing the data objectively.
- Being too brief or too lengthy: Aim for a conclusion that is about the same length as your introduction.
Tips for Writing a Strong Conclusion
- Use transition words: Words like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” and “overall” signal the end of your essay.
- Maintain a formal tone: Avoid using slang or colloquial language.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
By following these guidelines and practicing your conclusion writing, you can enhance the effectiveness of your IELTS essays and improve your chances of achieving a high score. Remember, a strong conclusion is the final touch that leaves a lasting impression on the examiner.
