The Importance of a Strong Conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2
In the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, your conclusion is the final impression you leave on the examiner. It’s the last piece of your writing they read, and it can significantly impact your overall score. A well-crafted conclusion demonstrates your ability to:
- Summarize your main points concisely.
- Reinforce your position on the issue.
- Leave a lasting impact on the reader.
A weak or missing conclusion can detract from an otherwise strong essay, leaving the examiner with an incomplete feeling and potentially impacting your score negatively.
How to Write a Conclusion That Scores
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing effective IELTS Task 2 conclusions:
1. Use a Transition Phrase
Begin your conclusion with a clear transition signal to indicate you’re moving from the body paragraphs to the concluding statement. Some effective transition phrases include:
- In conclusion,
- To conclude,
- Overall,
- In summary,
- To sum up,
2. Restate Your Thesis Statement (But Don’t Repeat It)
Paraphrase your thesis statement from the introduction, reminding the examiner of the main argument presented in your essay.
Example:
- Thesis: “While technology offers significant benefits to education, its overuse can hinder critical thinking skills and interpersonal development.”
- Restated Thesis (Conclusion): “It is clear that while integrating technology into learning environments is essential, a balanced approach is necessary to ensure students develop vital cognitive and social skills.”
3. Summarize Your Main Supporting Points
Briefly recap the key arguments you presented in your body paragraphs. Avoid introducing new information or going into excessive detail.
Example:
“This essay has explored the potential downsides of excessive technology use in education, highlighting its negative impact on critical thinking abilities and its role in decreasing face-to-face interaction, both of which are crucial for personal and academic success.”
4. Offer a Final Thought or Recommendation (Optional)
Depending on the essay prompt, you can choose to end with:
- A prediction or warning: “Unless a conscious effort is made to moderate technology use in classrooms, future generations risk entering adulthood lacking essential skills for academic and professional achievement.”
- A call to action or suggestion: “Educational institutions should prioritize a balanced approach to technology integration, ensuring students benefit from its advantages while mitigating its potential drawbacks.”
- A thought-provoking question: “As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, it is crucial to consider its long-term impact on the development of future generations.”
5. Keep It Concise
Your conclusion should be approximately the same length as your introduction – no more than 4-5 sentences.
Conclusion Don’ts:
- Don’t introduce new arguments or evidence. This should have been covered in the body paragraphs.
- Don’t simply restate your thesis and main points verbatim. Paraphrase and summarize effectively.
- Don’t express personal opinions too strongly (e.g., “I firmly believe…”) Maintain a formal and objective tone.
Example Conclusion:
Prompt: “Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others argue that it has made life more complex. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Conclusion:
“In conclusion, while technology undeniably offers convenience and efficiency, its increasing complexity and potential for distraction contribute to a sense that life has become more complicated. It is crucial to harness technology’s benefits responsibly while remaining mindful of its potential drawbacks to ensure a balanced and fulfilling life.”
Final Tips
- Practice makes perfect: Write several practice conclusions using different essay prompts to hone your skills.
- Get feedback: Ask a teacher or IELTS tutor to review your writing and provide constructive criticism.
- Learn from model essays: Analyze high-scoring IELTS essays to understand how effective conclusions are structured.
By following these guidelines and putting in consistent effort, you can master the art of writing strong conclusions that leave a lasting impression on the IELTS examiner.