In the realm of IELTS Writing Task 2, a well-structured conclusion can be the deciding factor between a good and a great score. It’s not merely a repetition of your essay; it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the examiner by effectively summarizing your arguments and reinforcing your stance.
The Importance of a Strong Conclusion
Many IELTS test-takers underestimate the power of a well-crafted conclusion. Consider this: your conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads before assigning your score. A weak or rushed conclusion can overshadow the quality of your arguments and negatively impact your overall band score. Conversely, a strong conclusion can solidify your ideas, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt and leaving a positive final impression.
Key Elements of an Effective Conclusion
A successful IELTS Writing Task 2 conclusion typically comprises two key components:
1. Restatement of the Main Ideas
Start your conclusion by briefly summarizing the main points discussed in your essay. Avoid simply copying and pasting sentences from your introduction or body paragraphs. Instead, paraphrase your key arguments using different words while maintaining the same meaning.
Example:
- Body Paragraph: “Firstly, the advancement of technology has made information more accessible than ever before, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and culture.”
- Conclusion: “In conclusion, technological progress has undoubtedly contributed to a more interconnected world, facilitating the widespread dissemination of information and cultural exchange.”
2. Final Thought or Recommendation
After restating your main ideas, conclude your essay with a final thought, prediction, or recommendation based on the essay topic. This could be:
- A Balanced Consideration: Briefly acknowledge the other side of the argument while reiterating your stance.
- A Prediction or Warning: Comment on potential future implications based on the essay’s topic.
- A Call to Action: Encourage the reader to consider the issue and potential solutions.
Example:
- Essay Topic: “Some people believe that the government should provide free university education for all students. Others believe that students should pay for their own university education.”
- Conclusion: “In conclusion, while individual financial responsibility for education is important, the societal benefits of a universally educated population cannot be overlooked. Governments should, therefore, consider implementing policies that make higher education accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.”
Common Errors to Avoid
When writing your conclusion, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Introducing New Arguments: Your conclusion should only summarize previously discussed points, not introduce entirely new arguments.
- Repetitive Language: Avoid using the exact same wording from your introduction or body paragraphs. Paraphrase your ideas to showcase your vocabulary range.
- Lengthy Conclusions: Aim to keep your conclusion concise and to the point. It should be shorter than your body paragraphs.
- Informal Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay, including the conclusion. Avoid colloquialisms, contractions, and personal anecdotes.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing effective conclusions requires practice and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and analyzing examples from high-scoring essays, you can learn to craft strong concluding paragraphs that leave a lasting impression on the examiner and boost your overall IELTS Writing Task 2 score.