Writing a strong conclusion is crucial for success in the TOEFL Writing Task 2. It’s your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the examiner and reinforce your main arguments. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore expert strategies for crafting a powerful conclusion that will boost your TOEFL Writing score.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Conclusion
A well-written conclusion serves several essential purposes in your TOEFL Writing Task 2 essay:
- It summarizes your main points
- It reinforces your thesis statement
- It provides a sense of closure to your essay
- It leaves a lasting impression on the reader
By mastering the art of writing conclusions, you can significantly improve your overall essay quality and increase your chances of achieving a high score.
TOEFL Writing Conclusion
Key Elements of an Effective TOEFL Writing Task 2 Conclusion
Restate Your Thesis
Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement. This reminds the reader of your main argument and helps tie everything together. However, avoid simply copying your original thesis word-for-word. Instead, rephrase it to show how your essay has developed your argument.
Example:
Original thesis: “Social media has both positive and negative effects on society.”
Restated thesis: “As we have seen, while social media offers numerous benefits, it also presents significant challenges that must be addressed.”
Summarize Your Main Points
Briefly recap the main arguments you’ve made throughout your essay. This reinforces your key ideas and helps the reader see how they support your thesis. Keep this summary concise, focusing on the most important points.
Example:
“Throughout this essay, we’ve explored how social media enhances communication and information sharing, while also considering its potential for addiction and privacy concerns.”
Provide a Final Thought
End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action. This leaves the reader with something to consider and demonstrates your deeper understanding of the topic.
Example:
“As we continue to navigate the digital age, it’s crucial that we harness the power of social media while remaining vigilant about its potential drawbacks.”
Strategies for Writing an Impactful Conclusion
Use Transition Words
Employ transition words to signal that you’re concluding your essay. This helps guide the reader and provides a smooth transition into your final thoughts.
Examples of effective transition words:
- In conclusion
- To sum up
- Overall
- Ultimately
- In light of these points
Avoid Introducing New Information
Your conclusion should wrap up your existing arguments, not introduce new ones. Adding new information at this stage can confuse the reader and weaken your essay’s structure.
Keep It Concise
Aim for a conclusion that’s about 10-15% of your total essay length. For a typical 300-word TOEFL Writing Task 2 essay, your conclusion should be around 30-45 words.
Maintain a Confident Tone
Use assertive language to demonstrate your confidence in your arguments. This shows the examiner that you’ve thoroughly considered the topic and are sure of your position.
Example:
“It is evident that the benefits of social media outweigh its drawbacks when used responsibly.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in TOEFL Writing Task 2 Conclusions
Don’t Simply Repeat Your Introduction
While you should restate your thesis, avoid merely copying your introduction. Your conclusion should show how your essay has developed your argument.
Avoid Apologetic Language
Don’t use phrases like “I’m not an expert, but…” or “This is just my opinion.” These undermine your authority and weaken your argument.
Don’t Use Clichés
Avoid overused phrases like “In conclusion” or “To sum it all up.” Instead, use more sophisticated transitions that flow naturally with your writing style.
Practice Exercise for Writing Conclusions
To improve your conclusion-writing skills, try this exercise:
- Choose a sample TOEFL Writing Task 2 prompt
- Write a brief outline of your main points
- Draft a conclusion that includes:
- A restated thesis
- A summary of main points
- A final thought
- Review your conclusion, ensuring it’s concise, relevant, and impactful
Next Steps: Refining Your TOEFL Writing Skills
Mastering the art of writing conclusions is just one aspect of succeeding in TOEFL Writing Task 2. To further improve your skills:
- Practice writing full essays under timed conditions
- Study high-scoring sample essays to understand effective structures
- Focus on developing clear, logical arguments
- Work on expanding your academic vocabulary
- Seek feedback from experienced TOEFL tutors or peers
By consistently applying these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to write strong conclusions and excel in the TOEFL Writing section.
Remember, a powerful conclusion can make the difference between a good essay and a great one. By following these expert tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to crafting impressive conclusions that will boost your TOEFL Writing score.
