Are you preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 and wondering how to craft a powerful conclusion? You’ve come to the right place. As an experienced IELTS instructor and content creator, I’ll guide you through the process of writing a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your examiner. Let’s dive into the essential strategies for crafting a compelling conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Conclusion
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand why a well-written conclusion is vital for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. A strong conclusion:
- Summarizes your main points
- Reinforces your argument
- Leaves a lasting impression on the examiner
- Contributes to your overall coherence and cohesion score
Remember, your conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, so make it count!
IELTS Writing Task 2 Conclusion
Key Elements of an Effective Conclusion
To write a powerful conclusion for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, include these essential elements:
1. Restate the Main Idea
Begin your conclusion by restating the main idea or thesis of your essay. This reminds the reader of your central argument and brings the essay full circle. However, avoid simply copying your introduction. Instead, rephrase your main point using different words.
Example:
- Introduction: “The rise of social media has both positive and negative effects on society.”
- Conclusion: “In conclusion, the impact of social networking platforms on our communities is undoubtedly multifaceted.”
2. Summarize Key Points
Briefly recap the main arguments or ideas you’ve discussed in your essay. This reinforces your key points and helps the examiner remember the strength of your argument.
Example:
“Throughout this essay, we’ve explored how social media enhances connectivity and information sharing, while also considering its potential drawbacks, such as privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation.”
3. Provide a Final Thought or Recommendation
End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action. This leaves the examiner with something to ponder and demonstrates your critical thinking skills.
Example:
“Moving forward, it is essential for individuals and societies to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of social media and mitigating its potential risks.”
Strategies for Writing an Impressive Conclusion
Now that we understand the key elements, let’s explore some strategies to make your conclusion stand out:
1. Use Linking Words and Phrases
Employ appropriate linking words and phrases to signal your conclusion and enhance coherence. Some examples include:
- In conclusion
- To sum up
- Overall
- In light of the evidence presented
- Taking everything into account
Example:
“In light of the evidence presented, it is clear that social media has revolutionized communication, albeit with some concerning side effects.”
2. Maintain a Formal Tone
Remember to maintain a formal tone throughout your conclusion. Avoid using contractions, colloquialisms, or overly emotional language.
Example:
Instead of “Social media’s pretty great, but it’s got its downsides too,” write “Social media offers significant benefits, although it also presents notable challenges.”
3. Avoid Introducing New Information
Your conclusion should wrap up your essay, not introduce new ideas. Stick to summarizing and reinforcing the points you’ve already made in your body paragraphs.
4. Keep It Concise
Aim for a conclusion that is about 40-50 words or 2-3 sentences long. This length allows you to summarize effectively without becoming repetitive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing your conclusion for IELTS Writing Task 2, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Repeating your introduction word-for-word
- Using clichéd phrases like “In a nutshell” or “Last but not least”
- Contradicting your main argument
- Apologizing for your opinion or lack of knowledge
- Ending abruptly without a proper conclusion
Practice Exercise
To help you apply these strategies, here’s a practice exercise:
Write a conclusion for an essay with the following thesis: “The government should invest more in renewable energy sources to combat climate change.”
Remember to:
- Restate the main idea
- Summarize key points
- Provide a final thought or recommendation
Take a few minutes to draft your conclusion, then compare it with the sample below.
Sample Conclusion:
“In conclusion, increased government investment in renewable energy is crucial for addressing the urgent issue of climate change. By promoting solar, wind, and other clean energy sources, nations can reduce their carbon footprint, create green jobs, and ensure a sustainable future. It is imperative that policymakers prioritize this shift towards renewable energy to safeguard our planet for generations to come.”
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned how to write a strong conclusion for IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s time to practice. Here are some steps to further improve your skills:
- Review sample IELTS essays and analyze their conclusions
- Practice writing conclusions for various essay topics
- Ask a teacher or study partner to provide feedback on your conclusions
- Time yourself writing conclusions to ensure you can complete them within the exam time limit
Remember, mastering the art of conclusion writing takes time and practice. Stay persistent, and you’ll see improvement in your IELTS Writing Task 2 performance.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-equipped to write powerful conclusions that leave a lasting impression on your IELTS examiner. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
