The conclusion of an IELTS essay plays a crucial role in shaping the overall impression of your writing. It’s your last chance to make an impact on the examiner and leave them with a sense of closure and satisfaction. But how can you write a good conclusion that stands out? In this blog, we will explore powerful tips to master a perfect IELTS essay conclusion together with actionable tips, real examples, and essential strategies to help you ace the conclusion section of your IELTS essay.
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Why Is a Good Conclusion Important in IELTS Essays?
A strong conclusion ties together the main points of your essay and reinforces your argument. In the IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s essential to show that you can:
- Summarize your key points effectively.
- Avoid introducing new ideas.
- Leave a lasting impression with a well-rounded statement.
Remember, your conclusion should not only restate your position but also reflect clarity and coherence. Neglecting this part can cost you valuable marks for task achievement and coherence.
7 Tips for Writing a Perfect IELTS Essay Conclusion
1. Restate Your Opinion or Main Idea
Your conclusion should clearly reiterate your opinion or the main argument presented in your essay. Avoid copying the exact wording from your introduction or body paragraphs; instead, paraphrase it.
Example: If your essay discusses whether governments should invest in public transportation, your conclusion could be:
“In summary, investing in public transportation is vital to address environmental issues and improve urban mobility. Prioritizing sustainable solutions ensures a better future for everyone.”
2. Summarize Key Points
Briefly recap the main ideas from your body paragraphs without repeating them verbatim. This demonstrates your ability to synthesize information.
Example: “By promoting eco-friendly transport options and implementing efficient systems, governments can significantly reduce pollution while enhancing the quality of life for urban dwellers.”
3. Use Linking Phrases
Linking phrases not only make your writing cohesive but also signal the conclusion to the examiner. Here are some examples:
- “In conclusion…”
- “To sum up…”
- “All in all…”
- “Ultimately…”
4. Avoid New Information
Introducing new ideas in the conclusion can confuse the reader and reduce your coherence score. Stick to summarizing what you’ve already discussed.
5. Make It Concise
A conclusion should be around 40-60 words. Keep it focused and avoid unnecessary details.
6. Add a Thought-Provoking Statement
End your conclusion with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Example: “Therefore, prioritizing public transportation is not merely an economic decision but a step toward sustainable development and global well-being.”
7. Practice and Review
Regularly practice writing conclusions for different IELTS essay topics. Ask yourself:
- Does this conclusion summarize my essay effectively?
- Is it concise and coherent?
- Have I paraphrased my main ideas?
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Essay Conclusions
- Overgeneralization: Avoid vague statements like “This is a very important issue.” Instead, be specific about why it matters.
- Repetition: Don’t copy sentences from your introduction or body paragraphs.
- New Ideas: Stick to summarizing existing points.
- Lengthy Conclusions: Keep it concise and to the point.
Example: Full IELTS Essay with a Strong Conclusion
Essay Topic:
Some people believe that online education is better than traditional classroom learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction: Online education has revolutionized the way people learn, offering flexibility and accessibility to a global audience. While it provides numerous benefits, it cannot entirely replace traditional classroom learning due to the lack of social interaction and hands-on experiences.
Body Paragraph 1: Online education offers unparalleled convenience, allowing learners to access courses from anywhere in the world. For example, platforms like Coursera and edX enable students to learn at their own pace, breaking geographical barriers.
Body Paragraph 2: However, traditional classroom settings foster direct interaction, which is crucial for developing interpersonal skills and teamwork. For instance, group projects in a physical classroom enhance communication skills and collaboration.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while online education provides significant flexibility and accessibility, traditional classroom learning remains irreplaceable due to its emphasis on social interaction and practical experiences. A balanced approach that combines both methods can ensure a comprehensive learning experience for students.
External Links for Further Reading
- IELTS Official Website
- Cambridge English IELTS Practice
- British Council Writing Tips
- Further Tips on IELTS from this website.
Mastering the art of writing a good IELTS essay conclusion takes practice and attention to detail. With these tips and examples, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your IELTS writing score and achieving your goals.