IELTS Writing Task 2 Conclusion: Know How to Write a High Band IELTS Essay Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is more than just a summary—it is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the examiner. A well-structured conclusion demonstrates clarity of thought, strong coherence, and logical progression, all of which are essential for achieving a Band 7, 8, or 9 score.
Yet, many IELTS candidates struggle with writing effective conclusions. Some make them too short or vague, while others introduce new ideas, weakening the overall response. The key to a high-scoring conclusion lies in knowing exactly how to summarize your arguments effectively, restate your opinion without repetition, and end your essay with impact.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to craft a powerful conclusion for every IELTS Task 2 essay type with step-by-step strategies and real sample conclusions. Each section is designed to help you understand how different essay types require slightly different conclusion structures, ensuring that your essay meets the examiner’s expectations.
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Now, let’s dive into the secrets of writing a perfect IELTS Task 2 conclusion! 🚀
What Should an IELTS Task 2 Conclusion Contain?
Your conclusion is the final opportunity you have to make an impact on your IELTS Writing examiner. Because it’s the last paragraph they read, it can significantly influence your overall Task 2 Writing score. A strong, clearly structured conclusion demonstrates that you’ve successfully addressed the essay question, maintained coherence throughout your response, and can confidently summarize your arguments without repetition.
But what exactly does a high-scoring IELTS Task 2 conclusion look like?
✅ Essential Elements of a Strong Conclusion
To secure a Band 7+ or even higher, always ensure your conclusion includes these key components clearly and concisely:
🔹 A Clear Summary of Your Key Arguments
Your conclusion should briefly restate your main ideas from the body paragraphs. Avoid simply copying your sentences from earlier in your essay. Instead, paraphrase your key points using varied vocabulary and different grammatical structures. This shows your examiner you have a wide lexical range and excellent language flexibility.
🔹 A Clear Restatement of Your Opinion (If Required)
In opinion-based essays, your conclusion must clearly restate your stance, demonstrating consistency and clarity of thought. Use synonyms and alternative sentence structures to reinforce your opinion, not to repeat it directly from your introduction.
🔹 A Strong Final Thought or Implication (Recommended)
Ending your essay with a strong final thought makes your response memorable and impactful. You might suggest a recommendation, predict future implications, or highlight a broader context. This kind of thoughtful ending not only enriches your conclusion but demonstrates higher-level critical thinking, a key feature of Band 8 or 9 essays.
⛔ Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Conclusions
No matter how well-written your body paragraphs are, poorly structured conclusions can severely impact your score. Here are some of the most common pitfalls you must absolutely avoid:
❌ Introducing New Ideas or Arguments
Your conclusion must summarize, not expand upon your essay. Introducing new points confuses the examiner and reduces your essay’s coherence.
❌ Adding Examples, Statistics, or Evidence
You should have already fully explored these in your body paragraphs. The conclusion is meant to succinctly encapsulate your discussion, not add more detail.
❌ Using Overgeneralized or Irrelevant Statements
Avoid empty clichés like "Technology has changed the world dramatically" or "Education is crucial for success." These types of statements don’t enhance your argument and instead detract from your overall effectiveness.
❌ Writing a Conclusion That’s Too Short or Too Long
Aim for about 2-3 well-developed sentences. One-sentence conclusions feel incomplete and abrupt, while overly long conclusions waste precious writing time and risk repeating your arguments unnecessarily.
📌 Your Conclusion Should Reinforce, Not Repeat!
Many IELTS candidates fall into the habit of repeating their thesis or copying their introduction exactly. Examiners quickly spot this, and it limits your band score. Instead, strive to paraphrase your main arguments creatively and purposefully, showcasing a broad lexical range and grammatical versatility.
A good conclusion paragraph doesn't simply echo your introduction; it reinforces your main ideas and ensures your examiner finishes reading your essay with a clear and favorable impression.
💡 Next Step: Master IELTS Conclusions for Each Essay Type
Understanding the principles above is crucial, but you must also learn how these elements apply differently to each IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type. Let's now dive into step-by-step strategies and detailed examples for each individual essay type, ensuring you know exactly how to craft a powerful conclusion paragraph in every situation.
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Now, let's begin exploring the best conclusion-writing strategies for every IELTS essay type! 🚀
1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essay Conclusion
An Opinion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to take a clear stance—either agreeing, disagreeing, or adopting a balanced perspective. The conclusion paragraph is your final chance to reinforce your position convincingly while maintaining a logical and well-structured response.
Example Question:
"Some people think that social media has a negative impact on personal relationships. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
This essay requires you to express your opinion and support it with strong reasoning. Your conclusion should summarize your main points effectively while leaving a strong final impression.
How to Structure an Opinion Essay Conclusion
To ensure a clear and well-organized conclusion, follow this three-step approach:
1️⃣ Paraphrase your thesis statement – Restate your opinion in a fresh way, using different vocabulary and sentence structure.
2️⃣ Summarize your main arguments – Briefly reinforce the key points you made in the body paragraphs.
3️⃣ End with a final thought (optional but impactful) – Provide a concluding remark that strengthens your position or offers a suggestion, prediction, or implication.
Sample Conclusion for an Opinion Essay
"In conclusion, although social media enables global connections, it significantly harms personal relationships by reducing face-to-face interaction and increasing misunderstandings. Given these negative consequences, I strongly believe that its drawbacks outweigh its advantages. To prevent further damage to interpersonal bonds, individuals should be mindful of their screen time and prioritize real-life interactions."
📌 Why Is This a High-Scoring Conclusion?
✅ Restates the opinion clearly – The stance is reinforced without repeating the introduction word-for-word.
✅ Summarizes key arguments concisely – It highlights the two main reasons discussed in the body paragraphs.
✅ Ends with a final thought – The last sentence provides a strong call to action, making the response more persuasive.
✅ Uses varied sentence structures and advanced vocabulary – This demonstrates a wide range of language, which is essential for a Band 7+ score.
How to Make Your Opinion Essay Conclusion Stronger
🔹 Avoid generic statements like “In conclusion, I think this is a serious issue.” Instead, make a strong final impression by reinforcing why your opinion is valid.
🔹 Do not introduce new ideas – Keep your focus on summarizing rather than adding additional arguments.
🔹 Use confident language – Phrases like “I strongly believe”, “There is no doubt that”, or “It is evident that” can make your conclusion more assertive.
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Now, let’s move on to the Discussion Essay conclusion strategy! 🚀
2. Discussion Essay Conclusion
A Discussion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to present both sides of an argument before expressing your own opinion. The conclusion paragraph must summarize both viewpoints concisely, provide a clear personal stance, and, if possible, include a final thought that strengthens your response.
Example Question:
"Some people believe that governments should provide free healthcare, while others think individuals should pay for medical treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
This type of question requires you to objectively present both perspectives, explain their reasoning, and then state your own well-supported opinion. Your conclusion must wrap up the discussion effectively while ensuring logical flow.
How to Structure a Discussion Essay Conclusion
To craft a well-balanced and high-scoring conclusion, follow this three-step approach:
1️⃣ Summarize both viewpoints – Briefly restate each side of the argument using different wording from the main body.
2️⃣ State your personal opinion clearly – Show where you stand while maintaining a balanced and logical tone.
3️⃣ Provide a final thought (optional but impactful) – A recommendation, prediction, or implication can strengthen your essay.
Example: Discussion Essay Conclusion
"In conclusion, while some believe individuals should cover their own healthcare expenses to promote financial responsibility, others argue that free healthcare is essential for ensuring equal access to medical services. In my opinion, a mixed approach, where governments provide free essential medical care while individuals contribute to optional treatments, would be the most practical and sustainable solution."
📌 Why Is This a High-Scoring Conclusion?
✅ Summarizes both views effectively – Each perspective is briefly restated in a paraphrased manner.
✅ Clearly states a personal opinion – The stance is firm yet balanced, showing strong critical thinking.
✅ Maintains a logical and neutral tone – The response is well-reasoned rather than overly biased.
✅ Uses varied sentence structures and formal language – Demonstrates coherence, cohesion, and lexical resource, essential for a Band 7+ score.
How to Strengthen Your Discussion Essay Conclusion
🔹 Avoid being too extreme – Examiners favor balanced and well-supported viewpoints rather than extreme opinions.
🔹 Ensure clarity – Avoid vague statements like “Both sides have their advantages and disadvantages.” Instead, be specific about why both views have merit.
🔹 Do not introduce new arguments – Keep the conclusion focused on summarization, not additional details.
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Now, let’s explore how to write a strong conclusion for an Advantage & Disadvantage essay! 🚀
3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Conclusion
An Advantage & Disadvantage Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to present both positive and negative aspects of a given issue. Some questions ask for a balanced opinion, while others require a straightforward discussion of both sides. Your conclusion must summarize the main advantages and disadvantages concisely, maintaining a neutral and logical tone.
Example Question:
"Many companies allow employees to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?"
This topic requires you to discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of remote work. Your conclusion should effectively summarize both perspectives and, if needed, offer a balanced opinion or suggestion for improvement.
How to Structure an Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Conclusion
To write a high-scoring conclusion, use this simple three-step formula:
1️⃣ Summarize the key advantages and disadvantages – Briefly restate the main pros and cons using different wording.
2️⃣ Provide a balanced opinion (if required) – If the question asks for your opinion, state which side is stronger or suggest a middle-ground solution.
3️⃣ Suggest a future implication or recommendation (optional) – A prediction or recommendation can enhance coherence and make your response more impactful.
Example: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Conclusion
"In conclusion, remote work offers employees greater flexibility and eliminates commuting stress, improving work-life balance. However, it also poses communication challenges and weakens teamwork efficiency. To maximize its benefits, companies should implement hybrid work models that balance remote flexibility with in-office collaboration, ensuring productivity while maintaining team dynamics."
📌 Why Is This a High-Scoring Conclusion?
✅ Summarizes both sides logically – The key points are paraphrased effectively, without unnecessary repetition.
✅ Provides a balanced perspective – The conclusion acknowledges both pros and cons, showing an objective and well-structured response.
✅ Ends with a practical recommendation – The final suggestion makes the response stronger and demonstrates problem-solving skills, a key factor in scoring Band 7+.
✅ Uses varied sentence structures and advanced vocabulary – The conclusion avoids redundancy and maintains a formal, academic tone.
How to Strengthen Your Advantage & Disadvantage Essay Conclusion
🔹 Do not take an extreme stance – Unless the question asks for your opinion, avoid making one side seem overwhelmingly stronger.
🔹 Keep it concise and clear – A conclusion should not be too detailed; focus on summarizing, not analyzing.
🔹 Use sophisticated linking phrases – Words like “while,” “however,” and “to maximize its benefits” create coherence and logical progression.
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Now, let’s move on to writing a strong conclusion for a Problem & Solution essay! 🚀
4. Problem and Solution Essay Conclusion
A Problem & Solution Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to identify key causes of a problem and propose effective solutions. The conclusion paragraph is where you summarize the issue concisely and reinforce the effectiveness of your proposed solutions. A well-structured conclusion ensures that your essay feels complete, logical, and impactful.
Example Question:
"Many cities around the world are facing severe traffic congestion. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions can be implemented?"
This type of essay requires you to analyze the root causes of the problem and offer practical, realistic solutions. Your conclusion should effectively summarize these points while maintaining a clear and logical flow.
How to Structure a Problem and Solution Essay Conclusion
To craft a Band 7+ conclusion, follow this three-step approach:
1️⃣ Summarize the key causes of the problem – Briefly restate the main reasons, ensuring you paraphrase instead of repeating them word-for-word.
2️⃣ Summarize the most effective solutions – Concisely highlight the best solutions discussed in your body paragraphs.
3️⃣ Provide a final recommendation or implication (optional) – A strong conclusion often ends with a suggestion, prediction, or call to action that reinforces the importance of the solutions.
Example: Problem and Solution Essay Conclusion
"In conclusion, urban traffic congestion is primarily caused by rapid population growth and inadequate public transportation infrastructure. To address this issue, governments should invest in expanding and modernizing public transit systems while implementing policies that encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives like cycling and carpooling. If such measures are taken, cities can alleviate congestion, reduce pollution, and enhance the overall quality of urban life."
📌 Why Is This a High-Scoring Conclusion?
✅ Summarizes the causes clearly – The main reasons for traffic congestion are concisely restated using different wording from the body paragraphs.
✅ Provides effective solutions concisely – The suggested solutions are clear, relevant, and realistic, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
✅ Ends with a forward-looking statement – The final sentence highlights the positive impact of implementing solutions, adding a sense of resolution.
✅ Uses sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures – The conclusion is formal, well-structured, and free of repetition, showcasing coherence and cohesion.
How to Strengthen Your Problem & Solution Essay Conclusion
🔹 Avoid vague solutions – Ensure that your proposed solutions are specific and practical, not generic statements like “The government should take action.”
🔹 Use cause-effect language – Phrases like “As a result,” “By implementing these measures,” or “This would lead to” can strengthen logical connections in your conclusion.
🔹 Do not introduce new problems – Keep your focus on the solutions rather than discussing additional issues that were not covered in your essay.
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Now, let’s move on to crafting a strong conclusion for a Double Question essay! 🚀
5. Double Question Essay Conclusion
A Double Question Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 presents two related questions, requiring you to address both in a well-structured response. Your conclusion paragraph must summarize the answers to both questions concisely while maintaining logical coherence.
Example Question:
"Nowadays, many people switch jobs frequently. Why do people change jobs so often? How can employers retain their employees?"
This type of essay requires you to analyze two aspects of a single issue—in this case, the reasons behind frequent job changes and strategies for employee retention. Your conclusion must provide a clear summary of both answers, ensuring that your response is balanced and complete.
How to Structure the Conclusion for a Double Question Essay
To ensure your conclusion is strong and well-structured, follow this two-step approach:
1️⃣ Summarize the answers to both questions – Concisely restate the key points for each question using different wording from the body paragraphs.
2️⃣ Optional: Provide a final thought or suggestion – A brief recommendation, prediction, or implication can make your conclusion more impactful.
Sample Conclusion for a Double Question Essay
"In conclusion, frequent job switching is primarily driven by the pursuit of higher salaries, better career prospects, and improved work-life balance. To retain valuable employees, companies should focus on offering competitive pay, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. By implementing these strategies, businesses can reduce turnover rates and cultivate a motivated, long-term workforce."
📌 Why Is This a High-Scoring Conclusion?
✅ Answers both questions concisely – The causes of job switching and employer retention strategies are summarized clearly and separately.
✅ Offers a practical solution – The recommendations are relevant, realistic, and logical, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.
✅ Maintains a clear and structured response – The conclusion follows a logical order, ensuring a well-organized and coherent answer.
✅ Uses varied sentence structures and sophisticated vocabulary – The response avoids redundancy and maintains a formal, academic tone.
How to Strengthen Your Double Question Essay Conclusion
🔹 Ensure equal focus on both questions – Examiners expect both parts of the question to be addressed equally. Avoid dedicating too much detail to one part while neglecting the other.
🔹 Use linking phrases for coherence – Words like “To address this,” “By implementing these measures,” or “As a result” help maintain a smooth and logical flow.
🔹 Keep it concise and impactful – Avoid unnecessary repetition—your conclusion should be 2-3 sentences max to maintain clarity.
📘 Want to learn the examiner’s secret strategies for high-scoring essays? Our comprehensive IELTS Writing eBooks provide step-by-step guidance, expert insights, and Band 8+ sample essays to help you write flawless IELTS essays effortlessly.
✅ Need expert feedback? Our highly detailed and personalized Essay Correction Service provides in-depth analysis of your grammar, coherence, and structure—helping you improve your writing score faster!
Now that you’ve mastered how to write strong conclusion paragraphs, it’s time to put these techniques into practice! 🚀