IELTS Writing Task 2: Crafting an Effective Conclusion

When writing a conclusion for Writing Task 2, there are several key strategies you should follow to make it more effective. Knowing what to include and what to avoid can significantly improve your band score. Here are some practical tips you can apply to enhance your closing paragraph.

Tip 1: Refer Back to Your Introduction

Think of your introduction and conclusion as two halves of a whole; they should be closely connected. In your conclusion, return to the ideas you introduced in the beginning while adding new insight that you developed throughout the essay. This shows cohesion and development in your response.

Tip 2: Summarize Your Main Arguments

A good conclusion summarizes your essay’s key points without simply repeating them. Instead, show how the arguments and examples you provided throughout your essay connect and support each other. This demonstrates your ability to organize ideas effectively.

Tip 3: Avoid Repetition

While summarizing, avoid using the same words or sentence structures that you used in the body of your essay. Vary your language to showcase your range of vocabulary and grammar, which will impress the examiner and improve your score.

Tip 4: State Your Opinion

In Writing Task 2, you’re always required to give your opinion. If you haven’t clearly done so by the conclusion, make sure to state it. This leaves the examiner with a strong sense of your viewpoint.

Tip 5: Don’t Introduce New Arguments

Your conclusion is not the place for new ideas or arguments. Focus on closing your essay and reinforcing the points you’ve already made, bringing a sense of completion to your response.

Putting the Tips into Action

Now that we’ve covered the strategies, let’s see them in practice with a sample essay.

Sample Task 2 Question:

“The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.”
To what extent do you agree or disagree? Include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Sample Introduction:

Nuclear technology has long been a controversial topic. While it provides a clean energy source, it also poses great dangers when used for weapons. In my view, although nuclear energy has certain benefits, the risks associated with nuclear weapons far outweigh these advantages. This essay will discuss the drawbacks of nuclear technology and provide examples to support this stance.

Sample Conclusion:

Nuclear technology, despite its potential benefits, carries enormous risks. The catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons, as seen in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with accidents like Chornobyl, illustrate the dangers of this technology. Additionally, the radioactive waste generated by nuclear power is harmful to human health. The best solution is to minimize the use of nuclear technology and focus on alternative energy sources. Promoting tolerance and non-violence will contribute more to global peace than the threat of nuclear weapons.

In this conclusion, the writer:

• Refers back to the introduction by reinforcing their stance against nuclear technology.
• Summarizes key points (nuclear disasters, radioactive waste) without repeating them verbatim.
• Avoids introducing any new arguments.
• Ends with a proposed solution, creating a sense of resolution and leaving the reader with a positive message.

By following these tips, you can craft a conclusion that reinforces your argument, demonstrates cohesion, and leaves a lasting impression on the examiner.