Introduction to Essay Conclusions

The conclusion in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay holds critical importance as it is the final opportunity you have to leave the examiner with a strong impression of your analytical abilities, writing skills, and comprehension of the topic. A well-crafted conclusion serves to effectively summarize your key arguments and to restate the overall position that you have taken in response to the essay question.

Purpose of the Conclusion

• Summarization: The conclusion should concisely encapsulate the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Restating the Thesis: A conclusion often mirrors the introduction's thesis statement but uses different wording.
• Closing Statement: The conclusion should leave the reader with a final thought or a call to action that follows logically from the essay.

Techniques for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Paraphrasing the Thesis Statement

• Technique: Restate your thesis using different vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Purpose: This reminds the reader of your central argument without being repetitive.

Summarizing Main Points

• Technique: Briefly revisit the key arguments you made in the body paragraphs.
• Purpose: This provides a coherent overview and reinforces your response to the Question.

Final Thoughts

• Technique: Link your summary to a broader context or an implication of your argument.
• Purpose: This allows the reader to understand the broader significance of your essay.

Mistakes to Avoid in the Conclusion

• Adding new information: The conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence.
• Repeating the Introduction: Though you should restate your thesis, avoid copying the introduction verbatim.
• Overgeneralizing: Ensure any broader implications you suggest are directly related to the points made in your essay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Essay Conclusion

Step 1: Begin with a Transition

• Use transitional phrases like "In conclusion," "To summarize," or "In summary," to signal the end of your essay.

Step 2: Restate the Thesis Statement

• Rephrase the thesis from your introduction to remind the reader of your stance.

Step 3: Summarize the Main Points

• Concisely recap the main arguments of each body paragraph without detailing examples used.

Step 4: Deliver a Final Thought

• Conclude with a thoughtful remark or a broader perspective related to your argument.

Example Conclusion

Let's assume your essay argues that social media has a more negative than positive impact on society. Here's how you could structure your conclusion:

1. Transition: "In conclusion,"
2. Restated Thesis: "it is evident that the adverse effects of social media on societal norms outweigh its benefits."
3. Summarized Main Points: "As discussed, social media has been linked to increased levels of loneliness and decreased productivity, as well as facilitating the spread of misinformation."
4. Final Thought: "While social media will continue to evolve, it is imperative for individuals and communities to foster awareness and take proactive measures to mitigate its detrimental impacts."

Conclusion Enhancement Strategies

• Use of synonyms: Use synonyms and paraphrasing to demonstrate your vocabulary range.
• Tone consistency: Maintain the same tone as the rest of the essay.
• Final impressions: End on a resonant note, such as a relevant proverb, quote, or call to action that aligns with your essay.

Final Advice for Writing the Conclusion

When writing your essay conclusion, remember to keep it concise and focused. Aim for a balance between clearly summarizing your key points and not merely repeating what you've already said. A strong conclusion should leave no doubt in the reader's mind about your position and why it is a reasonable and well-argued one. Consider practicing various conclusion strategies to enhance your writing skills, making certain that you can write a compelling conclusion under the time pressure of the IELTS exam.