How to Write Effective Conclusions for IELTS Writing Task 2 to Score Band 7–9

Writing an effective conclusion is crucial to securing a Band 7–9 in IELTS Writing Task 2. The conclusion summarizes your main ideas, reinforces your opinion, and leaves a strong impression on the examiner. In this detailed lesson, you will learn step-by-step strategies, examples, and tips to craft conclusions that are clear, concise, and high-scoring.

1. Purpose of a Conclusion

The conclusion serves to:

1. Summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
2. Restate your opinion or position clearly.
3. Provide a sense of closure to your essay.

A well-written conclusion demonstrates Task Response, Coherence, and Cohesion, which are critical for Band 7–9 scores.

2. Step 1: Summarize Main Points

Briefly restate the main ideas from your body paragraphs without repeating them word-for-word.

Example Body Paragraphs:

• Online learning offers flexibility, allowing students to study at their convenience.
• It provides access to a wide range of international resources, enhancing learning opportunities.

Sample Conclusion (Summarizing): In summary, online learning provides both flexibility and access to diverse educational resources, making it a highly effective method of study.

Tips:

• Use synonyms or paraphrasing to avoid repetition.
• Keep it concise (1–2 sentences for summarizing).

3. Step 2: Restate Your Opinion Clearly

Reaffirm your stance or the main argument of your essay. This shows the examiner your position is consistent and well-supported.

Examples:

• Therefore, I strongly believe that online learning is as effective as traditional classroom education.
• Hence, I agree that children should focus on sports to develop essential life skills.

Tips:

• Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.
• Use phrases like therefore, thus, in my opinion, overall.

4. Step 3: Optional: Provide a Final Thought or Recommendation

You can add a short, impactful sentence to emphasize your perspective or suggest a future implication.

Examples:

• As technology continues to advance, online education will play an increasingly vital role in lifelong learning.
• Encouraging children to engage in physical activities can lead to healthier and more balanced lives.

Tips:

• Keep it brief and relevant to the essay topic.
• Do not introduce new arguments.

5. Step 4: Use Linking Words for Cohesion

Use cohesive devices to ensure smooth transitions and make the conclusion sound natural.

Examples of Linking Words:

• In conclusion, overall, to sum up, therefore, thus, consequently, hence

Sample Conclusion with Linking Words: In conclusion, online learning offers both flexibility and access to a variety of resources, making it highly effective. Therefore, I strongly support its increasing adoption in modern education.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Introducing new ideas or examples.
• Making the conclusion too long.
• Simply repeating the introduction.
• Using vague phrases like I think it is good without clarity.

Correct Approach: Summarize main points + restate opinion + optional final thought = strong Band 7–9 conclusion.

7. Sample Full Conclusions (Band 8–9)

Question: Some people think children should spend more time on outdoor activities, while others believe academics are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Conclusion: In summary, while academic studies are essential for knowledge and career development, outdoor activities offer physical and social benefits that contribute to overall growth. Therefore, I believe that a balanced approach, giving children time for both academics and physical activities, is the most beneficial.

Another Example: To conclude, although technology has made communication more convenient, it also presents challenges that cannot be ignored. Hence, individuals should use technology wisely to maximize its advantages while minimizing its drawbacks.

8. Practice Activity

Task: Write conclusions for the following questions:

1. Many people believe that learning a foreign language is essential, while others think it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people think governments should invest more in public transportation, while others believe building roads is more important. Discuss both sides and provide your opinion.

Activity Steps:

1. Summarize the main points from the body paragraphs.
2. Restate your opinion clearly.
3. Optionally, add a final thought or recommendation.
4. Use linking words for cohesion.
5. Keep it concise and focused.

9. Final Thoughts

A strong conclusion reinforces your ideas, demonstrates clarity, and leaves a lasting impression on the examiner. By summarizing key points, restating your opinion, and optionally adding a final thought, you ensure your essay is coherent and high-scoring.

At UpScore IELTS, our expert instructors provide detailed guidance, model conclusions, and personalized feedback to help you master effective conclusion writing. Join our IELTS Writing classes today and learn how to craft conclusions that secure Band 7–9 scores.

Next Lesson: How to Improve Vocabulary and Cohesive Devices for Band 7–9

In the next lesson, we will focus on enhancing your vocabulary and using cohesive devices effectively to make your essays more sophisticated and achieve higher band scores.