Mastering the art of essay writing is key to excelling in exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. A well-written essay conclusion can make a lasting impression on the examiner and elevate your score. But what makes a conclusion effective? In this blog post, we’ll break down how to write strong conclusions for IELTS and TOEFL essays, ensuring your writing stands out in every aspect. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, understanding the nuances of a great conclusion is crucial.
The Purpose of a Conclusion
In any essay, the conclusion serves to summarize the key points while reinforcing the argument made in the body paragraphs. This is particularly important for standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL, where a cohesive conclusion demonstrates that you can think clearly and communicate effectively in English.
A strong conclusion does two main things:
- Summarizes the Main Ideas: It reminds the reader of what you’ve discussed, but without repeating everything word-for-word.
- Leaves a Lasting Impression: A great conclusion will make your essay memorable, either by ending with a powerful statement, a reflective thought, or an insightful idea.
Structuring Your Conclusion
To structure an effective conclusion, follow these steps:
1. Restate the Thesis in a New Way
The first step to writing a good conclusion is to restate your thesis in a different way. It’s important not to copy your introduction verbatim. Instead, paraphrase your original point while tying it back to the arguments you’ve made throughout the essay.
For example:
- If your thesis was, “Education should be free for everyone because it creates a more equal society,” in the conclusion you could say, “Providing free education for all would foster equality and unlock potential in every member of society.”
2. Summarize Key Points
Briefly go over the main points of your essay. A conclusion isn’t the place to introduce new ideas but to wrap up the arguments you’ve already presented. Be concise: just one or two sentences per key point is enough.
For example:
- “By offering equal educational opportunities, reducing financial burdens, and encouraging societal growth, free education benefits not only individuals but entire communities.”
3. Provide Closure with a Thought-Provoking Statement
End with a statement that encourages the reader to think further or shows why your argument matters. This could be a prediction, a recommendation, or a powerful thought.
For example:
- “Ultimately, investing in education for all will have far-reaching consequences, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.”
Tips for Writing Strong Conclusions
- Avoid Overused Phrases: Many students use phrases like “In conclusion” or “To sum up” too often. While it’s perfectly acceptable to use these occasionally, try to find more creative ways to transition into your conclusion.
- Don’t Introduce New Ideas: One common mistake is adding new arguments or evidence in the conclusion. Your job here is to wrap up, not to keep building your case.
- Keep It Short and Impactful: Conclusions don’t need to be long. A short, impactful paragraph is often more effective than a long-winded one that repeats too much. Aim for 3-4 sentences.
Common Conclusion Pitfalls
Avoiding certain mistakes in your conclusion will help ensure you finish your essay on a strong note:
- Being Too Repetitive: Summarizing is crucial, but avoid simply copying your introduction or repeating the exact points without any variation. Your conclusion should feel fresh.
- Leaving an Unresolved Question: Unless the essay is about a debatable topic that specifically asks you to take a stance, try to give a clear closure to your argument.
- Sounding Uncertain: Use assertive language. Avoid words like “maybe” or “possibly”—your conclusion should confidently state your position.
Example of a Strong Conclusion
Let’s put all these tips into practice with an example.
Question: Some believe that modern technology has more positive than negative effects on our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Conclusion: “While technology indeed presents some challenges, its positive contributions to communication, healthcare, and education far outweigh its drawbacks. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technological advancements, embracing its potential while managing its risks is key to thriving in the modern world. The benefits that technology offers are simply too important to ignore, making it a powerful force for improving quality of life.”
Notice how the conclusion restates the thesis with a positive, assertive tone, summarizes the main ideas, and ends with a reflective thought.
Practice Makes Perfect
Writing effective conclusions takes practice. It can be easy to overlook the conclusion while focusing on the introduction and body paragraphs, but dedicating time to master this final paragraph can significantly impact your score in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE exams.
To improve, practice writing conclusions for a variety of essay prompts. Take time to analyze sample essays, especially those that have received high scores. By doing so, you’ll learn how successful writers wrap up their arguments in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
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