How to Write an IELTS Task 2 Conclusion That Scores Band 7+

The conclusion is the shortest paragraph in your Task 2 essay — typically 2–3 sentences — but it is important because it confirms that you have answered the question and brings logical closure to your argument. Many candidates make their conclusions too long, introduce new ideas, or simply repeat their introduction word for word. This guide shows you exactly what a Band 7+ conclusion looks like and how to write it in under 3 minutes.

1What a Conclusion Must Do

A Task 2 conclusion must: (1) Signal the end — begin with a conclusion phrase so the examiner knows this is your final paragraph. (2) Restate your position — not with the same words as your introduction, but clearly re-expressing your thesis. (3) Briefly summarise your main arguments — one sentence referencing the key points from your body paragraphs. That is all. Do not add: new arguments, specific data, questions, recommendations (unless it is a problem-solution essay), or personal anecdotes. Three sentences is sufficient. Some teachers argue two sentences is fine for Band 7, and they are correct — but three sentences offers slightly more protection against appearing incomplete.

2Conclusion Starter Phrases

Choose one of these to begin your conclusion — and rotate through them in practice to avoid over-relying on one: 'In conclusion,…', 'To conclude,…', 'In summary,…', 'To summarise,…', 'On balance,…' (good for discussion essays), 'Overall, it is clear that…'. Then the restatement: 'I reaffirm my belief that…' is too formal for most essay types. Better: 'I remain convinced that the benefits of X outweigh the drawbacks.', 'It is therefore my view that governments must take decisive action.', 'Taking everything into account, the advantages of this development clearly outweigh its limitations.'

34 Model Conclusions for Different Essay Types

Opinion essay conclusion: 'In conclusion, I firmly believe that compulsory community service for secondary school students is a sound educational policy. As argued above, it cultivates civic responsibility and practical life skills, both of which formal academic curricula tend to neglect.' Discussion essay conclusion: 'On balance, while the economic risks of automation are genuine, I am persuaded that its capacity to create higher-value employment and improve living standards makes it a broadly positive development for society.' Problem-solution conclusion: 'In summary, plastic ocean pollution is primarily driven by inadequate waste management and excessive production incentives, and can be meaningfully reduced through international regulation and targeted consumer education.' Advantages-disadvantages conclusion: 'To conclude, the long-term benefits of universal internet access — in terms of educational equity and economic participation — substantially outweigh the risks of digital dependency, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.'

4What Never to Do in the Conclusion

Never introduce a new argument: adding an argument in the conclusion that has no development is a Coherence & Cohesion error. Never write 'I hope this essay has demonstrated…' — this is informal and signals low academic register. Never begin with 'Lastly' — this signals a body paragraph, not a conclusion. Never copy your introduction verbatim. Never end with a question. Never express personal emotion: 'I feel very strongly about this issue because…' is irrelevant to academic task response. These errors are seen in scripts that score Band 5–6 for Coherence & Cohesion. A clean, direct 2–3 sentence conclusion avoids all of them.