Real IELTS Examiner Techniques | Practical Structures | Personal Feedback
Conclusions
Why a Good Conclusion Matters in IELTS Essays
In IELTS Writing Task 2, the conclusion is your final opportunity to show the examiner that you have answered the question fully and clearly. A strong conclusion leaves a positive final impression and helps reinforce the strength of your argument.
Although conclusions are short, they are an essential part of achieving a high band score. Many candidates lose marks because they either skip the conclusion or write one that is too weak or confusing.
Your conclusion should make the examiner feel that your essay is complete, well-organised, and easy to follow.
How to Write a Clear Conclusion for IELTS Essays
Your conclusion should be simple, direct, and clearly signal that your essay is ending. Follow these simple rules:
Always begin your conclusion with either “In conclusion,” or “To conclude,”.
Quickly restate your opinion or summarise your main idea in a slightly different way to avoid repetition.
Do not introduce new ideas, new evidence, or new arguments.
Keep it short: around 40–60 words is usually enough.
A conclusion is not the place to add extra information. Its only purpose is to remind the examiner of your opinion and end the essay clearly.
Your goal is to make the final paragraph feel natural and confident, without sounding rushed or repetitive.
Phrases You Should Avoid
Some linking phrases are not suitable for a formal IELTS essay conclusion. You should avoid using:
“In summary” — this suggests a general overview, not a clear conclusion.
“Finally” — this sounds like you are introducing a final point, not ending the essay.
“Overall” — this is better used in IELTS Writing Task 1, not Task 2.
Always use “In conclusion” or “To conclude” to start your final paragraph.
These phrases make it absolutely clear to the examiner that the essay is finishing.
Good vs Bad Conclusions in IELTS Writing Task 2
Bad Example
In summary, people like online learning. It is useful and flexible. Overall, people can study and work at the same time. Therefore, online education will become more popular.
Why This Is Weak:
Starts with “In summary,” not “In conclusion.”
Adds new points (“therefore, online education will become more popular”) instead of summarising the essay.
The ideas are vague and repetitive.
The tone is informal and slightly confusing.
The conclusion does not clearly restate the main opinion or wrap up the essay effectively.
Good Example (Around 50 Words)
In conclusion, online education has become more popular because it offers greater flexibility for learners. By allowing individuals to fit their studies around their personal and professional lives, it provides an accessible and practical alternative to traditional education. Therefore, it is likely to continue growing in the future.
Why This Is Strong:
Starts correctly with “In conclusion.”
Restates the main idea clearly without introducing new arguments.
Paraphrases the earlier points naturally.
Short, focused, and leaves a strong final impression.
Fits an ideal length for a real IELTS Task 2 conclusion (around 50 words).
The examiner can easily follow the logic and feels the essay has finished properly.
Final Advice on Writing Conclusions for IELTS Essays
Your conclusion must clearly end your essay without confusing the examiner. Always start with “In conclusion” or “To conclude,” quickly restate your opinion, and avoid adding any new information.
A short, clear conclusion shows you can structure your essay properly, which is key for reaching a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Even though it is the shortest paragraph, it carries a lot of weight in terms of coherence, cohesion, and task response.