IELTS Writing Task 2: conclusions

Several people have asked me about conclusions for IELTS Writing Task 2. The main body paragraphs are much more important, so don't worry too much about the conclusion; make it short, simple and fast.

Here are some example conclusion phrases for different types of question:

1. Opinion

For the reasons mentioned above, I believe that... (+ repeat your opinion).

2. Discussion (+ Opinion)

In conclusion, there are convincing arguments both for and against... (topic), but I believe that... (if the question asks for your opinion).

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

In conclusion, I would argue that the benefits of... (topic) outweigh the drawbacks.

4. Problem and Solution

In conclusion, it is clear that there are various reasons for... (topic), and steps need to be taken to tackle this problem.

Comments

[Ali]

Hi Simon
Could you please tell me which one is correct?
having the same NUMBER of men and women on all degree courses or having the same NUMBERS of men and women on all degree course
Thank you

[Simon]

Hi Ali,

You could hear English speakers using both. If you use "number" it means that you are thinking about the 2 numbers separately (the number of men is the same as the number of women). If you use "numbers" it means that you are thinking of the 2 numbers together. Both are fine - I'd probably use the singular "number".

[Martin]

Hi Simon,

It's almost Thanksgiving here in the U.S. and I'd like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for all the hard work you've been doing for everyone involved in the IELTS exam!

You are always kind to everybody and all your lessons and advice are so useful and priceless. As you know, your website has helped countless number of students to make their dreams come true.

Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH and wish you have a warm holiday season!!!

Best,
Martin

[Simon]

Thanks for your kind words Martin.

I hope you and those around you have a great time this Thanksgiving.

Best wishes
Simon

[Ali]

Thank you Simon. The site and your ebook are really helpful

[nafisa]

i would like to ask you if the questions of ielts exam is the same in all centre in uk or every centre with different exam?

[leon]

Hi，Simon
I have no idea about the writing task 1 in Cambridge IELTS 6 Test 1.
I follow your lesson and want to konw how you write this essay.May you show me in your next lesson tomorrow？

[Hassan]

Hi Simon
When the daily classes in Manchester will be held again. I want to attend lessons in writing and speaking.
Thanks

[jawairia]

Hi Simon,
my question is about your 'Mathematics' video,

what is the difference between
day to day and daily basis.

Thanks.

[Simon]

No problem Ali.

...

Hi Nafisa,

All UK centres use the same exam on the same day.

...

Hi Leon,

I won't be able to do that essay for tomorrow (maybe next Thursday), but here's some advice for describing 2 different charts:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2010/11/ielts-writing-task-1-two-different-charts.html

...

Hi Hassan,

I'm not sure. At the moment I can't teach daily lessons in Manchester, but things might change in the new year.

...

Hi Jawairia,

"day-to-day" is used as an adjective before a noun e.g. "my day-to-day tasks" means the same as "my daily tasks".

"On a daily basis" is not used before the noun. We would say "I do these tasks on a daily basis"

[rajeesh]

hi simon,

i follow your writing methods,but i often cannot recheck my answers and task1 is consuming more than the scheduled time..

pls help..

[Simon]

Hi Rajeesh,

You just need to be strict with yourself. Don't allow yourself to spend more than 20 minutes on task 1. Have a look at this advice about timing:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/02/ielts-writing-task-1-how-to-use-your-20-minutes.html

[Tsering Dolma]

Hi Simon can you please give me some about idea following topic question. I have no idea what should I write.
Some people believe that children's leisure activities should be educational, otherwise they are complete waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree?
give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your experience.

[Simon]

Hi Tsering,

That's a good question. I'll try to do a lesson about it soon, but here's an interesting article that you could read to get some ideas:

http://healthland.time.com/2011/03/23/playing-at-preschool-mom-says-no-way/

[Zillur Rahman ( New Zealand)]

Hi simon

I gave my IELTS exam on 22/10/11..my result was L 6.5, R 6.5, W 5, S 8...I needed overall 6.5 but no band less than 6.I was totally disapointed and upset after getting worst writing module result.I was lost and bewildered completely.But I became desperate to get at least 6 in writing.I started to search IELTS examiner intensevely via the Internet and fortunately I found you and your educative website.It's true that I was in dilemma whether I would opt ur startegies or follow my previous one.It was really difficult for me to ignore my previous writing method which I implanted to my head for about four months. I am a possibilist and bought your e-book on 17/11/11 though I was in a indecision.The irony is that I had no crdit card and almost broke.Later on,I borrowed 20 pounds with credit card support.Finally I sat for IELTS again on 26/11/11 and used one idea from ur e-book in writing.In this case, my IELTS result was L 7, R 6.5, W 6, S 7.It was a big relase and great privilege for me to have you, your e-book and your website with numerous advice.Thank your very much Simon for expanding your conduceive hands for us.

[Simon]

Hi Zillur,

I answered in below the "recent exam questions".

[Attou]

Thank you Simon
Really your note equivalent gold
I have question about writing task 2
If they ask me about agree or disagree?
Can I show both view for people and I give opinion about both opinion?
Thank you too much about note

[Simon]

Hi Attou,

"Agree/disagree" questions are not asking you to say what OTHER people think. They are asking you to give YOUR opinion. You can mention both sides of the argument if you "partly agree", but don't write about other people's views.

[Attou]

Thank you Simon

[Anna]

Hello Simon,

I am Anna, and i have to take Ielts next week. I have a question for you regarding my writing task 2. In the body of my essay do i have to write always abut advantages and disatvantages or it depends form the topic? Please please help me with this confusing thing for me!!

Thank you very much,
Anna

[Simon]

Hi Anna,

I depends on the question. Read the question carefully - it will tell you exactly what you need to do. Have a look through my lessons to see some examples, and think about what they are asking you to do.

[gagandeep singh chandi]

that's easy 2 write conclusion

[bibhuti]

i gave my ielts and did a great mistake by writing capital letter after a comma...will i get less tham 6 in this case please reply i am very worried

[Saiby sebastian]

Hi simon,
is write conclusion for task 2 is necessory... which band shall i get if i didn't write conclusion

[Su]

Hi Simon,

Do you recommend to use 'to sum up'. Some of ielts teacher said that you can use but I would not recommend to use. If not why?