Mastering the IELTS Writing: Crafting the Perfect Essay Conclusion

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Writing a Conclusion in IELTS and CAE Exams
3. Structure of a Good Conclusion
   1. "As I have discussed" conclusion
      • Taking the phrase "As I have discussed"
      • Adding a "However" sentence with subjectivity
      • Making a moral or social observation in the first conditional
   2. Subjective opinion statement conclusion
      • Expressing a subjective opinion
      • Stating the most important reason
      • Making a moral or social observation in the second conditional
4. Tips for Writing Effective Conclusions
   1. Use personal pronouns to add impact and show subjectivity
   2. Elaborate on the most persuasive reason
   3. Incorporate hypothetical situations for stronger impact
5. Examples of Well-Written Conclusions
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Writing a Conclusion: How to Impress the Examiner in IELTS and CAE Exams

In the world of academic writing, a powerful conclusion holds immense significance. It not only marks the end of an essay but also leaves a lasting impression on the reader, which is particularly important in important exams like IELTS and CAE. In this article, we will explore two effective ways to write conclusions that will help you demonstrate your English language skills and leave your readers with a thought-provoking ending.

Importance of Writing a Conclusion in IELTS and CAE Exams

A well-crafted conclusion has the power to elevate your essay and showcase your fluency in English. It goes beyond summarizing the main points; it should leave the examiner with an additional thought and demonstrate your ability to form a strong opinion. Your conclusion acts as a final opportunity to impress the examiner and show off your command of the language.

Structure of a Good Conclusion

"As I have discussed" conclusion

The first approach we will discuss is the "As I have discussed" conclusion. This structure consists of three parts that can be arranged to create an impressive conclusion. While this style may not be appropriate for all essays, it works exceptionally well in exams such as IELTS. Follow these steps to construct this type of conclusion:

1. "As I have discussed": Begin by using the phrase "As I have discussed" to establish the tone of your conclusion. This phrase implies that you have already presented arguments and now you are summarizing them in the conclusion.

2. "However" sentence with subjectivity: Follow the introductory phrase with a sentence that incorporates subjectivity and conveys your standpoint. For example, you could say, "However, I think parents should be responsible for teaching children to be good members of society." This sentence allows you to express your opinion and distinguish yourself from other perspectives.

3. Moral or social observation in the first conditional: Wrap up your conclusion by making a moral or social observation related to the topic at hand. For instance, you could write, "If children are taught to be good members of society, the world will be a better place." Using the first conditional, you express a hypothetical situation, impressing the examiner with your ability to use complex grammar structures.

Subjective opinion statement conclusion

The second approach to writing a conclusion is by using a subjective opinion statement. This structure differs from the previous one and involves the following steps:

1. Subjective opinion statement: Start with an expression of your personal opinion using the first person pronoun "I". For example, you might write, "I think parents should teach their children to be good members of society." By stating your position clearly, you can stand out and assert your perspective.

2. Statement with the most important reason: Elaborate on the most persuasive reason supporting your opinion. This reason should be the one that you presented in the main body of your essay. For instance, you could state, "The most important reason is because parents can share their life experience with their children." By emphasizing this reason, you strengthen your argument and emphasize the significance of your position.

3. Moral or social observation in the second conditional: Conclude your essay by making a moral or social observation related to the topic, using the second conditional. For example, you might write, "If schools were to teach children how to be good members of society, the role of the family would be destroyed." This opinion, presented with the second conditional structure, adds depth to your conclusion and leaves a strong impression on the reader.

Tips for Writing Effective Conclusions

To ensure that your conclusion stands out and leaves a lasting impression, consider the following tips:

1. Use personal pronouns to add impact and show subjectivity: Incorporate personal pronouns such as "I" in your conclusion to make your opinion clear and add impact to your writing. This will make your conclusion more memorable and engaging.

2. Elaborate on the most persuasive reason: Dedicate a portion of your conclusion to elaborating on the most convincing reason you presented in your essay. By providing further details and explanations, you strengthen your argument and leave a stronger impression on the reader.

3. Incorporate hypothetical situations for stronger impact: Utilize complex grammatical structures like the first and second conditionals to create hypothetical situations in your conclusion. This will demonstrate your proficiency in English and impress the examiner with your ability to use advanced language constructs.

Examples of Well-Written Conclusions

To illustrate the application of these strategies, let's look at two examples of well-written conclusions:

1. "As I have discussed" conclusion example: "As I have discussed, there are advantages and disadvantages to the question. However, I think parents should be responsible for teaching children to be good members of society. If children are taught to be good members of society, the world will be a better place."

2. Subjective opinion statement conclusion example: "I think parents should teach their children to be good members of society. The most important reason is because parents can share their life experience with their children. If schools were to teach children how to be good members of society, the role of the family would be destroyed."

By following these structures and incorporating personal opinions, compelling reasons, and hypothetical situations, you can craft powerful conclusions that will leave a lasting impact on the examiner.

Conclusion

Writing an impressive conclusion is crucial in exams like IELTS and CAE. By following the structures and tips outlined in this article, you can create conclusions that not only summarize your essay but also engage the reader and showcase your language skills. Remember to incorporate personal pronouns, elaborate on persuasive reasons, and use sophisticated grammar structures to leave a lasting impression on the examiner.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the "As I have discussed" conclusion in other types of essays, besides IELTS?

A: While the "As I have discussed" conclusion works well in exams like IELTS, it may not be appropriate for all types of essays. It is best suited for structured exam essays where a clear summary is required.

Q: Can I use both types of conclusions in the same essay?

A: Yes, you can use either or both types of conclusions in the same essay, depending on the question and the nature of your arguments. However, be mindful of the word count and ensure that your essay remains coherent and well-organized.

Q: How can I ensure my conclusion is concise and impactful?

A: To make your conclusion concise and impactful, focus on the key points and avoid unnecessary repetition. Summarize the main ideas briefly and make sure to end with a strong statement or observation that leaves a lasting impression.

Q: Are these conclusions suitable for academic essays as well?

A: While these conclusion structures are primarily designed for exams like IELTS and CAE, they can be adapted for academic essays as well. However, in academic writing, you may have more freedom to explore creative and nuanced conclusions that go beyond summarizing the main points.