How to Apply 5 Conclusion Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

1. Opinion (agree / disagree)
2. Advantages–disadvantages
3. Problem–solution (causes–solutions)
4. Discussion (discuss both views + your opinion)
5. Two‑part / double‑question

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An Introduction to the 5 Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Restatement (clear opinion or answers)
2. Synthesis (group main points into one overall message)
3. Weighing / judgement (which side is stronger / more important)
4. Conditional recommendation (“X should… if…”, “Unless…”)
5. Forward look (prediction or brief implication, not a new idea)

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Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Conclusion Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Examiners expect your stance to be very clear at the end and logically linked to the reasons you gave.​

• Restate position
• Synthesis
• Forward look / recommendation

Example:

Question: “Technology has made it easier for people to work from home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• Sentence 1: Restate opinion + synthesis

In summary, although some people worry that remote work damages teamwork and discipline [opposite view], the evidence suggests that home working is largely beneficial [your view] because it increases flexibility [reason 1] and reduces commuting time [reason 2].

• Sentence 2: Short recommendation or prediction

If employers manage performance carefully and support staff with the right tools [key actors], productivity and work–life balance [main action] are both more likely to improve in the long term [main positive result].

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Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

You must give your judgement, not just list pros and cons.​

• Synthesis
• Weighing / judgement
• Restate position (which side is stronger)

Example:

Question: “Many people now shop online instead of in local stores. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?”

• Sentence 1: Synthesis of pros and cons

Overall, online shopping [topic] clearly offers greater convenience and lower prices [main advantage(s)], but the risks of job losses in local shops and higher packaging waste [main disadvantage(s)] cannot be ignored.

• Sentence 2: Clear judgement + restate position

In many cities, the benefits will only outweigh the drawbacks [your view] if governments and businesses [key actors] work together to support town centre retailers and reduce delivery related pollution [balance / control measure].

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Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band 7 conclusions often show how the problems and solutions fit into one overall strategy and give a realistic recommendation.​

• Synthesis
• Conditional recommendation
• Forward look

Example:

Question: “In many cities, children get less exercise than in the past. What are the causes and solutions?”

• Sentence 1: Synthesis of problems and solutions

In conclusion, falling activity levels among children [problem] are mainly caused by screen-based entertainment [cause 1] and a lack of safe outdoor spaces [cause 2], but a combination of school-based sports programmes [solution 1] and better urban design [solution 2] can address this trend effectively.

• Sentence 2: Conditional recommendation + prediction

Unless schools and local authorities [key actors] act together to provide attractive, affordable activities [main action], childhood obesity and related health problems are likely to continue [negative consequence].

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Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

You must show you understood both sides but also give a clear final viewpoint.​

• Synthesis of both views
• Restate position
• Weighing / judgement

Example:

Question: “Some people think university education should be free, while others believe students should pay all or part of the cost. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

• Sentence 1: Synthesis of both views

To sum up, while free university education [view A] can widen access and reduce inequality [its main strength(s)], asking students to contribute [view B] can protect public finances and encourage learners to take their studies more seriously [its main strength(s)].

• Sentence 2: Clear final opinion / weighing

On balance, a mixed model in which governments cover most costs but students pay modest fees seems more convincing [your view], because it safeguards opportunity without placing an unsustainable burden on taxpayers [decisive reason].

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Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Coherence is tested strongly in these essays; the conclusion proves you have answered both questions clearly and linked them.​

You can use any combinations of the 5 approaches to conclude your essay as the question pattern of two-part / double-question essay varies.

• Restate answers to both questions
• Synthesis of views, causes, reasons, problems and solutions, etc.
• Weighing / judgement
• Conditional recommendation
• Forward look

Example:

Question: “Many young people want to move abroad for work. Why is this? What can countries do to encourage them to stay?”

• Sentence 1: Restate answers to both questions / synthesis of your ideas

In conclusion, many young adults are attracted overseas by higher salaries and broader career options [answer to Q1], and the most effective way to retain them [answer to Q2] is to improve local job quality and create clearer paths for promotion [main strategy].

• Sentence 2: Conditional recommendation and forward look

If governments and employers can offer competitive pay, training and transparent career structures [recommendation(s)], more talented graduates are likely to build their futures at home rather than leaving permanently [positive future result].

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Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Regardless the question types (i.e. Opinion, Advantages–disadvantages, Problem–solution, Discussion, Two‑part / double‑question), you can always conclude your essays effectively if you master the 5 conclusion approaches above, i.e. Restate Position, Synthesis, Weighing / Judgement, Conditional Recommendation, or Forward Look. It’s worth remembering that Restatement and Synthesis are the two most frequently used approaches, in case you are running out of time. Once you become familiar with the approaches, nice conclusions will flow.

An Introduction to IELTS Academic Test

Everything You Need to Know about IELTS Academic Writing Test

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 2

How IELTS Writing Task 2 is Assessed

What is Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Task Response Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Generate Ideas for 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types with WH- Questions

How to Stay on Topic in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Develop Your Position in IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Thesis Statements for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

What is Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Introduction Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2 for Introduction

Practical Topic Sentence Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Practical Body Paragraph Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Lexical Resource in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Lexical Resource Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Vocabulary Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Collocation Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Spelling Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Paraphrasing Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Sentence Structure Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Grammar Problems and How to Fix them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Punctuation Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to the 5 Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to 14 Common Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

General Test Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Time Management Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Proofreading Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1

How IELTS Writing Task 1 is Assessed

What is Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 1 and how to reach Band 7+?