I nte r nati o nal e n g LI s h lan g uag e testi n g syste m

sors to personal happiness than money or professional pursuits.

As seen above, professional success and wealth cannot buy true happiness and this 

is a realisation that all too often comes in old age. This essay has shown that the 

health of relationships with family, friends and colleagues is the genuine catalyst 

to lasting happiness. Thus, keeping in touch with people is much more than just a 

courtesy.

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

45

2.4

H

ow

 

to

 

write

 

a

 

conclusion

 

paragraph

The conclusion paragraph recapitulates the writer’s main points and closes the ar-

gument essay. It is much easier to write than the introduction and supporting para-

graphs because it is made up of information that has already been delivered earlier 

in the response. The conclusion paragraph has three sentences:

•  Sentence 1 - Summary

•  Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis

•  Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

The summary sentence restates the topics that were discussed in supporting para-

graphs 1 and 2. It should begin with a linking phrase, such as ‘In summary’ or ‘To 

conclude’. The restatement of thesis simply repeats the thesis in different words, 

reinforcing the central argument of the essay. The final sentence can be written as a 

logical guess regarding what will happen or is hoped to happen to the essay subject 

in the future (a predication) or a statement of advice regarding what should be done 

about the essay subject (a recommendation).

The conclusion paragraph is sometimes confusing to candidates because it repeats 

items from earlier in the essay, a practice that in other areas of the essay would lead 

to penalty. It is important to remember that this area of the essay is not exercising 

repetition but amplification and is a closing style that creates essay unity and rein-

forces the response’s connection to the essay question.

Now take another look at the entire structure of the essay. Note how the essay’s 

introduction and conclusion paragraphs are similar. Also note the manner in which 

they work to frame and reinforce the information given in the supporting para-

graphs:

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

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