Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to write IELTS writing task 2 conclusions. Being able to write a competent conclusion in your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can summarise your main ideas and effectively end the essay.
In the conclusion, you want to show the examiner that you can sum up your main ideas and end the essay solidly. This is the closing statement, the examiner will read this paragraph last, so it needs to be strong, preferably short but to the point. You may not have much time left in the test when you write your conclusion, so practice as much as you can, looking at the various ways they can be written according to the question type.
TIP >> Always start your conclusion with one of the following; In conclusion, To conclude, or To sum up.
If you would like to purchase a 12 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Conclusion STRUCTURE
In the final paragraph of your essay, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and depending on the type of essay question you have you can add one of the following:
Cause/Effect Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think were the most important pros and cons
Problem/Solution Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Discussion Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
State which view is more important
Agree/Disagree Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Restate own views/opinion/justify
Positive/Negative Essay Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Which side is better in your opinion
Direct Question Conclusion
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
TIP >> Don’t enter any new information in the conclusion. This should be a summary of your main points and one of the sentences mentioned above.
TIP >> Don’t just copy whole sentences, words and phrases from your essay. Show the examiner that you have a wide range of vocabulary and paraphrase.
TIP >> Always end your essay with a conclusion, two sentences is enough and you need one to be able to get a band score of 7 or higher.
EXAMPLES
Here are some conclusion written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured.
CAUSE/EFFECT ESSAY
Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Conclusion
In conclusion, obesity is being caused by easily available calorie-rich processed food and little exercise. The effects of this are impacting individuals health as well as the cost of national healthcare services. In order for obesity to be lessened, individuals should be educated about nutrition, furthermore, the governments should implement higher taxes on all junk food and sugar.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. The second sentence explains what the writer thought was important about the topic and gives a recommendation in the final sentence.
Click to read the full essay.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES ESSAY
Question
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixed punishment offers an interesting choice for effective crime deterrence and a faster judicial process. However, its inherent flaw in generalising all crime without carefully considering mitigating circumstances would compromise the very essence of justice and should warrant a closer study before fully implementing it to any modern judicial system.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. The conclusion also states what the writer thought were the most important pros and cons.
Click to read the full essay.
PROBLEM/SOLUTION ESSAY
Question
Due to poorer countries experiencing a ‘brain drain’ they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the rising demand for nurses, doctors and teachers in economically rich countries like the UK, more and more people are leaving their poor origin countries in search of better pay, working conditions and benefits. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to put appropriate schemes into place, with mandatory service for state-funded degree holders.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It explains what the writer thought was important about the topic and gives a recommendation in the final sentence.
Click to read the full essay.
DISCUSSION ESSAY
Question
Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has brought more convenience into society and allowed many people to be closer. However, people should take responsibility to balance the use of the internet so that other aspects of their lives will not become neglected.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also explains which view the writer thought was more important.
Click to read the full essay.
AGREE/DISAGREE ESSAY
Question
Due to the growing number of overweight people in today’s society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Conclusion
In conclusion, I strongly agree that having more sports lessons in schools will help to fight the growing number of overweight people. By combining this with a healthy diet, the students will be encouraged to be healthy, from a young age, right through into adulthood.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also restates the writer’s opinion and justify’s their views.
Click to read the full essay.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE ESSAY
Question
Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are clear benefits to individuals who have the opportunity to work from home, including having a flexible schedule. However, those working away from the office environment should also manage their work/life balance, so they do not develop feelings of isolation or depression.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also states which side the writer thinks is better in their opinion.
Click to read the full essay.
Direct Question Essay
Question
The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.
Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?
Should the arts be included in school programs?
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are clear benefits to individuals who are passionate about the arts and find enjoyment in them regularly. If more people tried to become involved in the arts, then perhaps they would find a way to allow themselves time to become creative or to relax, while learning something new.
Feedback
This is a high-level conclusion, the first sentence begins with the cohesive device – in conclusion, and then proceeds to summarise the main points. It also gives a recommendation.
If you would like to purchase a 12 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will learn how to understand any type of writing task 2 question. There are various types of task 2 questions and some students do not always understand what the question is asking them to do.
The examiner wants to see that you have clearly understood the question and written an easy to follow essay for them to read, with relevant information and specific examples.
Question Analysis
You need to start by reading the question and analysing it >
What type of essay is it?
Is it an opinion essay, agree/disagree, advantages/disadvantages, discussion, cause and effect, problem solution etc? You need to identify what type of question it is so that you can think about the structure you are going to use to write your essay. This will also help you to understand the question when you know the type of ideas and opinions you should be thinking about.
What is the main issue?
You need to read the question and pinpoint the main issue. The main issue is often linked to a sub-issue. You need to look at this to make sure you stay focused and don’t write generally about the topic. Stay on task and make sure that all of the information written in your essay is relevant.
What are the sub-issues?
The sub-issues are words that tell you more about the topic and the areas you need to discuss.
What instructions are you given?
The instruction words are the words that are giving you a command, asking you a question that you should answer in your essay. For example – to what extent do you agree? or discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Example 1
Look at this example Task 2 question below >
Many people find it hard to balance their work with other parts of their lives. What are the reasons for this? How can this problem be overcome?
What type of essay is it? > problem/solution
What is the main issue? > work/life balance
What are the sub-issues? > many people find it hard
What instructions are you given? > What are the reasons for this? / How can this problem be overcome?
You can see here that the question is a problem/solution essay. The main issue is looking at work-life balance with the sub-issue being that many people find it hard to have a work-life balance. If you discussed the benefits of working more or working while you are away from work, then you would not be answering the question. Next, you should look at the instruction words, that are asking you – what are the reasons for this? and how can this problem be overcome? give relevant answers that answer this specifically.
Question Example 2
Look at this example Task 2 question below >
The maintenance of public libraries is a waste of money because of computer technologies which have the same function.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What type of essay is it? > agree/disagree
What is the main issue? > money (wasted) being used to maintain the libraries
What are the sub-issues? > computer technologies can easily do this.
What instructions are you given? > To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You can see here that the question is an agree/disagree essay. The main issue is looking at money, being wasted on maintaining public libraries with the sub-issue being that computer technologies exist that can do that job. If you discussed the need for public libraries in society or the rate at which this type of technology is growing, then you would not be answering the question. You should think about which side of the argument you side with more, then make that the focus of your answer. Next, you should look at the instruction words, that are asking you – To what extent do you agree or disagree?give relevant answers that answer this specifically.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
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If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at how to plan a writing task 2 essay. Being able to plan your essay will help you to organise your essay structure and main ideas clearly before you start to write.
Planning your essay before you start to write is an excellent way to get your structure and main ideas clear. Every sentence should be relevant and follow the structure you have learned from self-study or from your IELTS teacher. Planning an essay for a few minutes can make writing the essay much easier because you will have already thought about the key elements needed for writing task 2 success.
How Do I Make a Plan?
When you make your essay plan, you need to do the following >>
Analyse the question
Essay Structure
Ideas
Analyse The Question
You should start by analysing the question, looking at the keywords and what it is asking you to do. Take a look at this example >
Cause/Effect Essay Question
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
The question is asking you to think about the main issue – that many people in modern society are struggling with obesity. It is also asking you to think about the main cause of this and the effects it is having. You need to look at all parts of the question in order to be able to answer it fully. If you do not answer all parts of the question you will score lower in task achievement.
Essay Structure
You need to think about the type of structure you will use to organise the information for the type of essay question you are answering. The essay questions have slightly different structures needed when answering, for example, theagree/disagree essay structure differs slightly from the advantages/disadvantages essay structure. You can view the essay structures in the writing task 2 section and review them.
An essay plan for a cause and effect essay might look something like this >
It should include your main ideas for the main body paragraphs and possible examples. You should also think about vocabulary that is connected to the topic. You should paraphrase the question in the introduction and use synonyms wherever possible. Don’t repeat the words used in the question over and over again, as this will lower your score.
Ideas
Before you start writing the essay, make a plan with your ideas in note form. When writers plan out their articles, essays or reports, they normally plan out their work first, to make sure they have covered everything they need to include before they start writing. This helps to visualise the information and organise it. It might not work for everyone, but it is a good way to start planning, getting those thoughts out onto the paper.
It might look something like this >>
You can make a mind map to get your ideas out onto paper or write them down in bullet points. Planning out your ideas first will really benefit your essay answer, as your information will become clearly organised.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
During your IELTS preparation, many of you will use free resources online, but there are also many books that are worth the investment. Even your IELTS teachers and examiners have some of these books and have studied them, in order to know everything they can about the IELTS Test.
The one book that is worth getting (if you choose only one) is The Official Guide to IELTS Student’s book with Answers. This book has everything covered, with many helpful hints and tips, and it also includes practice tests and answers. If you want to get extra help with your vocabulary and grammar, then Cambridge English offer specific books each with a focus in these areas. There are so many books out there to choose from and in our experience, the books from Cambridge English are excellent.
Here is a book list to help you with your IELTS preparation >>
**All books were sourced on Amazon.co.uk**
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student’s Book with Answers with DVD-ROM (Cambridge English)
By Pauline Cullen, Amanda French, Vanessa Jakeman
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is THE definitive guide to IELTS. It contains all you need to succeed in the exam. Skill-building exercises cover all of the question types in the exam for both the General Training and Academic Modules. Our research into real IELTS candidates’ exam answers – and the mistakes they make helps you avoid the same ones!
Eight official practice tests and a focus on test-taking strategy help you maximise your score. Videos of the Speaking test, and all the listening material, including the tests, can be found on the DVD-ROM or downloaded via an accompanying App from iTunes or Google Play. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Student’s Book with Answers: Authentic Examination Papers (IELTS Practice Tests)
By Authentic Examination Papers
Cambridge IELTS 12 contains four authentic IELTS examination papers from Cambridge English Language Assessment, providing excellent exam practice. The Student’s Book with answers allows students to familiarise themselves with IELTS and to practise examination techniques using authentic tests. It contains four complete tests for Academic candidates.
An introduction to these modules is included in the book, together with an explanation of the scoring system used by Cambridge English Language Assessment. There is a comprehensive section of answers and tapescripts at the back of the book. Audio CDs containing the material for the Listening Tests, and a Student’s Book with answers with downloadable Audio are sold separately. These tests are also available as IELTS Academic Tests 5-8 on Testbank.org.uk
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+ with Answers and Audio CD (Cambridge English)
By Pauline Cullen
The book covers all the vocabulary needed by students aiming for band 6.5 and above in the IELTS tests and provides students with practice of exam tasks from each paper. Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced focuses on moving students to 6.5 and beyond by working on vocabulary-building strategies necessary for success at advanced levels.
It includes useful tips on how to approach IELTS exam tasks and covers especially tricky areas such as paraphrase and collocation. It is informed by the Cambridge English Corpus to ensure that the vocabulary is presented in genuine contexts and includes real learner errors. The Audio CD contains the listening and pronunciation exercises from each unit. The material is suitable for self-study or homework tasks, and may also be used in class with the teacher.
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS Student’s Book with Answers and Audio CD (Cambridge Grammar for First Certificate, Ielts, Pet)
By Diane Hopkins
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS provides complete coverage of the grammar needed for the IELTS test, and develops listening skills at the same time. It includes a wide range of IELTS tasks from the Academic and General Training Reading, Writing and Listening modules, and contains helpful grammar explanations and a grammar glossary. A Student’s Book ‘without answers’ is also available.
Collins Writing for IELTS has been specially created for learners of English who plan to take the Academic IELTS exam to demonstrate that they have the required ability to communicate effectively in English at university.
It is ideal for learners with band score 5 – 5.5 who are aiming for band score 6 or higher on the IELTS test (CEF level B1 and above). Collins Writing for IELTS concentrates on the Academic paper.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
MODEL ANSWER
I’d like to talk about the litter problem that we have where I live. When you walk around your village, go into the town, visit monuments or any places really, there is always litter lying on the ground. Even though there are many rubbish bins in places that you pass, people still leave litter on the streets or anywhere they want. This is a huge problem for the environment, as animals can hurt themselves and obviously it looks terrible.
The main reason that this is such an issue, is that there are hundreds, maybe thousands of tourists that come here every year, leaving litter. The bins provided in many areas are quite small, often overflowing so much that there is a huge pile of growing litter right next to the bin. They are not emptied often enough in busy areas, causing a problem. this leads to stray animals inspecting the contents of the trash and makes the area look bad. The litter left behind in some areas, like next to ancient ruins or monuments is just carelessness from tourists. I have seen broken glass, bottles, papers and coffee cups all next to a very well known monument here on the island. I have collected litter to put into the bin, especially if it is broken glass and my dog is with me.
The people on the island are always complaining about the litter problem here, with demonstrations in town. The litter is not collected, sometimes for over a week and rubbish bins start to overflow. Sometimes the garbage collectors go on strike, leaving mountains of rubbish growing every day. This is a real issue, especially with so many tourists visiting the island each year.
To solve this problem, the authorities should provide more bins in built up areas and empty the trash daily. They could also put more signs up saying not to litter and perhaps introduce strict fines for those who do, for example, in the UK there are hefty fines for littering. They need to make people aware that it is not allowed and wrong to leave litter anywhere, making the place look untidy and harming the environment. If the local authorities can make some changes in the short term, then the whole of the island environment and famous well known areas will benefit in the long term.
FEEDBACK
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to describe the problem. Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings about this problem. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer. A solution is offered to combat this problem, with good use of vocabulary and collocations.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (Sport) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘Sport‘ >>
Q: Why are some sports fans so passionate?
A: I think that they really connect with the sport and their hometown, so it has a special meaning for them. I know that in my home city, the people who live there are so supportive of the football team and they have a huge following. They are so proud of the team and love the fact that they are ambassadors for the city, representing it on an international level.
Q: Is there any violence at sporting events in your country?
A: Unfortunately, there is, and there now has to be a heavy police presence at most football games. The worst cases in the past have been the home games, when the neighbouring city rivals play and the fans want to cause trouble, by fighting and causing harm to city property. The police deploy the horse guards to keep the peace and sometimes send in the armed police if things get really bad. I always avoid going into the city if I know there are any football games on that day.
Q: Should athletes be better role models?
A: I think so yes, many people including children look up to these sports stars and when they do reckless things, it has an impact. For example, if they are seen driving dangerously in their sports cars, then people seem to think this is ok and that other people can act like this. There are good role models there too, for instance, David Beckham does a lot for charity and has a children’s football academy.
Q: What benefits do international sporting events bring?
A: They can bring a huge influx of tourism into the country, boosting the economy. This has happened many times recently with the recent boxing match in Las Vegas is an example, many people visited and wanted to see that fight. I think that they also promote the country they are in, allowing people to see what it is like if the event is televised.
Q: Is it important for a country to win lots of medals?
A: I haven’t really thought about that before, but I think that it does give a country status and can help to raise its profile in the media. For example, when the UK wins any gold medals, it is always heavily promoted in the news and those athletes are given star status. They help to raise the profile of the country and show other places that they can win and be on top.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
