⚡ TL;DRYour Task 2 conclusion should restate your main position in different words. Two sentences is enough. Never introduce new ideas or examples. A missing conclusion limits your Task Response to Band 5 at most.
Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What a Conclusion Must Do
A conclusion serves one purpose: to signal that your argument is complete. It should summarise your position without copying your introduction word-for-word. According to the IELTS band descriptors, a response that does not have a clear conclusion cannot achieve above Band 5 for Task Response.
The Two-Sentence Formula
Sentence 1: Restate your overall position or summarise the main argument using different vocabulary from your introduction.
Sentence 2: Reinforce with a final thought — a brief restatement of your strongest reason, or a forward-looking comment.
Conclusion by Question Type
| Type | Conclusion Should… |
|---|---|
| Agree/Disagree | Restate your opinion clearly |
| Discussion | State which view you support and why |
| Advantages/Disadvantages | State whether advantages or disadvantages are greater (if asked) |
| Problem/Solution | Summarise the key solution or state which is most effective |
| Two-Part Question | Briefly summarise both answers |
Common Mistakes
- Introducing new ideas: Your conclusion should contain nothing that wasn’t already discussed in the body.
- Being vague: “Both sides have valid points” is not a conclusion — it’s a non-answer.
- Copying the introduction: Paraphrase, don’t repeat.
- Writing too much: A conclusion that’s longer than a body paragraph suggests poor planning.
- Starting with “In a nutshell”: This is informal and overused. Use “In conclusion” or “To conclude.”
Related Resources
🔑 Key Takeaways
- A conclusion is mandatory — without one, Task Response is capped at Band 5.
- Two sentences: restate your position + reinforce with your strongest reason.
- Never introduce new ideas, examples, or arguments.
- Paraphrase your introduction — don’t copy it.