Let’s return to the conclusion. The conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay. A conclusion:
· Sums up the points made in the essay
· Does not introduce any new ideas
· (Restates the thesis statement)*
As we’ve discussed so far in this book, I encourage my students to use the academic essay model for their Task 2 essays. Academic essay introductions include a thesis statement as their last sentences; thesis statements answer the question.
A conclusion should also restate the answer to the essay question. This gives your essay a strong, conclusive finish.
I encourage students to use one of two phrases to begin a conclusion. There are many others you could use, but the following two suggestions work every time:
· In conclusion,
· To sum up,
Choose one of these to begin your conclusion. Don’t forget to include a comma (,) after the phrases used above. Correct punctuation is increasingly important in IELTS essay evaluation.
A conclusion usually consists of 1 or 2 sentences, or, rarely, 3.
*ACHIEVE IELTS Academic Writing Success shows you one way to write an academic/Task 2 essay. There are other methods that are also effective. Not all IELTS instructors will require a thesis statement, but my students have found that the method of preparation presented in this book gets excellent results.
Exercise:
Read the essay and write a suitable conclusion. Restate the idea presented in the thesis statement.
Note that this essay has 3 supporting paragraphs because the question lends itself to 3 paragraphs:
· causes
· effects
· solution
List some of the causes and effects of global warming. Offer one solution that might help slow or stop the problems associated with global warming.
Global warming is causing increasing concern around the world as the health effects of this problem are becoming more understood. As scientists study the causes and effects of global warming, public awareness of this problem is increasing. Now that people better understand that pollution is the main cause of global warming, and that the effects of pollution include ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, solutions can be put into place to minimise its effects.
Firstly, the causes of global warming stem from pollution. Some of the main producers of air pollution are factories and cars, which emit toxic gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Also, as the population of the earth grows, more and more farm animals are needed to feed the growing population, and it is now known that farm animals emit methane gas. Methane, carbon dioxide and other chemicals deplete the ozone layer of the atmosphere and are causing a large hole to form in the ozone layer. This hole allows ultraviolet rays to come through and, as a result, the earth’s temperature is beginning to rise.
The effects of global warming are numerous. Scientists now know that the ultraviolet rays coming through the depleted ozone layer are harmful to humans and are causing increasing cases of skin cancer. Also, rising temperatures are causing changing weather patterns and an increase of natural disasters like droughts, floods and fires.
As we realise the extent of the damage being done, we can take steps to slow the effects of global warming. New technologies like cars that use hydrogen as fuel emit only pure water. And renewable energy sources like wind, water and solar power do not release
harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Add your conclusion here:
Now look at the complete essay:
List some of the causes and effects of global warming. Offer one solution that might help slow or stop the problems associated with global warming.
Global warming is causing increasing concern around the world as the health effects of this problem are becoming more understood. As scientists study the causes and effects of global warming, public awareness of this problem is increasing. Now that people better understand that pollution is the main cause of global warming, and that the effects of pollution include ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, solutions can be put into place to minimise its effects.
Firstly, the causes of global warming stem from pollution. Some of the main producers of air pollution are factories and cars, which emit toxic gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Also, as the population of the earth grows, more and more farm animals are needed to feed the growing population, and it is now known that farm animals emit methane gas. Methane, carbon dioxide and other chemicals deplete the ozone layer of the atmosphere and are causing a large hole to form in the ozone layer. This hole allows ultraviolet rays to come through and, as a result, the earth’s temperature is beginning to rise.
The effects of global warming are numerous. Scientists now know that the ultraviolet rays coming through the depleted ozone layer are harmful to humans and are causing increasing cases of skin cancer. Also, rising temperatures are causing changing weather patterns and an increase of natural disasters like droughts, floods and fires.
As we realise the extent of the damage being done, we can take steps to slow the effects of global warming. New technologies like cars that use hydrogen as fuel emit only pure water. And renewable energy sources like wind, water and solar power do not release harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
In conclusion, as the causes and effects of global warming are better understood, individuals, communities and countries can take steps to slow and eventually stop global warming.
(310 words)
Again, note that the conclusion restates the thesis statement; both sentences answer the question.