Your IELTS conclusion is on a mission should you choose to accept it.
There are 3 simple objectives on this mission:
1. State your opinion/position
2. Give your main reason for this opinion
3. Add an extra detail
Let’s look at these objectives more closely below.
If you want to read more about conclusions, I recommend checking out some of my sample answers here.
Be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.
Dave
1. State your opinion/position
This is the main mission for your conclusion. If you only accomplish one objective, it should be this one.
The reason for it is in the band descriptors:
The key here is ‘presents a relevant position’. A position is the same thing as an opinion.
If you don’t say your opinion it is impossible to get a band 6 or above. Mission not accomplished.
Put in your conclusion and you can get at least a 6. So – just do it!
For example, ‘In my opinion, smoking should be banned in public places’ or ‘I believe that all children should be required to take computer lessons in school.’
Here is some vocabulary that will make your position crystal clear:
Be careful – only use the ones in blue and red for writing. The pink ones are only for the speaking test.
(By the way, if you want more tips like this you can check out our Facebook group)
2. Give your Main Reason for this Opinion
This one is pretty simple – just say why you have that opinion!
Don’t make up a new reason – use one that you already talked about in your writing.
For example: ‘In my opinion, smoking should be banned in public places because it has harmful side effects for people who are not smoking‘ or ‘I believe that all children should be required to take computer lessons in school because it will have a positive impact on their ability to get a good job later in life.’
3. An Extra Detail
This one is a little controversial.
Normally, examiners mark everyone’s writing exactly the same.
It doesn’t matter if you are in Bangladesh or France or Japan or Antarctica – you get the same marks because every examiner follows the band descriptors, like a perfectly objective robot.
But there are a few small areas where examiners do mark things a little differently. This is related to how long they have been marking, some unclear areas in the band descriptors, the person who trained them and even just human nature.
In these areas of difference you should always choose the safe option.
The safe option here is to include an extra detail to finish off your essay because some examiners will require you to have this for Band 7+.
What is an extra detail?
It could be a solution, more support for your opinion, a prediction – anything really!
Here are a few examples of extra details:
Prediction: If we ban smoking, people will lead longer, more productive lives and less money will be wasted on healthcare.
Further support: Health is more important than anything else and any effort to improve people’s health, including banning smoking, is a positive step forward.
Solution: The best way for nations to begin to institute these bans is to first raise taxes which will result in fewer smokers overall before completely banning smoking sometime in the next 20 years.
You do not need all 3 of those. 1 or 2 sentences with extra detail is enough to make sure you don’t get bumped down to band 6 because of a malfunctioning robot!
Here is a checklist from our Instagram page:



Really it is useful in fact I made use of this processes thanks a lot again and again
Glad you found it useful! Thanks for the feedback.
I believe there ought to be certain boundaries to expression of opinions as otherwise it can lead to conflicts. Avoidong conflicts will lead to harmony and yield progress.
Well written!
Some corrections:
the expression, this can lead to
This is very much useful. Thanks for assisting and guiding IELTS students.
You’re welcome!
In conclusion, I am certain that people should screen their words to avoid hurt feelings and be more effective in communication. If every individual is mindful of what they say and be responsible for their speech, the society will become more inclusive and welcoming.
Awesome conclusion – jealous of it!
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that some restrictions ought to be imposed on free speech so that it does not violate social and cultural values or create a negative impact on the society. Government in consultation with active cultural groups should issue a broad framework and regulate the society.
Great work KS!
We just say regulate society – no ‘the’
What score are you aiming for?
In my opinion, free speech should not be restricted by anything because it is the basic right of any person. It is when people are banned from expressing their thoughts openly, many dictatorship regimes gain more power and can easily manipulate people.
Awesome conclusion, Viktor!
Personally, I believe both arguments make valid points, as anything can become damaging in excess, be it maintaining silence when a crime is committed or using free speech to manipulate the public, we must hold critical thinking at all times when it comes to this topic.
Hmmm, careful Lena, when you sit in the middle like that you risk a band 4/5 for task achievement.
Safer to just choose an overall side.
In my opinion,there should be some limits and prohibitions on free speech because saying what we think could sometimes lead to chaos and controversies whereas protecting the peace in society should always be the most important priority for governments.
Good! Make sure you include the first sentence as well, Amir!
I didn’t get it.What do you mean by including the first sentence?
means stand
Naleema Hettiarachchi Gamage
In my view, there should be certain limitations in allowing people to talk freely as it may have and harmful impact for the society which could lead to conflicts among social groups. Mindful speaking will not only benefit the society it will also exacerbate the feeling of unity among people
impressive conclusion
To recapitulate, focusing on words that are spoken could prevent hurting the feelings of others. This would more likely have a good impact on others and create a healthy environment.
Good! Better to just use ‘In conclusion’ though!
Keep it up, Niraj – you can say positive impact to be more academic.
To recapItulate, both perspectives have negative and positive sides. while I agree everyone should have the right to express; however I believe that the dignity of others should not be compromised. A peaceful society with a high level of tolerance will certainly flourish at a greater pace.
Good try, Madiha, but that is too close to sitting in the middle.
Always, always, always choose an overall side so you don’t risk a low score for task achievement.
Write it again!
To conclude, I am certain that absolute freedom of speech is a lawful right of everyone in a democratic society, for this liberty to speak up against injustice of any kind keeps a check on the powerful people in a country. The world can be more livable if all the nation-states confer this fundamental right to their citizens.
I am not sure if a comma should be inserted before ‘for’ or not.
Great Harpreet! You don’t need the comma – that makes it sound more like speaking.
In my opinion, I am certain that people should restrict on free speech as it can hurt others feelings and emotions negatively. It is the responsibility of every citizen to be mindful of what they speak. therefore, free speech should be limited to make a happy society
Good work, CM!
The conclusion is a bit odd though – how would someone possibly police every single thing said to make sure it doesn’t hurt someone’s feelings?
At the end, I believe that there should be few restrictions on free speech because some people might hurt others feelings in the context of freedom of speech. This step will help to build a peaceful relationship between human beings.
Please comment !!
Good work, Shubham.
However, it’s a little informal – try to write a little more formally and use some academic collocations.
To conclude, it is better to have a restriction for freedom of expression. Because there is no use of it if it hurts other people sentiments.
Great, Tahzir!
It is a little informal though – try to write more academically!
It is readily apparent to me that free speech should not be restricted because it is the human’s basic right.
Leading to self-censorship, the restriction would also limit the expression of view.
Great conclusion, Anson!
In my opinion, consuming these products give people additional energy and refreshing feeling. However, I strongly believe that their price should be increased by the government as an amazing approach of promoting healthy lifestyle and encouraging people to manage their finances.
Good structure, Geekay.
Careful with your collocations, some of them are not natural.
Thank you Dave. Take care
You too!
It is my belief that free speech should be restricted especially online as this would help to fight online bully and insensitive comments from others who project their hurts on others.
Limiting free speeches would foster a feeling of accountability in the speaker, which in turn would promote a better society.
Great vocabulary, Paris!
Some corrections: bullying, from those who seek to…, – maybe a healthier society is better at the end too.
Keep it up!
In my opinion,i think that the best way to make people feel relaxed and have a sense of belonging in the society is to make them have their freedom of speech.this will enable them to have mutual relationship among themselves,knowing fully well that their views are accepted by people
In my opinion,i believe that people can feel more relaxed and have a sense of belonging in the society when there is freedom of speech,leading to high rate of mutual relationship,because they feel accepted and not discriminated in the society
In conclusion, freedom of speech is very important in our society today essential the government that is democratic because it is the full right of every individual to speak but not to say things that will destroy the entire country.
Great but try to break it up into two sentences so that your grammar is more accurate, Ebuka!
Really it is useful in fact I made use of this processes thanks
very user friendly
In my opinion, as we live in a democratic country where we are given rights to express our thoughts freely so we should always take benefit of that freedom. As speaking on a particular task always helps us to broaden our minds in and every aspect, otherwise it will not think properly and abandon our thinking abilities.
(Please review it for any mistakes)
in my opinion, though free speech allowed to speak anything it does not mean to lead to conflicts rather, think to maintain harmony which regulates the society
Good, try to write slightly more academically and be more careful with punctuation.
I believe that there should be constrains on the freedom of speech because, freedom of speech can result in wrongful and heavy consequences such as ‘defaming an innocent’. Overall, the government must surveil masses that promote loathsome speeches.
Great! Some vocabulary is too informal though, like ‘loathsome’.
Keep working hard, Hibba!
To recapitulate, I believe that freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right of every citizen however it should be utilized with great care and caution not to affect the sentiments of any section of the society. The administration should keep watch on the activities of people in order to maintain harmony among citizens.
Nice Dilip!
Careful with some words like keep watch and harmony though.
I therefore, stick to the opinion that, people should have a limit in what they speak about. In relation to politics, comments can be made to downgrade other candidates whereas competitors should be fair. Likewise in all aspects of human interactions, conversations must be guided by ethics and morals in order to promote fair values in business and relationships
Awesome work, Suzie!
In conclusion, I believe that people ought to be able to express their opinions freely as long as they take responsibility for their words. This is important because if people are not held accountable for their words, chances of conflict within the society may rise. At the end of the day, responsible articulation of ideas is necessary to improve the society as a whole.
Nice Mohamed!
In conclusion, it is readily apparent to me that free speech without limit is harmful to society as a whole because It can lead to undesirable results such as invasions of privacy and massive false reports. Therefore, moderations need to be adopted for the public interest.
Nice work!
in my opening,i do believe people should have freedom of speech as it is one’s write .allowing people to have freedom of speech brings and unites people
To conclude, i believe people should be granted a freedom of speech without limitation so as to understand people feelings and emotion.When people can freely explain their selves without limitation problem can be solve promptly and effectively.
1. Isn’t restating the general topic necessary?
2. Is it possible that examiners might reduce our score due to the extra detail as a new idea
Not the general topic necessarily but you have to summarize your ideas, Ali.
The extra detail is not in the band descriptors but I know some examiners require it. To be safe, include it but don’t make it too outlandish.
Is that all clear, Ali?
very useful! thanks a lotttt!
It is readily apparent to me that every single person should be able to voice out their concerns because it not only adds up to an individuals growth but it also adds up to every single one’s development. Nevertheless to avoid any disaster I would suggest voicing out every single person’s thoughts should be welcomed everywhere.
I believe, smoking should be forbidden in public places due to its effects in increasing the upper respiratory system infections rate for both active and passive smokers. I dream a day that by good education we can control this phenomenon and see our society without cigarette.