Learn which are the best linkers to use to start your conclusion paragraphs for your IELTS essay. This lesson will show you which linkers to use and which you must avoid. Any mistakes with linkers will lower your band score so make sure you watch this lesson.
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hello in this lesson
we’re going to look at the best linkers
to use
to start your conclusion for your IELTS
writing
task 2 essay now I have a list
of linkers on the board and I have seen
students using these linkers for their
IELTS
academic essay now are they
good to use well I can tell you some
of these linkers are inappropriate
they should not be used for the
conclusion
in your task 2 essay now
let’s have a look we’ll start off with
this one here
finally now I know your conclusion
is the final paragraph but finally
does not indicate a conclusion
we use this linker to show
the final main point so that means
we use this linker in the last
body paragraph so you have
firstly secondly finally
and after that you have your conclusion
so please do not use this
for your conclusion now another one
let’s have a look at in a nutshell now
in a nutshell the meaning of this
is to summarize all the main points
briefly so the meaning is correct
but this expression
in a nutshell this is informal
and we mainly use this with speaking
or with some informal writing so that
means
it is wrong to use this kind of linker
with an
academic essay for IELTS it’s something that the
examiner
usually notices and it will
be a problem for your band score so
please
don’t to use in a nutshell for you IELTS
academic essay another one
in general again it does not
really indicate a conclusion
so that leaves 3
linkers we’ve got in conclusion to
conclude
to sum up now although
to sum up is OK I
still wouldn’t recommend using if
somebody asked me
for the best linkers to start the
conclusion
of course I would choose these
now a linker at the beginning
of the paragraph is there help
the reader to help the reader understand
the order of information and to
indicate what the information is so when
I am reading an academic essay
and I see in conclusion or
to conclude I understand this is the
conclusion
and that is good for an academic
essay so in conclusion
to conclude please choose one of them
to start your conclusion for your task
2
essay well that’s all for this lesson
I’ll see you again in another IELTS lesson
Hi Liz,
Is “To reiterate” appropriate for the conclusion linker?
Regards,
Sure you can use it if you wish. It will NOT give you a higher score than using “In conclusion”.
can we use agglomerating or recapsilutaing to start conclusion?
You do not get a higher score because you use a different linking word. “In conclusion” can get you band 9. Both your suggestions are actually not appropriate for task 2. Either way, your task in preparing is to learn the linking words provided rather than look for other ones.
Hey Liz,
I generally conclude by writing this sentence “All in all ,I pen down saying that……”
Is this the right sentence because someone told me that it’s a wrong starting of sentence in conclusion.
Plz reply
This is a formal essay, not creative writing. You are being marked on logical signposting and appropriate use of linking words. Do not attempt to learn fancy phrases because you think it might impress the examiner. It never works.
Thank you Liz …I will work on it:)
Just remember that writing task 2 essays are not complicated. They are straight forward. Also, the best way to increase your score is to avoid errors – both language errors and errors in judgement. Keep that in mind 🙂
Thank You Liz
Is it formal to use
Laconically, it can be reiterated that…
Being a GT candidate i think ielts expect more from us?
It sounds as though you have memorised it to impress the examiner. It sounds unnatural and forced. A conclusion is a conclusion – to get band 9 all you need to do is be appropriate and use the right linking words in the right way at the right time. Linking words are not there to be creative with.
Hi Liz can we use ergo to conclude the task 1 ?
Not for an IELTS report. As there is no conclusion and only an overview, using “Overall” is the easiest way for the examiner to find the overview.
Liz, I find it very interesting everything you have published. I think I have not been able to find the video or tips for “how to write the conclusion in Task II”, I have been able to find everything related to Task I, but not this specific part of the Task II. Could you guide me please to the material?
Click on “Writing T2” on the RED BAR at the top of the site for all my free lessons on writing task 2. For anything more, please see my Advanced lessons.
Can I use
Ergo,I would like to reiterate that
What is the best way to conclude
That is a learned phrase, not a linking word.
Hello Liz! Is it appropriate to use the subsequent linkers to begin a conclusion?
To wind up,
All in all,
Overall,
In overall terms,
Thank you very much indeed!
See linking words on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/ and then review all tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi Mam,
Can I use “To culminate” or “To conjecture” instead of “To conclude” ?
“To conclude” is the best to use.
Hello Elizabeth,
can we write “pros and cons” instead of advantages and disadvantages??
or is it too informal to write??
Thanks in advance,
Pavan
No, it’s too informal.
How can we write good introduction and conclusion
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hii mam
Can i use for conclusion
In the epilogue
Please watch the video above to learn what linking words to use.
Is it okay if I use ‘All things considered, …’
The best way to indicate a conclusion is to use “In conclusion. IELTS writing task 2 is a formal essay, not creative writing. Using the most logical linking words to aid the reader is the best way forward.
hey! liz I got confused when I read your tips, plz tell me how can I start a conclusion paragraph with In Conclusion or To Conclude plz make some lines regarding that words.
See my model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hello Liz
Thank you very much for your valuable information.It helped me a lot.Anyway ,you just mentioned in this video that some linkers are inappropriate for academic essays(e.g:in a nutshel)Does it mean that those can be used in general essays (for GT module).I got little confusion on this as I will seat for general module soon.
Thanks
GT and Academic writing task 2 essays are the same. They use the same techniques, language etc. GT essay questions are sometimes easier but that’s the only difference: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
For me the world Liz now stands for love, just yesterday I told my GF, “I Liz you”.
That’s funny 🙂 Your poor girlfriend – I think you owe her some flowers !
hi mam how are you ?
please tell me that in 2nd paragraph of ielts i.e first body paragraph. can we start with the word
“To Prologue, it has been recognized that …….”
and in conclusion paragraph can we start with the word
“To Epilogue, it can be concluded that …..”
thanks
No. That is not appropriate. You can learn linking words but not phrases for IELTS.
what about “by and large?”
thank you Liz
It is informal. Don’t use it. Just use the linking words I have recommended. This isn’t creative writing – it is formal essay writing for IELTS.
Hello Liz,
How about ‘Wrapping up the ideas ‘?
I frequently use this one
Use the linking words I have suggested. “wrapping up ..” is informal and not appropriate. The linking words I have suggested are fine for anyone up to band 9 – I’m sure that ‘s enough.
hello liz, thanks for giving value information because I often use …In a nutshell… to conclude
again thanks…….
Hi Liz. Can I use ”To be crisp ” to start the conclusion?
Thanks
No, you can’t. That is informal and IELTS writing is formal. Never use informal language.
Hi Liz,
how are you,
can you send me some Important topics of task 1 and task 2 in general training writing module.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/ and this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-general-training-reading-information/
can you help me in writing task 1 about pie chart
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Hi Liz,
I want to ask if i can use the word To recapitulate in the begining of conclusion ?
Yes, if you want but it won’t increase your score. It is usually best to stick with recommended linking words.
hii mam,
“triggering the last bullet”, “closing the house of discussion” , “to cap it up” are effective conclusion linker ??
plz ans me
Not for writing task 2. They are not appropriate at all.
“To recapitulate” is it ok for conclusion?
My advice is to stick with straight forward acceptable linking words: In conclusion
Hello ma’am,
I want to ask you is it okay to write this following sentence as a beginning of conclusion?
” To summarize precisely and concisely it can be inferred that”
Don’t memorise long phrases – the examiner will not accept language you have memorised in order to get a higher score. Just use appropriate and correct language – In conclusion
Hello Liz,
Is it ok for my concluding sentences if I express my hope for the future about the given topic.?
Thank you
It is common to write one final concluding statement to your conclusion which might be a prediction.
Hello Liz
What do you say, if i use “The holistic approach”. Is this a best word for conclusion linker ?
thanks
No, it is not appropriate. Use the recommended linking words.
hello mam.Can I use “To wrap up’ for the conclusion
No, you can’t. Don’t use informal language.
In an IELTS book titled ‘Practical IELTS Strategies – IELTS Writing Task Two (Academic Module)’ by Andrew Guilfoyle, page 106, there is a list of signposts for conclusion :
‘1. To conclude,
2. In conclusion,
3. Concluding then,
4. Clearly then,
5. In short, / In brief,
6. All in all,
7. Summing up, / To sum up,
8. My conclusion is that
9. This is why
10. Thus, / Therefore,
11. Consequently,
12. All this makes clear why’
Besides (1) and (2), I wonder whether we should use from (3) to (12).
I am very grateful to see your reply.
Thanks you in advance.
You only need to write one conclusion so you only need to learn one linking word – just stick to “In conclusion”.
Thanks you very much
How to write conclusion????
If i write In conclusion, i pen down saying that, is it possible to write like that in conclusion. Tahnk you
No, don’t use that phrase.
Nice to see this.It will help me a lot in exam.Now I understand we have to write naturally
hello , thanks for guiding us here i would like to say that as a part of conclusion can we go for TO an end/At least/to summarize
Just stick to the linking words I have recommended.
Liz
Hi Liz, I really do appreciate your work so far.
My question: is it right to write address in writing task2?
Many thanks.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
First, I would like to thank you for your valuable effort.
I wonder why you did not include “Ultimately” as a liker for a conclusion.
Or you just comment on the frequent linkers you have seen.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Dear Liz,
I have less than a month for my IELTS . How can i score a band 7.5 with such a time limitations. I am worried about my writing tasks in particular . what if i dont understand the topic ? what if i am not able to get anything on that topic? and it takes time for me to get passages properly. Do we have repetition of Topics for IElTs writinf task 1 & 2.
What do you suggest for all my issues.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Lizz mam
Is “To recapitulate or to encapsulate” suitable for conclusion
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hello Liz
Thanks for the great tips. I read all the comments to avoid repeating my question. A you said “to conclude” and “in conclusion” are the best linkers for our concluding paragraph, but if a majority of students use these two, don’t they turn out to be over used?
I also have another question, I read your response to a comment here, that conclusion is a paraphrased term of the last sentence of intro?! Is that true?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Dear Liz,
I have difficulties with conclusion. The problem is that, I can not write conclusion part well. What should I do? Are there some techniques to write excellent conclusion?
Thanks in advance.
The conclusion is usually the same as the thesis statement but paraphrased. It restates the main points.
Liz
dear Liz.
can you tell me linking wors which are for band 9
See the linking words on the main writing task 2 page.
Liz
Dear Liz,
Initially, I should be acknowledge by my special appreciation from the bottom of heart in the region of this website and your merits videos . You fanatically sacrificed yourself to read the riot act for ielts examination .
From the most part we try to sit on the fence by being far from hackneyed expressions and write it on the safe side for all one is worth . Hereby, I m in favour of using some words that brings unexceptionable consequences for me hence can you affirmative my thoughts by fits and starts ?
Can we use ” to reiterate ” instead of ” to conclude ” or into the bargain, can I write ” thus far or hitherto instead of ” so far ” . Thereupon, in order to have a ceremonious conversation in speaking module what’s your conception to us ? Can I say ,for example, “farewell” instead of goodbye ?
Eventually, what’s your opinion to write colourful in writing module not by a long chalk ? For instance, ” to rivet your heed suffice it to say that … ” . I’m so sorry in the order of bad though droppings which wasted your valuable moments whereas I’m looking forward to reading your advises for improving my band score in that problems .
With warmest wishes,
Hooman
Don’t try to learn phrases in order to get a higher score. Use appropriate language only and language that is commonly used in the English language. “hitherto” has not been used in usual English for many many decades. The examiner will be able to spot language you have memorised and will not accept it. Use normal English.
All the best
Liz
Are tips for IELTs general and Acedemic task 2 same? I want to improve my score which was 6.5 in general Writing. I need 7. Are general/academic essays examined with different strictness level.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/
Liz
Hi Liz, can i conclude the essay as” Finally it can be concluded by saying that …….
hope you will …………..
Hello Liz
Can I use “All in all” as a conclusion linker? or is ti informal phrase?
It is not formal and shouldn’t be used for an IELTS essay.
All the best
Liz
hello liz! 🙂
can i write ‘ Therefore I conclude…”
thanks! ^^
Just use the normal linking device which can get band score 9 “In conclusion”.
Liz
is it safe to assume or say that this prepositions At, In, On are for Place, Time, and Day (respectively)?
thank you 🙂
This lesson has a lot of prepositions and explains which ones are for which: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening-predicting-answers/
Liz
Hello Liz,
can i write my conclusion like this….
To recapitulate,let me reiterate the fact that
Never learn a long phrase to put in your essay. It will not help your score because the examiner will not accept it or use it to further your marks.
Liz
I use two other phrases for conclusion too, namely; ” considering pros and cons “& “considering the above statements,” ,what is your advice on them?
Thanks dear Liz.
They will not help your score. Just write “In conclusion” and then summarise your ideas.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz,
Thank you. You teach so friendly and easy so that I feel confidence.It has been so disappointing for me that I am going to take the exam for 4 times , but I have found recently your website hopefully. I appreciate your attention to those who need the help in this way.
Best Regards
Rezvan
Don’t forget that this is also an English language test and you must have the right level of English for the band score you want. I’m glad my blog is useful.
All the best
Liz
Hello Liz,
I have read about another two conclusion linkers, “To recapitulate” and “To Encapsulate”. Will you please help me to know weather these are more academic or not to use in IELTS ?
The first is fine, the second is not.
All the best
Liz
Hi liz i really like the way you teach. You are so clear and it seems like you are enjoying doing this. I am going to seat my IELTS exam very soon and i would to have some private lessons with you to get ready, especially for writing.
Is there any change to have some lessons with you?
Thanks
Unfortunately I don’t offer private lessons this year. But you can purchase lessons from my writing task 2 course which are very detailed: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
i want to ask …is this right that the conclusion of wt2 is jut a rephrase of last sentence in intro?
Hoping for your immediate reply.
Thanks a lot.
Yes, you can definitely do that.
Liz
Hi,Liz
I have been tried many times in differnt ways to want to watch lesson videos. But i can not
i do not know the problem that is the internet or other things. So,do you know how to solve it? I really want to watch your lesson videos.
(T-T)
If you are in China, there might be a problem because all my videos are stored on youtube. Unfortunately, I don’t know any way to solve that. I wish I did because there are many students in China who need help with IELTS. If you have any ideas, let me know.
Liz
hello Liz,
Is To recapitulate, a correct conclusion linker in Academic writing task 2.
Yes, it’s possible to use that.
Liz
hello liz,
I got my IELTS score as 7.5 , I want to thank you for your pivotal help. Your website is really worthy for self learners.
Well done! A very good score 🙂
All the best
Liz