IELTS Writing for Master's applicants: How to Fix A conclusion that only repeats the introduction

Write a two or three sentence conclusion that restates your position in new words and summarises the two reasons. Do not introduce a new argument, and do not copy the introduction word for word.

At a glance

For: Master's applicants
Problem: A conclusion that only repeats the introduction
Scoring criterion: Task Response (Task 2)
Task affected: Task 2 (essay)
IELTS test: Academic
Typical effort: a few days
First step: Begin with a signal such as 'In conclusion' or 'Overall'.

Why this happens to master's applicants

With time running out, candidates paste the introduction again or add a late idea. The first looks lazy and the second breaks the logic that the body paragraphs built.

Why this affects master's applicants: academic reading is strong, but formal writing in a second language is often slower than expected.

Candidates may write at a high level of abstraction without a specific example.

A strength to build on: Experience of reading and summarising sources helps with Task 1 and with structuring arguments.

Fix it in four steps

Begin with a signal such as 'In conclusion' or 'Overall'.
Restate the position using different vocabulary from the introduction.
Summarise the two reasons in a single balanced sentence.
Stop. A conclusion of 30 to 45 words is enough.

Before and after

Before

In conclusion, this is a very complex problem and there are many things to think about.

After

Overall, I remain convinced that free public transport would cut congestion, provided cities fund it through road charges.

Ten-minute drill: Take three of your past introductions and write a conclusion for each in under 2 minutes without copying a phrase from them.

Questions and answers

What is the fastest way for master's applicants to fix a conclusion that only repeats the introduction?

Write a two or three sentence conclusion that restates your position in new words and summarises the two reasons. Do not introduce a new argument, and do not copy the introduction word for word. Candidates may write at a high level of abstraction without a specific example.

How long does it take master's applicants to fix a conclusion that only repeats the introduction?

Most learners need a few days. Offer deadlines fix the date, so work backwards from the test date and book practice feedback early.

Is a conclusion required?

Yes. The band descriptors expect a clear conclusion that follows from the argument, and an essay without one can feel incomplete.

Can I add a recommendation in the conclusion?

A brief recommendation is fine if it follows directly from your position. A brand-new argument is not.

What does a good practice drill look like for master's applicants?

Take three of your past introductions and write a conclusion for each in under 2 minutes without copying a phrase from them. Offer deadlines fix the date, so work backwards from the test date and book practice feedback early.

How can master's applicants tell they have fixed a conclusion that only repeats the introduction?

The conclusion shares meaning with the introduction but almost no exact phrases, and adds no new idea.

What should master's applicants know about their IELTS Writing target?

Postgraduate programmes set a minimum overall IELTS score and often a higher minimum for Writing. Confirm the exact condition on your offer.

Should master's applicants practise this on Task 1, Task 2 or both?

This is a Task 2 issue, so practise it on full essays. Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1 in the Writing band, so progress here moves the score most. Experience of reading and summarising sources helps with Task 1 and with structuring arguments.

Can an AI checker help master's applicants with a conclusion that only repeats the introduction?

An AI checker can show where this pattern appears in your own essay and which criterion it affects, which makes the fix concrete. It gives a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score, so use it to choose the next revision, rewrite, and check again. The first check on this site is free.

Check your own essay

See where a conclusion that only repeats the introduction appears in your own writing and which criterion it affects, then rewrite the weakest paragraph.

Run a free first check

Feedback is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score. Last reviewed 2026-11-11. Score requirements change, so confirm them with the organisation that will read your result.