IELTS Writing for PhD 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
- PhD 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 PhD 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 PhD applicants: research writing is cautious and hedged, which can make a Task 2 position look uncommitted.
Heavy hedging can make the position unclear.
A strength to build on: Practice with structured argument and evidence is already strong.
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
How can PhD applicants 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. Heavy hedging can make the position unclear.
How long does it take PhD applicants to fix a conclusion that only repeats the introduction?
Most learners need a few days. Research schedules are flexible but easily crowded out, so fix a weekly timed session.
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 PhD applicants?
Take three of your past introductions and write a conclusion for each in under 2 minutes without copying a phrase from them. Research schedules are flexible but easily crowded out, so fix a weekly timed session.
How can PhD 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 PhD applicants know about their IELTS Writing target?
Doctoral programmes and funders set minimum IELTS scores, often with a Writing minimum. Check the departmental and funder rules separately.
Should PhD 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. Practice with structured argument and evidence is already strong.
Can an AI checker help PhD 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.
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.
Related guides
- IELTS Writing for PhD applicants: overview
- PhD applicants: an unclear position in Task 2
- PhD applicants: run-on sentences and comma splices
- PhD applicants: rare or memorised words used in the wrong place
- PhD applicants: body paragraphs with no clear topic sentence
- PhD applicants: running out of time in the Writing paper
- PhD applicants: ideas that are listed but not developed
- Candidates aiming for Band 7: a conclusion that only repeats the introduction
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