B2 Stage 5: Short essay
End your essay clearly
How to write a B2 essay conclusion
You can end an essay by summing up your main points in new words and giving your final answer.
This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. It is a stage 5 skill: write a short essay (4 paragraphs) (140-220 words).
When to use an essay conclusion
At the end of every essay, on any topic.
An essay conclusion: how to do it
A good conclusion does three things: it signals the end (In conclusion, To sum up, Overall), it sums up your main points in new words, and it gives your final answer to the question. Do not copy your introduction, and do not add a new reason: the conclusion is not the place for new ideas. Two or three sentences are enough. You can end with a short last thought: what should happen, or what the result will be.
Useful language for an essay conclusion
- In conclusion, ...
- To sum up, ...
- Overall, ...
- All in all, ...
- For these reasons, ...
- Taking everything into account, ...
Example of an essay conclusion
Music is part of daily life for almost everyone, so it is natural to ask whether every child should learn an instrument. In my view, they should, because music teaches useful habits and brings children together. The first benefit is the habit of practice. A child who learns the guitar discovers that small, regular efforts bring real progress. For example, a boy who cannot play a simple tune in the first week may play it well after a month of short daily practice, and this teaches him to be patient. The second benefit is working with others. In a school band or choir, every child must listen to the rest of the group and play their own part at the right moment. Because of this, children learn to cooperate and make friends in other classes. A concert at the end of the year gives the whole group a goal to work towards. In conclusion, learning an instrument teaches children patience and cooperation. For these reasons, every child should have the chance to learn one.
Topic: Should all children learn to play a musical instrument?
How the BetterWrite coach checks an essay conclusion
The BetterWrite coach checks 4 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.
Try it
Write a short essay (140-220 words) for your teacher: Should people use their cars less? Use an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, and focus on your conclusion.
Write 140-220 words (a short essay (4 paragraphs)).