Writing: B2 Lesson 5: Writing Strong Conclusions (Summarizing & Giving a Final Thought)

Writing: The Structure of an Essay

B2 Lesson 5: Writing Strong Conclusions

Listen to the key concepts and examples.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a strong conclusion for a B2 essay by summarizing your main points and giving a memorable final thought (a prediction, recommendation, or question).

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

These words are essential for understanding conclusions.

Conclusion

| សេចក្តីសន្នิដ្ឋាន

The final paragraph of an essay that brings it to a close.

Summarize

| សង្ខេប

To restate the main ideas in a short, clear way.

Thesis Statement

| និក្ខេបបទ

The main idea or argument of your entire essay, usually in the introduction.

Final Thought

| គំនិតចុងក្រោយ

A final, memorable idea that answers "So what?" for your reader.

The Two Jobs of a Conclusion

Your conclusion is the last thing your reader will see. It has two simple but very important jobs. Think of it like a lawyer finishing a case in court.

Job 1: The Summary 📋

"Tell them what you told them."

Remind your reader of your main argument (your thesis) and the main points from your body paragraphs. Do not just copy them—use different words (paraphrase).

Common Phrases:

• In conclusion,...
• To sum up,...
• In summary,...

Job 2: The Final Thought 💡

"Tell them why it matters."

This is your last chance to be powerful. Leave the reader with something interesting to think about. Never add new arguments here.

Three Types of Final Thought:

• A Prediction: "If this continues, the future will..."
• A Recommendation: "Therefore, people should..."
• A Question: "How will we choose to adapt?"

Example: Weak vs. Strong Conclusion

WEAK 😴 (Just stops)

Essay Topic: "The benefits of remote work for companies."

"In conclusion, remote work is good. It has benefits like flexibility and saving money. It is the future of work."

STRONG 👍 (Summarizes & gives a final thought)

Essay Topic: "The benefits of remote work for companies."

[Summary] In summary, remote work is not just a trend; it is a smart strategy that increases productivity, lowers costs, and gives employees valuable flexibility.

[Final Thought - Prediction] As this model continues to grow, companies that refuse to adapt will likely find it difficult to attract the best talent in the future.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Identify the Parts of a Conclusion

Read the sentences below. Which one is the Summary and which is the Final Thought? Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. Which sentence is the SUMMARY?

• A) Therefore, we must all work together to protect the environment.
• B) In conclusion, it is clear that pollution and deforestation are the two main causes of the problem.
• C) Firstly, pollution is a big problem in our cities.

2. Which sentence is the best FINAL THOUGHT (Prediction or Recommendation)?

• A) To sum up, the film was exciting and had great actors.
• B) The film was also very long, which was a problem.
• C) If you are looking for a fun and exciting movie, you should definitely watch this one.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Conclusion | សេចក្តីសន្និដ្ឋាន
  The final paragraph of an essay that brings it to a close.
• Summarize | សង្ខេប
  To restate the main ideas in a short, clear way.
• Thesis Statement | និក្ខេបបទ
  The main idea or argument of your entire essay.
• Final Thought | គំនិតចុងក្រោយ
  A final, memorable idea that answers "So what?" for your reader.
• Prediction | ការទស្សន៍ទាយ
  A statement about what you think will happen in the future.
• Recommendation | ការណែនាំ
  A suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Upgrade Your Conclusion

Find an old essay or paragraph you have written. If you don't have one, write a short 3-paragraph essay on "The advantages of living in a big city."

1. Look at your original conclusion. Is it weak? (e.g., "That is my essay. Thank you.")
2. Rewrite your conclusion using the Two-Part Structure:
   • Part 1: Summary: Start with "In conclusion," and summarize your main ideas.
   • Part 2: Final Thought: Add one sentence that is a prediction or a recommendation.