The conclusion of your IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Internal Assessment is your opportunity to clearly answer your research question and demonstrate critical reflection. A strong conclusion ties together your investigation, highlights the significance of your findings, and meets IB criteria for clarity, relevance, and scientific reasoning. This guide explains how to write a focused, high-impact conclusion for your ESS IA.
Restate the Environmental Issue and Research Question
Begin your conclusion by briefly reminding the reader of the environmental issue your investigation addressed. Restate your research question concisely to frame your final answer. This helps ensure that your conclusion remains focused and directly tied to the purpose of your study.
Summarize Your Main Findings
Clearly and succinctly state what your investigation found. Use data-driven evidence to support your answer. Your summary should provide a direct response to your research question, showing how your results support (or do not support) your hypothesis. Avoid unnecessary detail or repetition of earlier analysis.
Acknowledge Limitations
Briefly identify key limitations or sources of uncertainty that may have affected your results. Mention these constructively, focusing on their relevance to the reliability of your conclusion. Suggest how future investigations could address these limitations to strengthen findings.
Link to the Broader Environmental Context
Conclude by explaining the significance of your findings in relation to environmental systems and societies. Highlight why your results matter in a wider context, such as their implications for sustainability, conservation, or environmental management. This reinforces the relevance of your study and demonstrates critical thinking.
Keep It Concise
An ESS IA conclusion is typically very brief—often just two to four sentences. Avoid introducing new information or over-explaining points already covered in your analysis. Focus on clarity, precision, and relevance.
Example of an Effective ESS IA Conclusion
This investigation found that increased urbanization significantly reduces local bird species diversity, supporting the hypothesis. Limitations such as sample size and seasonal variation suggest further research is needed to confirm these trends. These findings emphasize the need for urban planning strategies that incorporate green spaces to help preserve biodiversity.
Final Tips for Writing Your ESS IA Conclusion
- Directly answer your research question with evidence-based reasoning.
- Reflect honestly on limitations without undermining your investigation.
- Emphasize the environmental relevance of your findings.
- Keep your language clear, objective, and free of unnecessary detail.
By following these guidelines, your conclusion will meet IB expectations and strengthen the overall quality of your ESS IA.
For more detailed templates, high-scoring exemplar conclusions, and IA writing resources, visit RevisionDojo, where IB experts provide tools to help you plan and polish every section of your Internal Assessment.
