IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

Learn how to write an introduction for IELTS writing task 2 essays. This page explains the content and technique for writing an high score introduction without wasting precious time in the test. The video tutorial takes you through each statement in your introduction paragraph. This lesson is for academic and GT IELTS essays.

This lesson will teach you:

  • The content of an IELTS introduction
  • How to write the background statement
  • How to write the thesis statement
  • How to paraphrase effectively
  • How long your introduction should be

The same technique is used for a band score 6 as for a band score 9. So, this lesson is for students of all band scores. The only difference will be that a band score 9 student will use richer and more complex English language.

What does the Introduction Paragraph Contain?

An introduction paragraph for an IELTS writing task 2 essay requires only two statements. A Background Statement – This is a paraphrase of the essay question. All essays must have this statement. A Thesis Statement – A direct answer to the essay question and task. An IELTS introduction paragraph does not require anything more to fulfil the requirements of the marking criteria for writing task 2.

How to Write the Introduction of an IELTS Essay

This video lesson will take you through both statements to create a time efficient introduction paragraph. It will show you:

  • How to paragraph correctly for the background statement.
  • How to write a clear thesis statement.
  • What information you do not need based on the IELTS marking criteria and band score requirements.

Summary: The Introduction Paragraph

1. analysing the essay question.

Now this is the essay title we’re going to look at. “The best way to improve health is to do regular exercise. To what extent do you agree?” Well let’s first look at the statement. IELTS have given us the best way – it’s a method, it’s a solution and it’s a solution to improving health. So our essay is all about improving health and possible solutions. IELTS suggest that exercise is the best solution – you might agree, not agree or partially agree.

What does this mean “ to what extent “? Well that means how much do you agree. You don’t need to agree or disagree. You need to think about it and think do you agree with all the sentence, is there something that you don’t agree with? Do you agree with most of it? So that’s how you analyse it.

Let’s have a look at what information we need to put in our introduction. Now for many academic essays there are three parts to the introduction: the hook, a background statement and a thesis statement.  We use the hook in many essays but …. do we use the hook for IELTS essays? The answer is no. We don’t need it. A hook is there to create interest, but that is not part of the marking criteria for IELTS. Interest is NOT marked and does not improve your score.

3. Background Statements

The next thing is the background statement. What is the background statement? The function of this statement is to present the issues in the essay question. You do this by paraphrasing the question. This means you rewrite the essay question your way. We do this because these are the issues your whole essay will be addressing. It is the only way that your essay (your answer) will make sense. You can see various ways of paraphrasing a background statement on this page: Introduction Background Statement Practice

4. Thesis Statements

The second and final statement is the thesis statement. This is your answer / your opinion. It provides the reader with a clear answer to the task. Your body paragraphs will then explain your answer by presenting ideas which are developed and supported.You need to learn all the different ways to write this statement depending on the type of essay you will get in your IELTS test.

5. Length of Introduction

Most introductions will be between 45 and 60 words in length. They certainly do not need to be longer. The introduction is a functional paragraph and when you have completed its function, move quickly on to the body paragraphs. The main proportion of your marks come from your body paragraphs.

Recommended Lessons

  • Band Score 9 Model Opinion Essay
  • Opinion Essay Introduction Practice

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Hope you are doing great

I have one question. I have written an introduction for one of the Cambridge Tests. Would you please tell me your opinion about my answer. I want to present a balanced opinion. Can I argue two sides (positive and negative development) and finally give a balanced approach? Is it correct or not?

Question: Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

My answer: The question of whether the easy availability of goods made abroad is a significant advancement is a topic of ongoing debate. While some argue that this is an impressive achievement, others advocate for a more pragmatic and realistic approach. This essay will crucially expound both perspectives prior to articulating a comprehensive and balanced assessment.

Best regards, Mohammad

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You have misunderstood what a balanced approach is and you’ve turned it into a discussion essay. This isn’t a discussion essay. It is an essay that asks specifically what you think. If you don’t have a position, you will get a low score.

There is one issue to tackle in this essay – growing similarity because of global sales of products. You must show the reader if you think it is more positive or more negative. This doesn’t mean 50/50 because that has no position and is a discussion essay without an opinion. It means if you think the issue in the question is mostly positive (because there is equality in the world), but only slightly negative (because it might make the world a less interesting place), then you need to make this clear or you will get a lower score.

My advice to you is NEVER aim for a balanced approach unless you have received training on how to do it. Otherwise you will go wrong. Also never use the statement “this essay will” – this is a redundant statement in IELTS.

Please watch my video again about the content of an introduction. Then get my advanced lessons if you need training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Dear Liz thank you so much for your videos and all the materials that you’ve provided for us. I’d like to ask a question in this video you said that the length of the introduction should be 35-50 but here you’ve written 45-60, I ‘d like to know has it changed which one would be better? Thank you

The advice is general advice, not fixed rules. As your introduction will be most usually 2 sentences, it will probably work out at around 40-50 words. But it might be slightly below or slightly above. The key thing to get right is the content of the introduction, and to remember that the main points for your writing task 2 are in the body paragraphs so a long introduction isn’t necessary. See the model essays on this page to see the variation in introductions: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

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Hi Mam, Can I rephrase the question in the video as [To maintain a good healthy life style, workout is important in day to day life.] So I want to ask a question should we omit all the words and paraphrase it. Or should only change the specific word in question.

Paraphrasing does not necessarily mean changing all words. You choose which words to change and which could stay the same. Paraphrasing can also involve changing the word order rather than just changing words. My video explains this. The word “workout” is not a paraphrase for “exercise”. So, this would be an incorrect paraphrase. A workout means using your muscles with weights, usually in a gym. It might also mean fitness training. Workout does not include walking but exercise does include walking and other very gentle activities where the body is moving, such as taichi and yoga. So, changing exercise to workout will change the entire meaning of the essay and would be incorrect. Another mistake is to paraphrase “health” as “healthy life style”. These are not the same thing either and you’ve just changed the entire essay again by poor paraphrasing. “life style is only about the way you live, not your blood pressure or blood sugar levels etc. So, by paraphrasing two words, you have completely altered the essay and this will significantly lower your score.

If you can’t find a suitable paraphrase for “health” or for “exercise”, just change the word order: “It is thought that exercise is important in day to day life as a way to enhance health.”

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Hi dear Liz. could you please give me some suggestions about my introduction ? the question is: Out of a country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

One of the major parts of any country’s income are invested on health issue expenditures. In recent years, much attention is paid to awareness of the society about the impressive role of preventive activities. I believe that the society is becoming aware, therefore, it’s valuable to spend more money on preventions rather than treatments.

I suggest you watch the video on the page above again so that you produce two statements: a background statement which is a direct paraphrase of the essay statement and a thesis statement which produces an answer. Don’t be indirect. Don’t have a hook.

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Hi mam, this is Surya and I have trouble with the introduction part. please have a look at this introduction part and give me your feedback. question:- Some government are motivating industries and business to move from cities to regional areas. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages. Answer:- with the pollution and population increasing in cities due to industries and people crowded for employment, I think the government persuading the industries and business to shift from cities to rural areas is a great benefit to the people,environment and economy as well though it has certain negligible demerits.

As explained in the video on the page above, first you paraphrase the question directly and accurately. Then you present your position in the thesis. Two separate statements in one paragraph.

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Hi, Liz how are you. I wanted to ask that can we induce certain conclusion after observing the trends of a pie chart or any graph in writing task 1. For example, in one Cambridge test, the pie chart shows the usage of water across different areas of world for agriculture, industry and household. In America industry uses most water, while in asia agriculture uses most. Can I write in the explanation paragraphs that america is more industrialized so they spend most water in industry and vice versa. Or I should just present the data available on pie chart in my own words without deducing any conclusions from the trends. Thankyou

Your task is to report what is shown on the graph or chart etc – it is a factual report. It is not to give opinions, predictions or evaluations.

Thankyou so much Liz

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Hello Liz , I want to ask something. I recently sat for academic ielts and I did a mistake on writing task 2 . My introduction disagreed but I went on to agree throughout the essay up to the conclusion , will this affect me adversely if other band descriptors are good.

Unfortunately, it will affect your score for task response because you did not maintain a clear position throughout the whole essay. But it won’t affect your score for the other criteria.

Thank you so much .

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All type of writing task 2 questions would have “Thesis Statement” or only certain types of questions.

All introduction paragraphs for all Writing Task 2 essays should have a background statement and a thesis statement.

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Do we need to mentioned like: “This essay will discuss this and that and later on that” in introduction ?

No. That statement is not required. It doesn’t harm your score, but it is not at all necessary and not part of the band score requirements in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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Please tell me the best way to going partially with any statement,can I use structure “even though” if yes that how?

I suggest you get my advanced lessons and learn properly: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Hello Liz, I just paused my video to commend your teaching methodology. It is simple and precise. Thanks.

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Hello Liz. Thanks for all your lessons and video. I wish I had discovered it when I took my first ilets exams , any ways I’m going for a second attempt and I know I,ll do better with your tutelage. You’re the best and God bless.

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How can we write down an essay if we do not know something well?we have to collect information to put in our essay?Am I correct?

As you prepare for IELTS, you should be preparing ideas for topics as well. I also have an e-book called “Ideas for IELTS Essay Topics” which you can purchase in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Hi Liz wish you had an easier way of making payments like mobile money transfer ,we want to buy those e-books but it’s a little of a challenge

I wish you could change things but I don’t own or have any control over the store platform because it is managed and owned by another company. At present, the only payment method is Paypal but one day I hope to take card payments s well.

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Hi Liz, I just tried and found that it’s OK to use card payments.

This is a link to my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Don’t use any other store. There are no card payment options at present. But you can use your card as long as you pay through Paypal. Hopefully, in the future, I’ll have more options.

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Thank you for all that you do. Much love and appreciation. My test is tomorrow and Please I would like to know if I can type in Capital letters for my Computer based IELTS writing test.

Do you mean “Can I write using all capital letters in my writing test?” The answer to that question is “Don’t do it”. It isn’t a fixed rule, but IELTS is testing your grammar which includes the correct use of capital letters – using capital letters at the start of a sentence or for proper nouns etc. So, please write as normal and use capital letters when it is grammatically correct to do so for the Writing Test. Good luck tomorrow!

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Hi Liz, Would I penalized if I were to introduce my ideas in summary in the introduction paragraph, as part of the thesis statement? Or is it best to leave it for the topic sentences in each body paragraph solely?

For instance, Nowadays more people move away from from their friends and families for work. Does this have more advantages or disadvantages? After paraphrasing the background statement… “…In this essay I will argue why In spite of one having benefits like making new friends and gaining a great employment opportunity that come with moving abroad, the huge disadvantage of separation anxiety from one’s family members outweighs them all.”

It’s a long thesis statement. Take out so much detail: In my opinion, in spite of benefits such as making friends and employment opportunities, the issue of separation anxiety outweighs them all.

That is a clear thesis statement which introduces main points without giving detail. The detail will come in the body paragraphs. Learn to write each sentences in a punchy, focused manner without extra padding. However, your main ideas are not particularly strong. If someone is making new friends, separation anxiety is often lessened. This negates your argument that the disadvantages outweigh. Remember, your ideas must make sense. Therefore, it would be better to have the benefits as – becoming more independent and better work opportunities (such as higher salary or promotion). The disadvantages ought to be lack of support (particularly when sick or if children are involved) and separation anxiety (leading to mental health issues such as depression). You can now argue the case that the disadvantages are more serious.

Also try to avoid “like” instead of “such as”. The word “like” as a linking word is informal and not suitable for Writing Task 2. Hope you found this useful 🙂

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Can you please check the below sample essay written by me and advise whether it is sufficient to serve the purpose or if there is any improvement points you can suggest.

The best way to improve health is to do regular exercise. To what extent you agree or disagree?

Consistent physical training is one of the ideal methods to boost fitness. This essay strongly agrees with this statement because it not only stimulates metabolism but also helps in improving mental health. In today’s modern lifestyle where we spent major portion of our life sitting long hours at office and in home, exercising daily is the necessity to activate our metabolism to prevent variety of lifestyle diseases such as Blood Pressure/Sugar et al. It is considered to be the most effective way to deal obesity which is considered to be mother of all disease. A recently concluded study in UK concluded that by 2025 there will be 48% of the population in UK suffering from obesity which can be prevented by daily physical exercise. In addition to the physical fitness one of the major challenges of the new era is to balance mental health. To achieve maximum output at work as well as to get succeed in life we have to deal with varied amount of physiological pressure. Exercising is the finest way to divert all the negative energy and channelizing them into concentrated productive outcome. A clear example of this is the recent advisory issued by WHO to all the institutions dealing with desk jobs to mandatorily have the gym/fitness centre at the work place to develop the healthy lifestyle and to reduce the risk of various diseases. In conclusion, daily exercise is one of the finest ways to keep health in the best shape because it helps in building the stamina to prevent the deadly disease at bay and balance mental well being to deal with varied life problems. Total Word Count = 271

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Dear Mr.Pell I saw the videos of two Australian teachers stating that when the question says ” what are advantages and disadvantages’ (because they have “s” at the end which means plural) we have to write two double idea paragraphs. I am confused with it. When each body paragraph needs to include one idea and when two ideas? Could you please share a lesson or video that clarifies this point?

Best wishes Dr.Reza

The band score requirements for paragraphs don’t actually say “one idea per paragraph”. They state that each paragraph should have a “central theme”. This means all advantages in one paragraph – logical organisation. However, for opinion essays, each idea is a separate idea and should be written in individual paragraphs. This means your paragraphing should be logical and will depend on the type of essay you get.

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Dear liz, I recently gave my IELTS ACADEMIC test. I do not remember the exact phrasing of the question, but it was along the lines saying “in many parts of the world, children and teenagers are involved in many crimes.” what are the reasons and how they should be punished? I was in hurry and i might have missed “in many parts of the world” to paraphrase (I am not sure if i mentioned it or not) but my rest of the essay is relevant. So basically, my thesis might have missed a part. I wrote ” nowadays, it is seen that many young children and teens are getting involved in crimes” and i added next statement but nowhere it involves the “manu parts of the world” would this affect my score significantly? I am confident about my lexical resources and grammar. But i fear this one mistake might lead to low score. please let me know. 🙂

All fine. That isn’t a vital piece of information for the introduction given that topic. Good luck with your results 🙂

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Hi Liz, I have purchased your advanced lesson of opinion essay and was wondering it is necessary to write a balanced approach essay for a higher band score or we can get a good score with a one-sided approach as well.

The position you take isn’t marked – one sided or balanced view are both good. However, make sure you cover all issues in the question, keep the same stance throughout and have relevant points. I teach both approaches because some essay questions are more suited to one approach than the other. So, don’t decide which approach you will take until you read the question.

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Question:–Many people like to go on holiday abroad, while others believe it is better to visit places within their own country. Discuss both the views and give your opinion. Intro:—A lot of individuals want to go out of country for vacation. However, others argue that it is good to visit their home nation. This essay agrees that go out for holiday is give idea about new culture and learn new language. Can i write in this way in opinion essay type question and also plz tell me 1. Is it is necessary to use background Statment? 2. How to write thesis statement and outline statement.

The instructions ask for your own opinion. This essay agrees” cannot be used. An essay is not a person and it is not you. Give your opinion clearly and directly. For your background statement, try to write it as one sentence, rather than two as you have done.

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Hi Liz, You clearly say that there is no need to add more than the background sentence/s and the thesis statement in the introduction. But, I have found others who suggest to write ‘outline statements’ to make it better. What do you think?

It does not at all affect your score. You won’t get a higher score to have more than a background and thesis statement. The main points in an IELTS essay are in the body paragraphs. While the conclusion and introduction are essential, they serve only a functional purpose.

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Hey liz 🙂 I have a question if you dont mind For the 3rd paragraph of advantage/disadvantage question..I want to check if this sentence is formal or not

However, every coin has two sides and despite all the advantages mentioned above, there are some disadvantages too.

It looks like a memorised sentence and that isn’t going to help your score. Each sentence should be uniquely created by yourself and connect to the specific topic given. That is a general statement which doesn’t connect to any topic. Be specific and don’t memorise whole sentences.

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you said this is a band 9 essay. i am confused as you did not use a gerund in the introduction or even anywhere in it. also, your transition words look quite mechanical. please kindly respond.

I don’t understand your comment. There is no essay on this page. There is a video lesson which explains the techniques and content for an introduction. You do NOT need to write a gerund in the introduction at all – this is not an IELTS rule. Linking words are mainly used in the body paragraphs, not the introduction.

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Thesis statement While it is true that regular physical exercise is key to health, I disagree that this method is the most effective since rational nutrition and avoiding bad habits are equally important.

The following thesis statement is taken from the author: Jasur Abidov.

While it is true that regular exercise is key to health, I disagree that this method is the most effective since rational nutrition and avoiding bad habits are equally important.

My question is: Is it fine or necessary to mention the reasons in the thesis statement when you disagree with something? Is it more appropriate to mention the reasons for disagreement in the body paragraphs or is it just fine to mention in both thesis statement and body paragraphs?

It is completely fine to introduce your main points in the introduction. I sometimes do this in my essays. However, you can’t add any detail. All detail is left to the body paragraphs. Introducing the main points introduces the reader to the main contents and probable paragraphs. As you see from the example introduction written by Jasur, the essay would contain three paragraphs – one about exercise, one about nutrition and one about bad habits. It’s a logical and good way to tackle an opinion essay. But if the main points are too lengthy to add or can’t be written in a short thesis statement, it is possible to only state the position that you will take.

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Is it compulsory to write the general line in the starting of introduction.

If you watch the video lesson above, you will see the two statements which are required in an IELTS essay for task 2. Nothing else is required.

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Hi Liz, I have just started following you for preparing ILETS and have tried my first writing task 2. I have tried to write an introduction according to your tips. Question: Some people think that the government is wasting money on the arts and that this money could be better spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this view. My Essay While there are people who believe that the government has been venturing most of the monetary funds in developing arts in the country and such act may not prove to be beneficial. Moreover, they think that instead of squandering excess of money on arts and literature, this could be utilized in better ways. In my opinion, I agree that Government should invest money in community services first rather in arts. However, I believe improving arts may also add to a country’s economy and restoring heritage. Primarily, a government functions for the welfare of the citizens of the country. In the view of this, for development of a country, effective strategies must be formulated in the benefit of the countrymen. It is advisable that government should spend on services centering the society’s welfare. Government should use the national funds in improving civic amenities such as building schools, advanced and fully equipped hospitals, community centres and parks. In doing so, the citizen of the country feels proud of their governance and return back with paying taxes further strengthening the economy. However, completely neglecting art and literature may not be desirable. Since, developing arts in the form of music, theatre and artistic infrastructure may invite tourism internationally as well as nationally. Large scale music concerts and plays may attract millions of art lovers from different corners of the world. Moreover, construction of art specific museums and exhibition centres can impress the crowd. This may further boost a country’s economy and allows amalgamation of varied cultures. To conclude, I would agree that taking care of the basic needs of the society and working primarily for their welfare is the need of the hour. However, developing fields like arts may also be essential for strengthening the economy.

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Hi, Can we say/ write ‘to developing’ or shall we say for developing/ to develop? Regards, Amit

– I look forward to seeing you. – I hope to see you. – Only one person is responsible for developing this vaccine. – We are close to developing a vaccine. As you can see, it depends on the structure of the sentence and the way words are used.

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I have been following your page for three months and I have improved a lot. I really Want to ask that can I use word ‘ought to’ in the introduction part of writing task 2 as my instructor here in Baroda has instructed me not to use it instead of should. I am really confuse.

Thanks Anurag patel

Of course you can use “ought to” as a paraphrase the “should”.

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Hi Liz, Can I start with this… In the salad days of millennium, many people believe that doing daily exercise is the most significant method to become healthy is convincing. I think in a reverse manner and strongly agree to the given statement. My inclination is justified in the ensuring paragraphs. And after that BP1, BP2 and conclusion.

Try writing more naturally without filling your writing with inappropriate, descriptive language. Just write normally.

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I think ur giving the best way which can helps all the students thanks for it, i really like ur lesson 🙏😎🥳😍

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Very well done! Thank you for this lesson.

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Would this one be better? Advertising, which is considered to have a strong impact on people’s lives, is virtually everywhere these days. In my opinion, this profusion of commercials has more negative effects than positive ones because it promotes consumerism and causes frustration.

Now you are going in the right direction. This is what IELTS is all about. The introduction serves only two purposes – to paraphrase the essay question because your whole essay will address it and secondly to present your answer.

Hello Liz! Could you have a look at my introduction, please. Thanks The question: People are surrounded by advertising which has an increasing effect on our lives. Do you think the positive effects of this outweigh the negative effects. Introduction: Advertising seems to have occupied our world completely. It is in streets, public transports, at our homes, in our gadgets – virtually everywhere, so it is needless to say that this constant presence affects our lives in one way or the other. But is this impact a positive one or are its drawbacks more significant? This essay aims to a dress this question and reach a concluding view.

Your background statement includes unnecessary information and is not a direct paraphrase of the question. Your thesis statement fails to answer the question. I highly recommend you learn the right way to write an IELTS essay. This isn’t something you can guess at or collect a few tips about. You need to learn what IELTS want. See my Advanced Lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Apologies Liz,thanks for all your good works. Please kindly grade this essay of mine. An assessor graded it 6.5,i dont know what else to do differently. Thank you NEWS ABOUT PROBLEMS AND EMERGENCIES IS HARMFUL TO INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETY. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?

Many people believe that reporting issues-arising and latest unpalatable events cause unrest and panic to all and sundry. In my opinion, I disagree with this because breaking news keeps us abreast of need-to -know information about our environment and also enable us to avoid falling victims to threats. The main purpose of reporting news is to render information to the public about recent events. Information on the news comes in two forms; good and bad, and the reason why these reports are put out is to educate people about these occurrences so that the society becomes aware of them. We only know what we have heard about. A good example is the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, which was firstly reported in Wuhan, China in November 2019, and by December the whole world had been notified about the outbreak. Without news reporting, we would have been left unaware of and exposed to this deadly disease. Reporting latest events prevents us from falling victims to these problems. People tend to steer clear of harmful situations that pose fatal risks of physical injuries, incapacitations or even death. Take the terrorist groups invasion of certain parts of Nigeria for example, news updates on happenings in these areas enable people to keep away from these locations to avoid being kidnapped or killed. Another example is the recent messages on the news globally on how handwashing and the use of face-masks can help to control infections. Majority of people have adopted these personal hygiene practices because it has been repeated severally on news outlets. To conclude, even though breaking news on outlets like the television, radio and Facebook has had its fair share of creating panicky situations among the public, it is the best way to learn about new events so as to protect us from being victims of these mishaps. However, government should legislate about dissemination of information and individuals of groups should be severely punished if found to have shared false news.

Unfortunately, I don’t offer marking of feedback. But I will say this essay does not conform to the requirements of IELTS based on the marking criteria. For example, you can’t have only one body paragraph in an IELTS essay without it having a negative impact on your score for Coherence and Cohesion. Your conclusion shouldn’t be longer than your introduction – it’s a waste of words and doesn’t help your score. The reason you are struggling to understand what you are doing wrong is because you haven’t learned about IELTS essays. You clearly have great English, but this is all about what IELTS want. See my Advanced Lessons to learn the right techniques based on the official band score requirements. https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ One final tip: don’t use informal language in your essay (all and sundry) – use that language in your speaking test instead.

Thank you for you response Liz, still on the above essay,it has 2 clear body paragraphs not 1.. Please which of your online course will I benefit from the most?Thanks once again

Sorry, I didn’t see that. Leave an empty line between paragraphs to make them clear. If the examiner can’t easily see them , you’ll get a lower mark. Also pay attention to your topic sentences (the first sentence of each body paragraph) – they need to be written more fully and in a more connected way. Don’t use referencing in the topic sentences. My Advanced Lessons each cover one type of essay. You posted an Opinion Essay – start with that one and see what you learn 🙂

Thanks a lot..

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hey liz , thanks for providing us these valuable guidance , however; is the type question like : to what extant do you agree .? is not the same of : to what extant do you agree or disagree ! because i have seen your example and you provide the another reason to get healthy which is diet and if you added to our essay i guess thats mean we do not totally agree! i heard some teachers telling that you have take one position agree or disagree and write you controlling ideas with specific details ,, i really got confused about the question that ask and thanks in advance

Teachers teach that you can only agree with one side because it is a safe approach, particularly with low level English users. However, having a partial agreement is possible with any essay that asks for your opinion, regardless of how the instructions are written. See my Advanced Lessons for different approaches if you want more in-depth training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Hey Liz, Thanks a bunch for such a helpful content, really appreciated! 😊 Before watching this video,i had written my own version of introductory paragraph’s statements, could you please confirm if it will be okay too? “There is no doubt that exercise,when done regularly, is a method that has excellent effects on health improvement. Perhaps, in my opinion, if combined with a diet that ia full of nutritious elements, it produces the best results.”

It’s fine, but don’t use the word “perhaps”. Either you believe in your own opinion or you don’t.

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Dear Liz, task 2 question on 14-3-20 was: It is argued that parents of children who break laws should also be punished as they are some way responsible. To what extent do you agree or disagree. First two line of my introduction was “In recent years the number of children committing unlawful activities have increased unprecedentedly. Hence, many people opine that parents of children who do not abide by laws ……” But now I feel the first line including the linking word in the second sentence were irrelevant and unnecessary… I don’t know why I wrote…will I get very poor mark for this?

You have made up information that is not part of the question in your first line. This essay is not about the increase in crime at all. So, it will affect your score for Task Response which is 25% of your marks. There are no rules for marking as to how much it will affect your score. As with all errors, they affect the score, but in no particular amount. At least, you know your error and won’t make the same mistake again. You don’t need a hook to start your introduction in IELTS. Just paraphrase the essay question exactly as it is.

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Your website is very much helpful and like the way you teach every minute details about all the aspects in IELTS. I actually have a doubt regarding the use of pen or pencil in the exam? Can we use a pencil or we have to use pen for all the 3 modules?

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/

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Hi! I wanted to know if it’s possible to completely agree with the statement or even completely disagree with it. For example, I saw a topic that said the Government should take measures to restrict ownership of mobile phones and asked to what extent do I agree or disagree with it. Personally, I completely disagree with that idea, but I’m wondering if I can actually write my essay in that view.

You can choose to agree, disagree or partial agree/disagree. The choice of opinion is yours and is not marked. What is marked is your ability to present the position and explain it.

So, if I write my entire essay from the perspective of disagreeing without any point of agreeing to the idea, it’s still ok? They wouldn’t state that there’s no balance?

Your whole essay explains your view covering the single issue or two issues raised in the question. If you disagree, how can you write suddenly that you agree? If you disagree, you disagree. It is not a discussion essay. However, not all questions are suited to a one sided view. You should decide your stance after you read the question and think about ideas.

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Hello For the thesis statement can I use “This essay will discuss……” or “In this essay…. will be discussed.”

If the instructions ask for YOUR opinion, those words do not directly give YOUR opinion. So, if you use them as a way to express your own personal opinion, it will mean you failed to give your opinion and that would be a problem for Task Response which is 25% of your marks. So, be careful how you use such a phrase in IELTS.

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Hi Liz, some teachers say that you should also include an outline in your introduction saying what you are planning to do in the essay, for example writing something like: “in this essay, first I will discuss the advantages, and then I will analyze the disadvantages”. I don’t think this is a good idea, but wanted to have your opinion about this? Thanks!

Firstly, it is a learned phrase – a memorised sentence. IELTS do not accept memorised language as an example of your own level of English. Secondly, the examiner has the instructions which are “discuss the advantages and disadvantages” – it is not important for you to repeat that. Lastly, it is actually a sentence that isn’t required in any IELTS essay – it won’t influence your score for the better or for the worse – it has no impact. So, don’t waste your time. Two statements for the introduction and then straight into the body paragraphs which is where the high scores are.

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QQ: Is it ok to write questioning statements in writing task 2 of general module?

Ex:- Topic :- Some people believe that retirement age should not be fixed to 65 years. Do you agree?

Essay:- after writing intro and somewhere in 2nd para , if I want to write “If the age for starting work is not fixed and neither is the work tenure, then why should retirement age be?” Is this ok ?

You should be aiming to write statements that support your main point, not opening up questions.

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Thanks for all the lessons in this blog. I have a doubt in paraphrasing the below question. Could you please take a look and help me out?

Food travels a thousands of miles from farmers to consumers. Some people think that it would be better to our environment and local businesses if we only purchase locally produced products. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The question has a general statement and background statement. Do I have to paraphrase everything in the question for my introduction?

Thanks, Suganya

“Due to the distance food travels, it is commonly thought that people should only buy local products from local businesses to protect the environment.” As you see, you can just merge information to create one background statement.

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Hello ma’am can i use “heated debate” in my introduction about any global problem? Thanks in advance

Those are some of the most overused words in IELTS writing task 2 – they won’t impress the examiner.

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Hi Liz, I am writing 100 words of body paragraphs. I am including general idea in the beginning. After this, I write two sub-ideas with one supporting example (for any one idea). At last, I conclude my idea. But by using this approach, my essay becomes too lengthy. Sometimes it’s about of 300 words and sometimes it’s about of 330 words. I am seriously confused. Is it correct way to BP? I need your help.

You are trying to fix a formula for the content of your body paragraphs – don’t do that. You need to show flexibility when it comes to body paragraphs. For example, you do not actually need to conclude a body paragraph. That is not a requirement of IELTS so there is no point fixing that as part of your body paragraph. Just state your main idea and then explain it – you decide how to explain it depending on the idea and the topic – you do not plan this before hand. Start being more flexible in your approach. See my Advanced Writing Task 2 Lessons if you need more help: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Hello liz I have a confusion in which essay should i give opinion starting from intro please guide .

Go to the Writing Section of this site for your answer. Use the RED MENU BAR at the top of the site.

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Mam please let me know which one method is correct to use in thesis for giving opinion 1. (This essay will or it is agreed) or 2. ( In my opinion , i believe , i completely agree ). I m really confused about that part. Pls help me.

See the writing section of this website – click on the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website.

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Hello mam. Your lessons are extremely helpful for the students like me to get a good band score. Please answer my doubt regarding introduction paragraph in WT2. I have read a lot of band score 9 and 8.5 essays and almost most of them have included a hook in their introduction but you stated that hook is not necessary. Please solve the dilemma going on in my head as I believe that you will give me correct advice.

I do not know what else to say. A hook does not help your score at all. It is a sentence that does not relate to the band score requirements. If you put it, it is just padding. It doesn’t cause your score to go down, but it is a waste of time. You have a limited amount of time and each sentence should be 100% focused and essential to the essay. A hook is to “hook the reader” – it’s about interest – that isn’t a band score requirement for IELTS. This is explained in the video on the page above.

Thanks a lot mam for replying and giving a helpful advice

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is your GT writing task 2 or 1 available for purchase?

Thanks Anjali

I have Advanced lessons for writing task 2 which are for both GT and Academic writing. I also have an e-book of ideas for topics which is also suitable for both tests. See this page: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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just get to know about your health. Please take care and get well soon :). May God Bless you.

Regards Anjali

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If the topic is not a question like ”The importance of video games for the children”. Should we discuss or give our opinion about that?

If there is no direct question, there will be instructions such as “Discuss both views and give your opinion”. You will always get instructions or a clear question. Use the IELTS Cambridge Test papers to prepare – or my essay questions.

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Hie Liz i would like to be enrolled in your paid up courses,in the four catergories how much is it?

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Hello Liz, You are doing great works for us. Congratulations on your initiatives. Then I have a doubt regarding writing task 2, that is can I use this word “their ” to explain something about a group of people. Is it will reduce my score.

Of course it is fine. I don’t understand your worry about it.

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Respected Mam,

I have a question that is there any word limit in IELTS writing task 1 / 2, as it is written in cambridge books for task 2 (250 words) and for task 1 (150 words).

Thanks a lot.

The instructions tell you to write AT LEAST 250 words for task 2 and AT LEAST 150 words for task 1. The words “at least” mean “not less than”.

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Hie Liz How many body paragraphs can one write

You should have either two or three body paragraphs. See this page for model essays: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

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Hi Elizabeth,I took the subscription for the essays. I just have one doubt,I read somewhere that there are 5 types of essay formats but I can see only three types in your subscription; Adv. & Disadv. , Discussion and Opinion. Can you tell me if there are any other formats?

I haven’t made the other lessons yet. You can use my free lessons and tips for the other two types of essays. Click on the RED BAR at the top of the website and select “writing task 2”.

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Wish you the best!

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Hi, can we use : This essay will … ?

You can use any sentence you want. The question is not “can I use it”. The question is “Will it help my band score?” or “Is it a requirement of IELTS?” or “Can I use this instead of writing my opinion?” – answer to all = No.

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I just love your answers!

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Thank you Liz, You are very kind to share your knowledge with so many of us .

As regards the Essay, how do go about the body… does an Essay just end in 50-60 words?

I suppose we have to discuss in details about what exercises entails and also dieting as have introduced it in your thesis.

I have never sat for the exams and I am just studying in preparation to enrolling

There are over 300 pages of lessons and tips on this site for IELTS preparation – all free. Go to the RED BAR and click “Writing Task 2” to see full essays, lessons, more videos, tips etc.

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I would like to ask about the essay question I have taken before. It is about people eating fast food and healthy foods. In my conclusion, I have not chosen any of these options rather, I have opted to mention that moderation is the key.

The score I received for the essay is quite low and I needed to receive a higher mark. So I would like to check if I would have to agree to one of the statement in order to receive a good score?

Your score is based on a lot more than deciding your opinion. I also cannot judge the opinion you chose without seeing how you presented it, how you explained it, how you linked it to the question, whether you covered all issue in the question and what other issues you covered in your essay. All those points connect to the score for Task Response.

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Hi mam You said in video that this is for Academic essay. So can’t we follow this in general essay?? Reply pls Thanks

All my writing task 2 lessons are for GT and Academic essays – there is no difference between them in how you write your essays.

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Hi Liz, your blog is of immense help in preparation. Small confusion, I learned from you that, you don’t need to discuss both the sides in essay. In the IDP official website the sample task for CBT is this In Britain,when someone gets old they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them, Who do you think should pay for it, the government or the family? Now in my essay I think that the government should pay for it ,so I dont need to write about the consequences where family pays for it, right? https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/ielts-general-writing-task-2.pdf They recommended arguments for both the solution in body paragraph. So now I am little confused.

Your opinion MUST address all issues. You need to look at the essay question and see how many issues it has. If it has one issue (compulsory parent courses), then you choose one side only and write about one side only (if you choose that opinion). You would not write about pros and cons of compulsory parent courses – you don’t have two equal sides to one coin. But if it has two issues (government or family), you can’t ignore 50% of the essay question. If you agree with one side, then your view is “I agree with the government and I do not agree with the family”. Then your essay explains your opinion. This means you are given two coins and your opinion addressed both. So look at the question and address what you are presented with. When you prepare for IELTS avoiding thinking in black and white rules. If you want a high score, adapt your skills and be flexible.

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Woow thank you for this Liz. I have been thinking bout the same concern.

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Physical activities on a daily basis is a necessary step for the betterment of health.

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Writing task 2 essay topic ” companies should provide sports and social facilities for local community to what extent do you agree or disagree??

My background statement companies need to make available for use physical recreation and public amenities for neighbourhood populace. in my opinion I agree with the above statement but they shouldn’t stop at that they should build schools colleges and institution for higher education too.

Did I get it right?

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Hi, I am not sure if this is the right place to ask but I am using a book to improve my writing and one of the advices is to add in the introduction paragraph a sentence explaining your intention such as : ” In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why moving abroad is so popular and some of the challenges to overcome” but I have read in some sites that these type of sentences are not really necessary… any comment on this?

Those sentences are common in academic writing, but not needed in I£LTS. The examiner has the instructions – you don’t need to repeat them.

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Thanks a lot, it is very clear

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thanks alot for the for our great efforts

im in a dilemma i have gone through many ielts essays sample book one thing i have figured out from those is they start their introduction with a nice HOOK or BACKGROUND idea and then paraphrasing and thesis statement also my teacher suggested the same though, i prefer your way of writing the introduction but now im worried whivh is the correct way maam please help me out

thank you!!!!!

IELTS is a short essay which is all about focus and relevancy. A hook is used to capture the readers attention -this is 100% irrelevant for IELTS. You are being marked on 1) how relevant (not interesting) your ideas are 2) focus 3) expanding ideas (in the body). The introduction only contains the essay question paraphrased and your answer (the main points you will cover in brief). It has no other purpose in IELTS. You must then get to the body paragraphs where the real points are scored. Having a longer intro will not boost your score. You will not be marked down for a hook, but it is a waste of time and will not help you. I am stating this as someone who has completed the IELTS examiner training – not just as a teacher.

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One quick question.

Is it grammatically correct to write “In my opinion, I agree (or I believe)”? I personally feel that it is a repetitive statement, as, we make an opinion because we agree with the statement, and vice versa.

Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you.

Best, Shailesh

It is optional. You certainly don’t need to use them both.

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Hi Liz, Thanks for being humble and helping the test takers with your teaching.

I have a question regarding the opinion essay. When the question is “To what extent do you agree?” we can either completely or partly agree/disagree. But when the question is “Do you agree/disagree?”, can we Partly agree/disagree? Thanks

There is no difference between the instructions. Your view can be any view you want. Your position is what you choose it to be.

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Hi First of all, thank you so much for such a platform, its really helful I would like to know that can we use carbon pencil to perform writing task 1,2 in ILETS test ? thanks

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Hi I watch your video today and i think there is a mistake as my teacher told me that “To what extent”? the answer is I totally agree or disagree with the statement. Not just only that I agree or disagree with the statement. please inform me if there is a difference?

There is no such rule in IELTS writing task 2. Your teacher is offering you advice. It is not a rule.

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Human activity has had a negative impact on plants and animals around the world. Some people think that this cannot be changed, while others believe actions can be taken to bring about a change.

People’s deeds have had a deteriorating effect on the ecosystem of this planet, while a segment of the population thinks this damage is permanent the others trust that there are various ways to improve the situation. However, in my opinion, with a positive mind set towards sustainable development this damage caused can be reversed.

Please let me know if this introduction para correct. Thank you

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Please l need your assistant on writing task 2.

Sorry, I do not offer that service.

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Hello Liz, I will like to purchase you advance writing task 2 but i dont have a paypal account. I will like to know if there is any other way that i can have it purchased. Thanks

It is also possible to ask a friend to buy the lessons for you.

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Although, it is sometimes thought that big international companies ought to nuture the economy of these developing countries through the establishment of offices and factories, other people believe that countries should keep large forieign countries away.

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Somebody said 50 words are essential for introduction and now u said only 2 statements .. I am confused because according to me format is 1)general line 2)rephrasing the given statement 3) thesis And plz tell me if this line is correct This essay attempts to elaborate both the views in subsequent fragments.

There is NO rule in IELTS about the length of the introduction. IELTS examiner certainly do NOT count the number of words for each paragraph and mark accordingly. They count the full essay word length and check that it is 250 plus words – that’s all. The higher band scores are mainly based on well developed main ideas which means your focus should be in the body paragraphs. It is your choice if you follow the advice I have given you in this video lessons or not.

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Hi Liz, Thanks for sharing the useful videos. I will be writing the IELTS for the General training module and not the Academic one. So, I wanted to know whether the Introduction part for General training is different from the Academic one? The way in which you described the Introduction part, will it differ ?

All my writing task 2 lessons are for the GT and Academic essays.

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can you guide me with my writing?

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ and also consider purchasing my Advanced Writing Task 2 lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

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Hello liz I would like to ask you about the idea of adding another idea in the thesis statement which was not given in the statement of the questions. In this lesson you have added applying a diet. Do not you think that we should stick on the essay’s question and we should explain all what is related to exercise and not a diet which is a system of choosing the right food on the right time

This is an Opinion Essay based on a solution to the problem. You can give your opinion of the solution they offer and then offer your preferred solution.

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Hello everybody.

I am writing to ask if for introduction we should avoid phrases like: It is undeniable that ____________ is one of the most challenging issues these days. Or: This increasing _________has been a significant feature of modern life in developed countries. Or: One of the most significant advances in civilization is the development of…. There are a number of reasons for believing that… Some people have predicted….

Some of them sound to me useful for introducing some types of essays, but I am afraid that could be pre-prepared for the examiner in some way, especially if they include things like: “modern life, civilization…

Thanks in advance!

IELTS is an English language test. It is a test to check your level of English – not your memory. Each sentence you use should be uniquely created by yourself in the test room. You can learn linking words, but not phrases or sentences. Memorising chunks of language is NOT accepted by IELTS.

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Hi Liz, Can I write (In my opinion,I partially agree and partially disagree with the statement….)

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Wonderful job done 🙂 for this blog and all videos. I have seen the one with explanation on how to write an introduction and i was shocked to learn new things 😛 I got 7 in academic writing module, back in Nov 2017. However, I need a lot of improvement cause i am scared about my general attempt that is going to happen very soon. I am so happy to have your support freely available, which is terrific !

I need help specifically in longer complex sentence structures. Is there any way to have a piece of advice on just ONE essay, please ?

Thank you !

Sorry, I don’t offer that service. I am working on an e-book which is a list of sentence structures and grammar tenses for writing task 2. Would you be interested in that when it’s ready?

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Hi Liz, Hope you are doing well. I am a bit confused with the structure of introduction, I read on the internet, wherein it is that for a good introduction you “must” include the following: 1 Paraphrase the question 2 Thesis Statement 3 Outline Statement (e.g. The essay will first look at how voluntary work can help students develop soft skills and then discuss how these extracurricular activities are valued by universities and employers) Whereas in your video you don’t talk about an outline statement. could you please clarify the importance of outline statement and really we need to add in the essay or not. I am stuck at 6.5 in writing, consecutively 2 times got 6.5. For the second time, I bought your advanced video also but unfortunately again got 6.5. Please let me know, is this because I have not included an outline statement in my introduction to the essay. Thanks in advance for your reply.

IELTS do not require an outline statement at all for an introduction. Your score is not based only on technique, it is also your English language. To hit band 7, you must produce complex English with few errors – it is probable that your English contains too many errors for band 7. Errors also include unsuitable word choice, paraphrasing at the wrong time, spelling, punctuation. You must also showcase a range of sentence structures which are accurate. Making sure all sentences are 100% relevant and fully connected is also essential. All issues in the essay question must also be fully addressed. Also review your task 1 techniques, this accounts for 33% of your marks in writing. So, there are a numerous reasons for not hitting band 7. You must review your writing and try your best to improve.

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I am interested in your e-book… when do you think it will be ready?

I really have no idea. I hoped to get it done this summer, but my health took a downward turn again. As soon as I have a reasonable prediction on the date, I will post a notice on this website 🙂

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Get well soon Liz!

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I am from India. I have tried purchasing your advanced writing lesson using both master card and visa,however, the site says not able to add the card. Something is not right.

This will be a local problem with Paypal. You can try again OR set up a paypal account OR ask a friend to buy the lessons for you.

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Hi Liz, may I allow to use question in my essay to make it more attractive? e.g. what is the best way to flee?

Why do you want to make it attractive? Do you think it will gain you higher marks? Whether your essay is interesting or not, has NO impact on your score – absolutely zero impact. It is not a marking criteria for IELTS.

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Hi Mrs.Liz . thank you for this wonderful lesson my British teacher have said that to me: I should write what i will write in the full essay in the introduction after background. For example, the most effective etc,,,, This essay will discuss this issue then will set out my personal conclusion. is that true and beneficial ??

This is not an academic essay – it an academic essay for IELTS which is a language test. IELTS do not accept memorised sentences or language. That sentence is a fixed sentences which is memorised and used by many many students – it does not contain examples of your own English and won’t help your score.

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Hlo ma’am , you are doing a great job and deserve to be applauded . My question is , how many typical Vocabulary words should I use in My Writing Task 2 . I have penchant for using vocab . But one thing I’m afraid of is tgat the examiner might not get the exact meaning of yhe message I want to convey or what is my frame of mind . In place of put forward my ideas I write Propound my viwpoint . Similarly , for motive I use Incentive . For harmless I use Innocuous . And so on , there is profusion of words I use to put a better impression on the examiner . And same is in the case of speaking as well . Should I continue doing so or decrease it to some extent .

Your aim should not be to impress. It should be accuracy and clear meaning at all times. Poorly chosen words or even little mistakes all count and will lower your score.

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Hi can u give ssuggestions for my introduction. Question is Children should not be educated at home by their parents.do u agree or not? My intro … Young generations must be restricted to home tuition given by their fathers and mothers.In my opinion ,mentors play vital role for students in gaining good academic scores in latter life however neglegence of parents is considered to be worse towards their kid’s future. Waiting for response

Sorry I don’t actually understand your opinion. What do you mean by “mentors”? Are you referring to teachers? Because a mentor and a teacher are not the same at all. Why are you talking about negligence? Your whole opinion is very confusing. This is about home-schooling or school education. This is a typical example of poor vocabulary choices. Just write your opinion so that it is 100% easy to understand. Your thesis is vital to be fully understood.

Yeah exactly thank you so much ..now is it correct? Young learners should not be taught by their fathers and mothers . In my opinion , I believe that School educations or educational institutions are better for children and home schooling is not ideal for kids to develop abilitis in facing different chalenges.

Yeah exactly thank you so much ..now is it correct? Young learners should not be taught by their fathers and mothers . In my opinion , I believe that School educations or educational institutions are better for children and home schooling is not ideal for kids in developing abilities to face different chalenges. .. I’m really appreciated for giving ur precious time .

Now your opinion is easy to understand, but your vocabulary is still a problem. “fathers and mothers” – do you think it is a great paraphrase – does it improve the sentence? No. Parents are parents – you do not paraphrase that word. Your choice shows a lack of awareness of paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is about which words to change and also which words to keep the same. Also “kids” is informal and unsuitable for essay writing. And “developing abilities to face” – what does this mean? It actually has no meaning and no relation to education and school subjects etc. So, your problems are: a) learning more about the right techniques b) making better choices with your vocabulary. I don’t usually comment so much for students, but this is a lesson that all students can benefit from when they read it.

Thank u so much for ur explanations. The reason for writing this sentence I thought when children get school education they interact with different students so that they face different challenges which make them easy to achieve goals.

Now I can understand you perfectly – you should write this way in your essay. Be clear, be direct, write normally. But this is only one main point, not all your main points. You should plan all your main points before you start writing your introduction. Plan the whole essay first. So, you believe home schooling is bad because: a) children lack interaction with others b) they lack the range of subjects offered by schools c) they lack equipment and facilities offered by schools Get all your main points planned, then write your introduction. So, your thesis statement will say that you think school education is better than home school due to student interaction, subject range and facilities. – now you have a clear introduction!!

Thank u so much liz now I understand . Have a good day

Again school education is not about facing challenges. This is about the range of subjects offered, social interaction, extra curricular activities, professional teaching etc. Also, as I already said, “fathers and mothers” is not a good paraphrase. Parents are parents – don’t change the word. Sorry I won’t be able to offer you further help.

Thank you liz

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Hi Liz, Your video is so helpful and I’m able for doing lots of practices after watching it. Thanks.

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Hii Liz.. Thanks for your valuable support to all.. My exam is on 1st feb. Just want your quick opinion on following introduction.

Topic: Children in some parts of the world have less responsibility compared to children in the past. Some people think this as a positive change, however others think of it as as negative change. What do you think?

Introduction: Children in a few regions of the world don’t have much responsibilities in comparison to little ones in earlier times. It is argued by some to be a positive development while other consider it detrimental for society. In my opinion, it certainly has a negative impact on the world because children with decreased responsibility tend to become more reckless regarding their future.

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Hello Liz! Could you answer my question, please?

The essay question is “Universities should accept equal numbers male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Do I HAVE TO use the words Agree or Disagree in my thesis?

For example, would the following thesis be wrong or confusing? “In my view, gender should play no role in the decision-making process when university places are allocated and entry to higher education ought to be granted purely on merit.”

Is this thesis statement appropriate when the essay question is worded like that? I would greatly appreciate your response!

Of course, it’s fine 🙂 You do NOT need to use the words “agree” or “disagree”. You need to express your opinion and you did that clearly. Well done 🙂

Thank you very much Liz!

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

Introductions are an important part of a Writing Task 2 essay. They let your examiner know what to expect from your essay. That’s why we have put together a quick list of tips you can use to write an effective introduction for Writing Task 2.

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An introduction is important to the essay because it creates an initial impression in terms of the quality of your writing. A clear, well-organised and relevant introduction will most certainly create a positive first impression on the examiner. So, what makes up an effective introduction? Let’s take a look.  

Tip 1: Stop to read and analyse the question

In Writing Task 2, you need to address all the parts of the question or task in a relevant way. Because your introduction is the first step towards achieving this goal, you need to introduce your answer to all the different parts of the question. This is why it is important to take some time to read and analyse the task before you start writing, so you know exactly what you are being asked to write about. 

Tip 2: Begin with a general statement and then focus in on the details of the question

Writing Task 2 questions usually begin with a general statement before focusing in on more specific points or questions about the topic. Using a similar model in your own introduction is a great way to start your essay, but make sure that your general statement is clearly related to your topic and is not too broad. 

Tip 3: Use your own words

While it is perfectly acceptable for you to use the task as a guide for your introduction, make sure you do not copy material from the task.  

Copying the task word-for-word shows the examiner that you have a limited range of language, which can affect your band score. Instead, change the order of the information, use synonyms, and explain more complex ideas in your own words.  

It is also important not to use a memorised introduction where you insert words related to the question topic. Examiners read thousands of responses so can recognise memorised scripts.

Tip 4: State your position

In Writing Task 2, you will need to develop a position while exploring the different parts of the task. It is then important that you clearly state your position in your introduction. 

Tip 5: Explain how you plan to develop your essay

Even though this strategy can be considered as optional, briefly explaining how you plan to develop the topic can help you better organise your writing. It is also a good way to let the examiner know what you’ll be covering in the essay. 

Review your introduction

Don’t forget to re-read your introduction once you’ve finished writing your essay. It is common for test takers to begin their essays thinking about a specific argument, or a specific way to organise their writing but change their minds as they develop the topic. So, after completing your Writing Task 2, make sure that your final draft still matches your introduction. 

Now that we have gone over some important strategies for writing a good introduction for Writing Task 2, it’s time to look at a sample introduction. Start by reading and analysing the prompt, as mentioned in tip 1. Then, carefully read the sample introduction and notice the different strategies used, which have been highlighted for you.

Sample question

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. 

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?  

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 

Write at least 250 words.

Sample introduction

General Statement: 

Nuclear technology has been around for many years.  

Details: 

Whether this technology is used for weapons of mass destruction or as a source of energy, many are of the belief that the use of nuclear energy has more advantages than disadvantages. 

Position: 

In my opinion, nuclear technology can indeed be a very efficient energy source. However, nuclear weapons possess such enormous destructive power that any benefits that this technology may offer to humankind are not enough to counter its potential devastating effects. 

Plan: 

This essay will address why the drawbacks of nuclear technology outweigh the benefits and will include relevant examples to support this position.

Just as an effective introduction will let the examiner know what they can expect from your essay, a good conclusion will remind them of the main points presented and will summarise what you want your examiner to remember from your writing. Check our blog for our post on strategies for writing a good conclusion! 

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How to write effective Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2

Did you know that a strong introduction can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2?

This post will help you write better introductions in your Task 2 IELTS essays and show the specific sentences I advise all of my students to use when writing IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions.

The introduction is the first part of the essay the examiner will read and it will give them a good first impression of what to expect in the rest of the essay.

Just like in person, first impressions last.

I often tell my students that a bad introduction in IELTS writing part 2 is the same as going in to the speaking exam and being rude to the examiner- no matter how good you are in the rest of it, the examiner won’t be happy and unhappy examiners are more likely to give you a lower mark.

Despite this warning, many good students go on to produce introductions with a few common problems in them.

Common Problems

  • Talking too generally about the topic.

Most of these essays start off with ‘Nowadays……’ or ‘In modern life….’ followed by general information about the topic. In my opinion, this is the worst start you can possibly make. Remember that you are supposed to answer the question not write generally about the topic.

  • Not including a thesis statement

This is the most important sentence in the essay. Not including one will lose you marks in several different ways. I will tell you more about this below.

  • Not outlining what you are going to do

If you don’t include a sentence outlining what your essay will say, the examiner doesn’t really know what you are going to write about in the rest of your essay. This will also lose you marks. I’ll show you how to write an outline sentence below.

  • Trying to write a ‘hook’ or be entertaining

Remember this is an IELTS exam, not a university essay. There are no extra points for being interesting, in fact being boring will probably help you. This will help you avoid ‘flowery’ language.

  • Using an informal style

Know your audience. You are expected to write in an academic style.

Good and Bad Examples

Question: There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is contributing to global warming and having other undesirable effects on people’s health and well-being.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Good Introduction

Rising global temperatures and human health and fitness issues are often viewed as being caused by the expanding use of automobiles. This essay agrees that increasing use of motor vehicles is contributing to rising global temperatures and certain health issues. Firstly, this essay will discuss the production of greenhouse gases by vehicles and secondly, it will discuss other toxic chemicals released by internal combustion engines.

Bad Introduction

Nowadays, cars are a very popular way of getting around. Day by day many more people drive cars around but others feel that they cause global warming. Global warming is one of the most serious issues in modern life. They also affect people’s health and well-being which is also a serious issue.

As you can see the bad example talks about the topic very generally, copies words and phrases from the question and doesn’t include a thesis statement or outline statement.

If your introductions look something like this, don’t worry. Most of my students write introductions a lot like this when they first start in my class and the structure below always helps them fix any problems and write very effective introductions.

Structure of a Good Introduction

If you use this structure you will not only score higher marks but you will also save time in the exam. If you practice enough, introductions will become easy and you will do them in just a few minutes. This will leave you lots of time to focus on the main body paragraphs where you can pick up lots of mark.

An IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay should have three sentences and these three sentences should be:

  • Paraphrase question
  • Thesis statement
  • Outline statement

That’s it. Simple! Let’s look at each sentence in more detail.

  • Paraphrase Question

Paraphrasing means stating the question again, but with different words so that it has the same meaning. We do this by using synonyms and flipping the order of the sentences around.

Paraphrase : Rising global temperatures and human health and fitness issues are often viewed as being caused by the expanding use of automobiles.

The synonyms I’ve used are:

Increasing- expanding

Car use- use of automobiles

Global warming- rising global temperatures

People’s health and well-being- human health and fitness

As you can see, I then switched the order of the sentence around.

I have therefore demonstrated to the examiner that I can paraphrase and have a wide range of vocabulary. These are two of the things that the examiner is specifically looking for and you will gain marks for including them.

You should practice this with past paper questions.

  • Thesis Statement

This is the most important sentence in your essay. This is your main idea and I often describe it to students as how you feel about the whole issue in one sentence. It tells the examiner that you have understood the question and will lead to a clear and coherent essay.

Let’s look at the thesis sentence from the previous example:

Thesis statement : This essay agrees that increasing use of motor vehicles is contributing to rising global temperatures and certain health issues.

It is always just one sentence long so you will have to practice summing up your opinion in one sentence. It should also address the micro-keywords and not the topic in general.

You should start your thesis statement with:

This essay agrees that….. or this essay disagrees that….. (Opinion essays)

The main cause(s) of this issue is….. (Causes and solutions)

The principal advantage(s) is (xxxxx) and the main disadvantage is (xxxxxx). (Advantage and disadvantages).

For a discussion (of two points of view) essay you should state both points of view clearly.

Let’s look at another example:

Some aspects of celebrity culture have a bad influence on young people.

To keep things simple, we have two options-

  • Agree that some aspects of celebrity culture have a bad influence on young people.
  • Disagree that some aspects of celebrity culture have a bad influence on young people.

My essay will argue that celebrity culture  does  have a bad influence and my thesis statement will there be:

This essay agrees that the some famous people’s lifestyles have a detrimental effect on the youth of today.

I have stated my opinion in one sentence and used synonyms to make sure I don’t just repeat the question.

Thesis statements are very important but only in question that ask you for your opinion. Some IELTS questions do not ask you for your opinion and in these cases you can leave it out.

  • Outline Statement

Now that you have paraphrased the question and told the examiner what you think in your thesis sentence, you are now going to tell the examiner what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. In other words, you will outline what the examiner will read in the rest of the essay. This should be one sentence only.

Outline statement : Firstly, this essay will discuss the production of greenhouse gases by vehicles and secondly, it will discuss other toxic chemicals released by internal combustion engines.

So what I have done is just look at my main body paragraphs and wrote about what they contain. You should have only one main idea per paragraph. In this essay, I have only two main body paragraphs, so I only need to say two things in the outline statement.

Main body paragraph 1- production of greenhouse gases by cars.

Main body paragraph 2- toxic chemical produced by car engines.

Again, your main body paragraphs should have only  one  main idea so it should be easy to spot these and then write a sentence about them.

Final Example

Question: Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects to adult life. How in your view can individuals best learn to manage their money?

Good answer : One of the keys to adulthood is appreciating how to budget your finances. It is clear that the best way someone can learn this is by managing money during childhood. Firstly, the essay will discuss the importance of parental involvement during childhood and secondly, the essay will look at the importance of having a part-time job during childhood.

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[…] to write because in many ways you are just using ideas you have already mentioned in your introduction and main body paragraphs. However, this is the last thing the examiner will read and it is, […]

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Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

In the writing for task 2, you must write an IELTS essay introduction , but you only have 40 minutes.

In this time you need to analyze the question, brainstorm ideas to write about, formulate an essay plan, and then write your response. Even for a native writer of English, this is a lot to do in 40 minutes!

So you need to use your time carefully . You need a good IELTS essay introduction, but one thing you do not want to do is spend too long writing it so that you end up rushing your paragraphs. Your paragraphs are the most important thing as they contain all your supporting arguments and demonstrate how good you are at organizing your ideas.

The Two Elements of an IELTS Essay Introduction

You therefore need a method to write your IELTS essay introduction fairly quickly. When you write an introduction, you should make sure you do two things:

  • Write a sentence (or two) introducing the topic and giving some background facts about it 
  • Tell the reader what you are going to be writing about (thesis statement)

How you do this will vary depending on the question, but here is an example:

Blood sports  have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. Blood sports should be banned.

To what extent to you agree or disagree?

Sample IELTS essay introduction:

Despite the fact that killing animals for sport is popular in modern society, it remains a contentious issue. I believe that blood sports are cruel and uncivilized and so should be banned as soon as possible.

This does the following things:

  • First sentence: consists of the topic plus some background facts on the topic which have been taken from the rubric.
  • Second sentence: gives the writers opinion and tells us that in the essay the writer will be arguing the reasons why it is cruel.

The topic does not have to be in the first sentence, but it should be made clear somewhere in the introduction. You must always have a thesis.

Paraphrasing

Another important point - don't copy from the question! You must paraphrase (put it in your own words). To do this you can use synonyms and move the order of the sentence around.

Using some of the same words is acceptable, but don't copy whole phrases .

You can see how the question above has been paraphrased. All the information is from the question, but it has been written in a different way and has not been copied.

You can also check out a short video on this lesson:

Further IELTS Introduction Examples

Science and technology have helped the world make many advances. The Arts, such as painting, theatre and dance, to name just three examples, however, are also valuable.

What things do the Arts provide to the world that Science and Technology do not?

Societies have developed rapidly over time due to the many advances in science and technology. However, the arts are also very important and provide our world with many things that science and technology cannot.

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities world wide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction.

How far do you agree with this opinion?

A recent study has shown that as people use the Internet more, they are spending less time with human beings. I believe that although this has increased the communication around the world in positive ways, it has also led to negative effects on the day-to-day social interaction of human beings.

Unemployment has become an increasing problem in the recent past.

What factors contribute to an increase in unemployment and what steps can be taken to solve the problem?

Over recent years, the level of unemployment has been increasing at an alarming rate in many countries around the world. This essay will discuss the reasons for this increase and consider what practical solutions are available.

Some people think children in secondary school should study international news as part of the curriculum. Others think that this would be a waste of time as there are already too many subjects for children to concentrate on.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

While some people are of the opinion that it would be useful to include international news as a subject in the school curriculum, others believe that this is a waste of students time because they are already overloaded with subjects to study. This essay will examine both sides of the issue.

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

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Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

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Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.

How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps

Learn key steps on how to write an IELTS Essay. This guides you on how to write a great essay plus other lessons to improve your writing skills.

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

Transitional Phrases for Essays

Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction: a better way to start your essay

By ieltsetc on May 12, 2020

The IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction causes a lot of controversy. Should you paraphrase the question in the introduction? Should you always give your opinion?

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writing task 2 introduction for ielts

November 16, 2022 at 9:07 am

Hi Nguyễn Trung Hiếu

That’s a lot of questions! Perhaps you’d like to book a coaching hour with me or join the Academy where we have regular Q&A sessions. Best wishes Fiona

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

October 12, 2022 at 1:09 pm

Dear Ms. Fiona, I want to ask you some questions about IELTS Writing. 1. One problem I faced when a person said to me “You can find contradictions in both different dictionaries and English professors. That is why English is both an art and a science” This statement give me a scenario that show the unclearliness to evaluate which languages is formal or informal, OR which ones is suitable for IELTS Writing for IELTS Speaking. Can it suffer IELTS Candidate’s score in IELTS Speaking and Writing? * Further one I see is related to the usage of ‘proverbs’ and ‘rhetorical questions’ in IELTS Writing Task 1 (even in writing models of some IELTS real reliable expert and ex-examiner) Example to clarify my problem – First example with the usage of “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” – a proverb “However, the look of the building is also important because of the role of art in everyday life. Architecture is often considered one of the original and purest forms of artistic expression. I am reminded of a quote from Pablo Picasso who said ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ Imagine a city filled with ugly, utilitarian structures like many Soviet-era buildings. These buildings will not lift people’s spirits or encourage them to contemplate the intended message. Contrast this with a city where architects have been given free rein to be artists. As long as the buildings are also functional, you will find a city filled with beauty and provocation that enhances life for its inhabitants. The outward appearance does not have to be beautiful, but it has a responsibility to contribute something to enrich the lives of everyday people.” (This text is derived from a sample answer of former examiner) – Second example with rhetorical questions “In some types of work, qualifications are less important. With manual jobs, such as cleaning and laboring, there is very little theoretical knowledge required. Thus, employers are more likely to seek people with a good working knowledge of the job and what it entails. However, even in these jobs it is important for people to have a minimum level of education, especially if they want to rise above the lowest working level. How can a person without good writing and mathematical skills balance a budget, or deal with legal or safety issues? Therefore, qualifications matter even in more practical types of work.” (This text is from a model answer of an IELTS test writer) 2. I have some questions about your Members Academy. – You mentioned when attending your academy, I can 2-minute speaking recording every week to hand in to receive your feedback. It’s similar to 8 x Fiona’s Speaking & Pronunciation Analysis and Correction, isn’t it? If yes, do you offer feedback and correction about a member’s IELTS Speaking full test (15-minute test) to give an estimated score. – If becoming a member of Coaching & Course, in addition to fixed courses you give, can I access any new lessons or new practices every week? – Do you offer any live lessons about IELTS Writing or Speaking? I always know more about it? – Can I ask you the extra costs if I want to receive more Writing feedbacks besides 8 fixed full writing tasks in Members Academy?

My questions are too long, but I really hope you will answer them. I look forward to seeing your answer. Yours Sincerely,

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

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How to Write an Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

Posted by David S. Wills | Jul 8, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

How to Write an Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

The following is an excerpt from my 2019 book, How to Write the Perfect Essay for IELTS . It is all about how to write an introduction to an essay and I felt it was important enough that I would include it here for everyone to read. If you want to see the rest of the book, you can find it on sale here .

how to write the perfect essay for ielts

Writing an Introduction

An essay’s introduction is incredibly important because it is the first thing that an examiner will read. In this short paragraph, you will attempt to address the topic and give a basic overview of your essay. If this is clear and relatively error-free, the examiner will be impressed and they may view the rest of your essay more favourably. Note that this is not a conscious decision and an examiner will always try to be fair. However, human nature is such that first impressions are important.

In our examples and rules above, I have explained the basics of writing an introduction. However, you might be wondering a few things:

  • Do I always have to follow the same rules for writing an introduction?
  • Will every essay require the same sort of introduction?
  • Do I need to outline my essay in the introduction?
  • Does each part of the introduction really require just one sentence?
  • Is there an ideal number of words to write in an introduction?

The answer to all these is: NO. There are many possible ways to write a good introduction, and different teachers will tell you different things. What I have done so far is give you some helpful advice about writing essays. My advice is intended to give all IELTS students the best chance of scoring band 7.0 or higher by offering simple, practice advice, but there are different ways of writing a great essay.

Essentially, what you do need to do is:

  • Introduce the topic.
  • Assert a position and/or explain the purpose of your essay.

To do this, I think that the best way to write an introduction is to paraphrase the question and then write a thesis statement. Let’s look at these in detail.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Introducing the Topic

You should write one or two sentences at the very beginning of your essay that explain the topic. If you begin with a very general topic, you might need to write two sentences as the second one will focus on the key issue. Some teachers will tell you that you need to paraphrase the question, but while this can be helpful, it is not the best approach .

In Section II of this book, we talked about analysing the question. If you have fully analysed the question, then writing the first sentence of your essay should be pretty easy. You just need to find what the main idea is, and explain it. Let’s look at an example:

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

My introduction to this essay would be:

In recent years, mobile technology has improved to the point that people can now watch movies in HD almost anywhere by using a phone or tablet. This development has caused some people to speculate that cinemas will soon be obsolete. However, this essay will argue against that viewpoint.

In analysing the question, I noted that it contained two contradictory statements:

  • It is better to watch movies on a phone or tablet.
  • It is better to watch movies in the cinema.

There is a more focused point hidden within the question:

There is no point in going to the cinema anymore.

My first sentence is extremely broad. I have started with a phrase (“in recent years”) that sets this topic within a time context then stated the main idea: the improvement of mobile technology has changed the way we view movies. Rather than make one very long, complicated sentence, I have added a shorter one that expands upon and qualifies my first. The second sentence focuses my essay by introducing item #3 from above. It states that because of these technological developments, there is no reason to go to the cinema. Essentially, my first two sentences say the same thing as the question. However, I have not exactly paraphrased it. I did not attempt to copy the question with new words. Instead, I let the idea of the question develop in my head, and then wrote down the general idea of it. I think that this is the best way to handle writing an introductory sentence.

Here’s a video about how to write a great first sentence:

Asserting a Position and/or Explaining the Purpose of the Essay

What do I mean by “asserting a position”? In Section II of this book, I talked about maintaining a clear position throughout the essay. This is important for scoring highly in Task Achievement . There are different perspectives on what this requires, with some people claiming that you only need to make your position clear in the conclusion. Others, however, say that it should be stated in the introduction. The safest and most sensible option is to state your position in the introduction, support it in the body paragraphs, and then reaffirm it in the conclusion.

Of course, not all questions require a position. Some of them just ask to explain something, like a problem and a solution. In this case, you would not need to give an opinion in the introduction. You should instead write one or two sentences announcing what you will do in the essay. In the guide to structures, I referred to these as “thesis statement” and “essay outline”. You don’t always need to give both, but they are good ways of scoring highly for Coherence and Cohesion because they help clarify the structure of your essay.

In my previous example, I only wrote “…this essay will argue against that viewpoint.” This is a sort of thesis statement. I could have expanded it to say, “The first paragraph will look at reasons why it appears that cinemas will become obsolete, while the second will explore the continued relevance of cinemas in the digital era.” This is an example of an essay outline . However, there is a slight problem with this sort of sentence. While it undoubtedly adds value to an essay, it also adds to the word count, and to the length of time taken to write an essay. It is important to finish your essay within 40 minutes and also to spend time checking for errors. As such, writing an extra sentence or two could cost additional time that could be spent elsewhere. If you struggle with finishing in time, you should probably write a shorter introduction and ensure that you finish the whole essay. Advanced students, who can easily finish in time and wish to improve their score to a band 8.0 or 9.0, would do well to consider incorporating essay outlines for an improved structure. 

Another reason why we may choose to include a thesis statement or essay outline is that it improves the register of an essay. In other words, it makes it more formal . Whilst a question may ask for your opinion on an issue, writing “I think…” is less formal than writing “This essay will argue that…” By getting into the habit of writing this sort of sentence, you can reduce the number of personal pronouns and increase the formality of your essay, thereby improving its tone.

Here is an example from a problem and solution essay, which would not require a thesis statement, but would require an essay outline:

Despite the growing number of gyms and fitness centres, more and more people are leading a sedentary lifestyle in the modern society. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?
In the twenty-first century, an unprecedented number of people are living sedentary lifestyles due to changes in our work and social habits. [DW1]   This is a seriously dangerous phenomenon and greatly threatens our health and happiness. [DW2]   This essay will look at the problems and solutions. [DW3]  

I could have expanded it slightly:

In the twenty-first century, an unprecedented number of people are living sedentary lifestyles due to changes in our work and social habits. This is a seriously dangerous phenomenon and greatly threatens our health and happiness. This essay will first look at the problems and then explore some solutions.

By adding these small extra details, I am giving a slightly more advanced guide to the essay. However, the difference is pretty minimal. This is something to consider for people aiming to make improvements and score band 7.0 or higher.

  [DW1] I have written a single sentence to introduce the topic, which essentially paraphrases the question.

  [DW2] This sentence develops the idea further.

  [DW3] Here, I outline in the most basic terms the function of the essay.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: ✍️ Everything You Need to Know

When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

In this video, I’ll outline exactly what you must do to create an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to IELTS or if you’ve failed the exam before – I’ve broken everything down into a simple 3-step process that anyone can use to improve their scores! Watch the video above to find out what they are.

5 Steps to a Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

You must understand the question before you attempt to answer it. This way, you’ll know exactly what the examiner is looking for. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not answering the question fully, which stops them from getting a score higher than a Band 5.

To analyse the question , you must first identify the question type, then identify the keywords in the question and finally identify the instructions words. This will help you understand exactly what the examiner wants you to do with the question.

2. Plan your answer.

The students who get the highest marks in Writing Task 2 always plan their answers for up to 10 minutes. Planning helps you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you write it, saving you time and helping you produce a clear and coherent essay.

3. Write an introduction.

The introduction should answer the question directly. This tells the examiner that you know what you are doing straight away and helps you write your main body paragraphs.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

This is where you give the examiner more detail . You do this by stating your main points and supporting these with explanations and relevant examples.

5. Write a conclusion.

In your conclusion , you should provide a summary of what you already said in the rest of your essay.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

4 Ways to Improve your Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people know they need to improve their writing skills but don’t know how to do it. Here are 4 ways you can boost your score in Writing Task 2:

1. Understand the exam.

You must first understand what IELTS Writing Task 2 is, what you are expected to do and how to give the examiners what they want. This is the first stage and one that is often overlooked.

There are many online resources, often with conflicting and poor-quality information, so finding a reliable source of information is key.

2. Identify your weak areas.

If your car breaks down, you would try and identify which part caused the problem. If you get sick, your doctor will run tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same. We must first identify WHY you are not getting the score you need before we can help you improve.

However, be very careful! You wouldn’t ask the average man on the street for medical advice, so make sure you find someone who knows what they are doing and has the expertise to help you with this.

3. Fix the problems.

Now that we know what the problems are, we must fix them.

If your grammar needs work, fix those issues. If your vocabulary is lacking, work on fixing this issue.

Just as a good doctor can help you fix a medical problem, a good IELTS teacher can help you fix your specific issues.

4. Practice and get feedback.

Practice alone will not help you. It is an essential part of your preparation, but you must also get feedback on your work if you are really going to improve.

You wouldn’t try to teach yourself how to drive without an instructor, would you?

Find someone who will give you accurate and helpful feedback on your work. Otherwise, you will not be able to move to the last stage.

Now that you have understood what you need to do, identified the exact areas you need to work on, improved those areas, and received feedback on your work, you are now ready to get the IELTS Writing Task 2 score you deserve.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Writing Task 2 Structures 

I want to warn you about structures because they are not a magic wand that will help you automatically get a higher score. They WILL help you, but please realise that they are just a small part of your overall score.

These structures provide a sentence-by-sentence template for all the main Task 2 question types, making your job much easier on exam day.

  • Task 2 Essay Structures

Essential Writing Task 2 Skills 

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

No matter how good your English is, you must still learn IELTS writing skills before taking the Writing Task 2 test. These helpful guides will take you through each of these skills step-by-step:

  • How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. This guide will show you how to plan and write a clear essay every time.

  • How to Think of Relevant Ideas

This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

  • How to Write a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. They are actually very simple to write and are not complex at all.

  • How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills for all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in the very first sentence of your essay to help boost your vocabulary score in Writing Task 2.

  • How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

  • How to Write a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the examiner your opinion. Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions specifically ask for your opinion, and if you don’t write it clearly, you have not answered the question properly. This article shows you how, where and when to give your opinion.

How many words should I write?

Around 250 words? Exactly 250 words or over 250 words? How many words over? How do I know how many words I have? Will I lose marks if I write too many words? This article answers all those questions.

  • How to Understand and Analyse Any Question

A critical part of answering any question. This article shows you how to break down any Task 2 question and identify the keywords, micro-keywords and instruction words to help you answer the question effectively.

  • How to Write a Great Introduction

The introduction is the first thing the examiner reads; therefore, we must give them a good first impression. I share a very specific sentence-by-sentence structure in this article to help you write introductions quickly and effectively.

  • Task 2 Marking Criteria 

Do you know how Task 2 is marked? What is the difference between a Band 5 and a Band 8 answer? This article breaks down the marking criteria and explains it in simple language so you can give the IELTS examiners exactly what they want.

  • How to Write a Conclusion

A good conclusion should be a summary of your main points. The conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, and if you can write a good one, you will leave them with a very good impression.

  • Using Examples

Each of your supporting paragraphs should have a specific example that supports and illustrates your main point. This is an essential skill to learn if you want to get one of the higher band scores.

  • Cohesive Devices

Cohesive devices (sometimes called linking words) are one of the most misunderstood and misused elements of writing. Therefore, you must learn how to use them and when to use them.

  • The Danger of Synonyms

While synonyms are very important, they can also really reduce your mark if used incorrectly.

  • Paragraphing and Editing

This article will show you how to make your writing as clear and as easy to read as possible. It will also advise you on whether to use a pen or pencil.

  • IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

Read this blog now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

  • IELTS Writing Tips

I have compiled these tips after years of teaching IELTS, and all of them have been approved by IELTS examiners.

  • Coherence and Cohesion

This is a video lesson that shows you in practical terms how to improve your coherence and cohesion score.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Writing Task 2 Common Topics 

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Knowing the common topics can help you prepare for the test more efficiently. Here are the 10 most common topics over the last few years. Studying hard is great, but don’t forget to study smart.

The article below will show you the top 10 most common IELTS topics.

  • Most Common Task 2 Topics 

Full IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Lessons 

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Here are some lessons that I have used when teaching students about IELTS Writing Task 2. I have changed them so that you can easily learn from home. They are very long but contain all the necessary information combined with the skills above.

  • Agree or Disagree (Opinion) Lesson

In this lesson, we look at how to tackle an ‘agree or disagree’ question. Many people worry about whether to take one side of the other or discuss both sides. Additionally, people also worry about how to deal with ‘To what extent’ question types. We allay all of these fears in this lesson.

  • Discussion Essay Lesson

‘Discuss both views’ questions often confuse people because you are asked to do many things in one essay. As such, it is very important to remember that the question asks you to discuss BOTH views AND give YOUR opinion.

  • Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

These questions are much easier than you think. You probably discuss problems and solutions in your day-to-day life all the time. Keep it simple.

  • Advantages and Disadvantages Lesson 

There are a couple of different types of advantages and disadvantages questions. This lesson will show you how to answer them.

  • Writing Task 2 Exercise with Video

Writing is a skill, and just like any other skill, it is important to practice to improve.

  • From Band 6.5 to 8 Demo Lesson

This is my most comprehensive free lesson on IELTS Writing Task 2. We show you how we took one VIP student from Band 6.5 to an amazing 8.

Sample Answers

You must have some good examples to compare your writing and see if you are on the right track. Click the link below for lots of sample answers and over 100 questions.

Task 2 Sample Answers

  • Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
  • Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay
  • Latest Real Task 2 Questions
  • Official Sample Test Questions
  • Cambridge Sample Questions
  • Free Practice Test
  • How To Use Task 2 Samples
  • Recent Confusing Questions
  • IELTS Writing Practice Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information

  • You must write an essay in response to a question.
  • You must write 250 words or more.
  • Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
  • You should spend around 40 minutes on this part of the test.
  • General Training and Academic are essentially the same for Task 2. However, they are different for Task 1.
  • There are certain types of questions that you will be asked, for example, opinion, discussion etc. See below for more detail on these.
  • Task Achievement (25%)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
  • Lexical Resource (25%)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

Grammar and Vocabulary

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Grammar is one of the four things you will be marked on in the Writing Task 2 test. Finding out what your common grammar mistakes are and then fixing them is a very powerful way to boost your score in this area. Here are some common grammar mistakes I have found after making hundreds of tests.

  • Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

For most IELTS students, the problem is not grammar in general. In fact, it is usually just 1-2 problem areas. Therefore, when you fix these main weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your grammar and your writing score dramatically.

  • Using Personal Pronouns

Hint- They aren’t as big of a deal as you think.

See the interactive tool below for the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about IELTS Writing Task 2: 

IELTS Writing Task 2 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 2 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 2

We also have two Task 2 courses for those that need to improve their Task 2 skills and strategy. They are both based online and completely free of charge. Learn more about them below:

Task 2 5 Day Challenge

Task 2 Essay Builder

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our VIP Course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

Can I use idioms?

No, you should not write idioms for Task 2.

Can I use personal pronouns?

You should avoid using personal pronouns, but it is fine to use them when giving your personal opinion.

Do you write a conclusion for Task 2?

Yes, it is very difficult to get a good score in Task 2 if you haven't finished your essay with a conclusion. You will find an in-depth lesson on conclusions here:

How to Write an Effective Task 2 Conclusion

How many paragraphs should I write?

Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:

  • Introduction
  • Supporting Paragraph 1
  • Supporting Paragraph 2

However, you can find more comprehensive help with structuring your Task 2 essays here:

5 Day Challenge

Do I need to plan my essay?

I would highly recommend planning your essay. A good plan acts like a map that guides you through the essay, ensuring that you give the examiner exactly what they need to award you the score you need. You can find help with planning your essays here: How to Plan an IELTS Essay

You must write at least 250 words in Writing Task 2.

I would suggest that you aim to write around 270-280 words in total. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes, if you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

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Ielts writing task 2 - tips for crafting a strong introduction and conclusion.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Crafting a compelling introduction and conclusion is very important in IELTS Writing task 2 , as they serve as the gateway to engage the reader and leave a lasting impression. A strong introduction captures the reader's attention, establishes the topic's relevance, and presents a clear thesis statement, while a well-crafted conclusion provides a concise summary of the main points and offers a thoughtful final perspective. By following effective strategies and following essential guidelines, you can improve your IELTS Writing performance and maximise your chances of achieving success in this crucial section.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Tips for writing a strong introduction in the IELTS Writing task 2

Here are the 5 tips for you to consider when practicing writing a good introduction on the IELTS Writing task 2 :

Tip 1: Thoroughly read and analyse the question

To effectively address all aspects of the question or task in a meaningful manner, it is essential to dedicate time to carefully read and analyse the prompt. Your introduction acts as the initial step towards accomplishing this objective, as it introduces your response to each component of the question. Therefore, taking a moment to comprehend and dissect the task before commencing your writing allows you to fully grasp the precise focus and requirements of the prompt, enabling you to provide a comprehensive and relevant answer.

Tip 2: Start with a general statement and focus on the specifics of the question

In most instances, Writing task 2 usually starts with a general statement that gradually narrows down to specific points or inquiries pertaining to the given topic. Using a similar approach in your introduction can be an effective method to initiate your essay. However, it is crucial to ensure that your general statement maintains a clear connection to the topic and avoids being overly broad.

By striking the right balance, you can provide an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention while remaining focused on the task at hand.

Tip 3: Use your original language

While it is undoubtedly acceptable for you to use the task structure as a guide for your introduction, it is important to avoid copying its content. Directly replicating the content raises concerns about your language proficiency and may impact your band score negatively.

Instead, try to rephrase the information, rearrange its structure, use synonyms, and express intricate concepts using your own words. Moreover, it is essential to steer clear of using memorised introductions that involve inserting preconceived phrases related to the question topic.

Skilled examiners evaluate numerous responses, enabling them to identify scripted responses, so prioritising originality should be your first concern when writing an introduction.

Tip 4: Clearly express your stance

When approaching the IELTS Writing task 2, it is crucial to delve into the various aspects of the task. Consequently, it is essential to express and state your opinions in the introduction.

Tip 5: Outline how you plan to approach your essay

While this approach may be seen as an option, providing a concise explanation of how you intend to expand on the topic can assist in structuring your writing effectively. Additionally, it serves as a helpful guide for the examiner, offering insight into the content you will address in your essay.

Review your introductory paragraph

Remember to reread your introduction after completing your essay. It is common for test takers to initially start with a specific argument or organisational structure, but as they explore the topic, they may change their perspectives. Hence, once you finish Writing task 2, it is crucial to ensure that your final draft aligns with your introduction.

Now that we have covered essential techniques for crafting a strong introduction in Writing task 2, let's proceed to examine a sample introduction. Begin by reading and analysing the prompt, as discussed in tip

Then, carefully examine the sample introduction, paying attention to the highlighted strategies.

Sample question

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample introduction (Answer)

General statement:.

Nuclear technology has been around for many years.

Whether this technology is used for weapons of mass destruction or as a source of energy, many are of the belief that the use of nuclear energy has more advantages than disadvantages.

In my opinion, nuclear technology can indeed be a very efficient energy source. However, nuclear weapons possess such enormous destructive power that any benefits that this technology may offer to humankind are not enough to counter its potentially devastating effects.

This essay will address why the drawbacks of nuclear technology outweigh the benefits and will include relevant examples to support this position.

Similar to how a well-crafted introduction informs the examiner about the content of your essay, a strong conclusion serves to reinforce the key points presented and provides a summary of the essential aspects you want the examiner to retain from your writing. Be sure to read further for insightful information on effective strategies for composing a compelling conclusion!

Tips for writing a strong conclusion in the IELTS Writing task 2

Tip 1: connect your conclusion to the introductory paragraph.

Consider your introduction and conclusion as integral parts of a cohesive whole, as they should be closely intertwined. Ensure that you:

  • Revisit the concepts or themes you initially introduced
  • Provide additional perspectives gained from exploring the body of your essay.

Tip 2: Summarise the primary arguments of your essay

In your conclusion, it is crucial to offer a concise overview of the key points discussed in your essay. However, it is essential to avoid repetition. Instead, demonstrate to the examiner how your arguments and the supporting evidence seamlessly interconnect.

Tip 3: Steer clear of repeating things

While summarising the primary points of your essay, refrain from echoing the language used in your body paragraphs. Try to imply diverse vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetitive patterns. This approach will demonstrate to the examiner your ability to utilise a broader range of vocabulary and grammatical constructions.

Tip 4: Express your personal viewpoint

When undertaking Writing task 2, it is important to present your opinion in the form of an essay. If you reach the concluding paragraph and realise that you have omitted your viewpoint, ensure that you use it in your conclusion to ensure clarity.

Tip 5: Avoid introducing new arguments

Ensure that your conclusion does not introduce fresh points. Remember that the purpose of your closing paragraph is to provide a sense of finality to your essay, rather than introducing novel ideas.

To Implement these tips into practice

After exploring various strategies for crafting a compelling conclusion, it is crucial to understand how these techniques work together to seamlessly conclude an essay. To illustrate this, let's examine a sample question, introductory paragraph, and conclusion. Observe how to use all five tips to create a cohesive ending.

Sample conclusion (Answer)

Nuclear technology is extremely dangerous. Even though nuclear weapons have only been used twice, in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, evidence from these actions, as well as from nuclear accidents such as the Chernobyl disaster, are irrefutable proof of the disastrous effects of nuclear technology. Even in the absence of nuclear accidents, nuclear power inevitably produces radioactive waste, which is severely damaging to our bodies. Our best protection against these dangers is to simply not use nuclear technology. Instead, we should look for alternative ways to produce sustainable energy and achieve world peace by spreading a message of tolerance, kindness, and non-violence.

If you review the main points in the example conclusion above:

  • The destructive power of nuclear weapons
  • The disastrous consequences of nuclear disasters
  • The harmful effects of radioactive waste

You will see the writer reminds the examiner (reader) of the importance of their main ideas while summarising how this point fits well with the examples provided in the body of the essay.

To finish, you can see how the writer highlights their proposed course of action, which helps the essay end on a positive note.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

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Table of Contents

What does introduction contains in ielts writing task 2, how to write an introduction in ielts writing task 2.

Are you preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2? Do you want to write a good essay to score high in the exam? Well, in IELTS Writing Task 2, creating an attractive introduction to an Essay is important to set the tone and engage the reviewer. However, many students need to learn how to write an introduction in your IELTS Writing Task 2. If you are also one of those, this blog is for you. 

In this blog, we have provided the details on how to write an essay introduction effectively. It will help in ensuring that you start your task in the right way to maximise your chances of success further.

To start your introduction to the IELTS Writing Task 2, it is vital to know the key points that you must follow to write an introduction. Including these key points in your introduction will help develop a strong response to IELTS Writing Task 2. Let’s know what type of points you must have in an introduction.

Contextualise the Topic – Candidates must understand the question of the essay and include basic information and context to make your essay attractive.

State the Thesis Statement – It is important to include the main point of the topic so that the reviewer will know the base of the essay.

Outline the Essay Structure – You must provide a brief overview of focus points in your essay body paragraph.

Once you know what points you must include in your essay to make it attractive, let's understand how to write an introduction for your Writing Task 2.

Understand the Question – To write an introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2, first, you must understand the essay question. It is essential to know the key points , requirements of the essay, and basic needs that are required to include in your essay. This will help you write an introduction effectively.

Engage the Reader – Now, think of an innovative way and start an introduction accordingly. Make sure it goes in the right direction. It will help to engage the reviewer and get a good score on the test.

Provide Background Information – You must provide some background information and include key points to make your IELTS Writing Task 2 attractive. In background information and key points, you must clarify important phrases, provide pertinent data or figures, or talk about the current problem's importance.

State Your Thesis Statement – You must clearly explain the main point of the essay topic in an introduction. Your thesis statement will show your idea and help the reviewer to follow a roadmap. However, your statement must be clear by focusing on the main point.

Outline Your Main Points – You must provide a brief overview in the essay paragraph by including the main points. Providing this detail helps reviewers understand your essay's structure and prepare them for the arguments you will present.

Use Clear and Formal Language – It is essential to create an introduction in a simple, clear, formal language. Moreover, you should avoid slang, colloquialisms, or overly complex language, which is necessary for academic writing.

Be Concise and to the Point – Your IELTS Writing Task 2 should not be lengthy. You must avoid repeating lines and create an introduction in a concise and focused way. Try to cover your ideas in a few words to make your essay clear and compelling. Your introduction should only be around 2-3 sentences long.

Avoid Personal Opinions – Many candidates include their personal opinion in an introduction. It will distract you from the main point, impacting your score. So, make sure you present your idea without including personal opinion.

Check for Coherence and Cohesion – Ensure your introduction is natural and logical. Maintain the flow from one sentence to another sentence. Examining the relationships between your ideas is important to ensure that your IELTS introduction flows naturally into the essay's body paragraphs. This will help you determine the coherence and cohesiveness of your writing.

Proofread and Revise – Once you have completed your introduction, you must proofread the sentences. Make sure your task is free of grammatical errors, spelling, or awkward phrasings. A well-written introduction will help you to get a good score .

In conclusion, understanding how to write an essay introduction is crucial for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2 . As we have mentioned, you can follow these tips to write an IELTS Introduction to create an impressive introduction for writing task 2. However, it is important to practice regularly to develop your writing skills and increase the confidence needed to create an introduction to attract the reviewer. We hope the above-mentioned guidelines regarding how to write an introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 will be helpful for you. 

However, you can contact  Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at   [email protected]   or call us at  +91 9773398388 .

Your IELTS introduction should typically be around 2-3 sentences long, providing enough context and information to engage the reader without being overly lengthy.

Although personal pronouns can sometimes be used in introductions, avoiding them in academic writing is generally advisable. Instead, focus on presenting your ideas in a more objective and formal manner.

While including a hook or attention-grabber can enhance the effectiveness of your introduction, it is not strictly necessary. Focus on providing relevant background information and stating your thesis statement clearly and concisely.

Background information can enhance understanding, but it is not always necessary. Include it based on topic complexity and essay requirements. For straightforward topics, focus on presenting your thesis directly. Save background details for more complex subjects.

Yes, sparingly. Relevant quotes or anecdotes can add interest and credibility. Ensure they directly relate to your topic and support your argument. Keep them concise to stay within the word limit. Properly attribute and cite sources for academic integrity. Use them strategically for maximum impact.

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Writing IELTS Introductions and Conclusions

In IELTS writing task 2 , the introduction and the conclusion are two of the most misunderstood paragraphs. Test takers often write too much or too little. Sometimes they struggle to write anything at all.

Many students overthink these paragraphs, especially the introduction, and try to write all the most impressive grammar and vocabulary they know.

So, just how important are the writing task 2 introduction and conclusion? What makes a solid introduction and how do you write a good conclusion? Find out below.

Introductions

The importance of the introduction.

Everyone knows that introductions are necessary for the IELTS writing task 2 essay but most people don't know why or what the introduction should include.

The introduction is truly a vital section of the essay. Without one, you will not get any higher than band score 5 in Coherence and Cohesion.

For the purposes of IELTS, your essay introduction is the examiner's first impression of your writing. It should allow the examiner to approximate where your band score might be. So, an examiner will understand, upon reading your introduction, if your IELTS essay is a 6-7, a 5-6 or a 7-8.

You will not be scored only on your introduction, of course, but it is important to write a strong introduction that is accurate, concise and uses solid grammar and vocabulary.

What the IELTS Essay introduction must contain

As mentioned earlier, many test-takers overthink the introduction and end up writing too much. What should a good introduction contain? Less than you think!

  • rephrasing of the prompt
  • your position

Rephrasing the prompt

Rephrasing the prompt is an important element of the IELTS Essay introduction. Not only does it show the examiner you have understood the question but it also shows your ability to successfully use novel vocabulary.

What should never be missing from the introduction is your position, yet this is frequently what keeps students from getting the band score they need.

Your position

Each IELTS writing prompt has a question or command. These include:

  • Discuss both views and give your opinion
  • To what extent do you agree/ disagree
  • Discuss advantages and disadvantages

So, what is your position? Your direct response to any of those about commands/ questions. Your response needs to be clear and direct. Essentially, you need to directly answer the question in the introduction.

What the band descriptors say

At band 7 under Task Achievement we see, "presents a clear position throughout the response." The keyword here is throughout. Throughout means from the beginning to the end.

So, it is important that you make your position clear as early as your introduction if you hope to score 7 in Task achievement and this can be done when you answer the question in the introduction.

How do you rephrase the task?

Try using synonyms and different sentence structures to convey a similar meaning.

Do you have to rephrase every word?

You do not have to rephrase every word. Sometimes when test takers try to rephrase everything the result is very unnatural text. What you want to avoid is copying chunks of text. Chunks are phrases or groups of words.

Below is a sample IELTS writing task 2 prompt.

Communication through text messaging and other forms of instant online communication are short and basic. Some people think this will be the death of grammar and spelling. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample introduction

Nowadays, across the world, most people use text messages to communicate quickly and effectively. The speed of this communication, however, carries with it the risk of losing basic writing skills. In my opinion, this is a valid concern, given the minimal opportunity we have for proper writing these days, yet correct language usage will continue.

How is the prompt rephrased?

Communication through text messaging and other forms of instant online communication are short and basic. ->Nowadays, across the world, most people use text messages to communicate quickly and effectively.

Some people think this will be the death of grammar and spelling. -> The speed of this communication, however, carries with it the risk of losing basic writing skills.

The position

The writer's position shows partial agreement and briefly explains why: In my opinion, this is a valid concern, given the minimal opportunity we have for proper writing these days, yet correct language usage will continue.

Notice that in the introduction, not all the words were rephrased: communication, text messages and writing were not rephrased. However, no chunks of words were copied from the essay prompt and novel vocabulary was used.

Does the IELTS essay introduction need anything more?

Some students believe they need to write an extra sentence in their introduction, indicating that the essay will include evidence to support their arguments.

For example: This essay will address this issue, using examples and evidence to support my opinion.

Most IELTS examiners find this kind of sentence unnecessary as it doesn't add anything vital to the introduction and many times seems like a memorised phrase.

Remember that examiners are trained to spot memorized language so use language that is fairly academic but natural in your IELTS essay .

How introductions can go wrong

See the task below:

The Internet provides us with information about life and cultures of different countries, and some people say it is not necessary to visit these countries to learn about them. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.

Here is a sample introduction:

With the internet so prevalent today, some people believe it is no longer necessary to visit countries to learn about them. The internet provides us with information about different countries. I agree completely with this statement. In this essay, I will explain my viewpoint, discussing the negatives of travel.

Why it's problematic:

  • Chunks of language are copied from the prompt
  • The language is choppy - sentences are not linked together fluently
  • The task 2 prompt does not ask you to discuss the negatives of travel. It wants to know if the internet has made it unnecessary to visit other countries.

Conclusions

The importance of the conclusion.

A good conclusion provides closure to your IELTS writing task 2. It should restate the main position you described in the introduction and leave the reader with a thoughtful but more general idea. Without a conclusion you cannot score above a band score of 5 in coherence and cohesion.

The conclusion is the last thing your examiner reads so it needs to be concise, accurate and without superfluous information.

How to write a good conclusion

  • restate your position
  • end with a thought-provoking idea or prediction

Restatement of your position

In your conclusion, you must first start off with your position. In many IELTS essays this means that you must give your opinion again. This should not be written though with the same language used in the introduction or in the body paragraphs. Novel vocabulary and different grammar should be included.

Thought-provoking idea or prediction

Leave the reader with something to think about on the topic. This could be a more general statement about how the essay topic affects the world more broadly or what you think may happen in the future with the issue in the essay.

What conclusions should not contain

IELTS essay conclusions should never include new ideas. Any new ideas you want to write should be incorporated into the body paragraphs.

Below is the sample IELTS writing task 2 prompt seen previously.

Sample conclusion

To conclude, while there is a risk of diluting language through continuous use of text messaging, I believe that this can be avoided. If we, as a society, continue reading regularly and consciously, language will survive and flourish.

Why it is a good conclusion

  • The conclusion is brief - only two sentences long - but it incorporates the elements necessary to score well in IELTS writing task 2.
  • The position is clearly stated -> while there is a risk of diluting language through continuous use of text messaging, I believe that this can be avoided.
  • There is a prediction for the future related to the essay topic -> If we, as a society, continue reading regularly and consciously, language will survive and flourish.
  • Advanced vocabulary is used -> diluting, continuous, consciously,flourish
  • Advanced grammar is used in both sentences.

How conclusions can go wrong

Below is a sample IELTS writing task 2 prompt seen above.

Here is a sample conclusion

To conclude, travel is expensive, dangerous and time-consuming. We should avoid traveling and spend time with our friends and family instead. Recent studies have shown that when children spend time with their parents, both recorded feelings of well-being. In the future we will spend more time with our parents.

Why it's problematic

  • The writing task was not about the negatives of travel
  • The writer introduces new ideas in the conclusion
  • There is a prediction but it is not related to the task
  • No conclusions can be drawn on the actual issue in the prompt because the response is off topic

Here is another example that is representative of a band 7

To conclude, I believe the internet provides endless sources of information about the world around us but it can never replace travel fully. No internet site or application has yet to provide the transformative experience of travel nor do I think it ever will.

  • The conclusion is brief - only two sentences long - but it incorporates the main points necessary to score well in IELTS writing task 2.
  • The position is clearly stated -> I believe the internet provides endless sources of information about the world around us but it can never replace travel fully.
  • There is a more general, thought-provoking idea related to the essay topic -> No internet site or application has yet to provide the transformative experience of travel nor do I think it ever will .
  • Advanced vocabulary is used -> transformative experience
  • Advanced grammar is used .

Both the introduction and conclusion are vital components of IELTS writing task 2 . They should be brief but well-structured.

They should be concise so that you can dedicate more time to your body paragraphs. Most importantly, they should answer the question so that the position is clear.

Learn more about how to successfully write all parts of the IELTS writing task 2 through the online course at IELTSPODCAST.COM. There, you will learn tips on how to quickly and effectively write ielts essays to get the band score you need.

Alternatively, sign up for essay corrections so you can gain from our years of experience as examiners. Get detailed feedback and writing tips from an ex examiner on how to answer different types of IELTS writing tasks.

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Writing Task 2 Introduction

Watch the video on how to write an introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Introduction

IELTS candidates often see the introduction as an opportunity to impress the examiner by “discussing the issue” or trying the “academic hook”. This means they write general statement about the topic’s importance or relevance. For example...

IELTS General Training Writing Sample Answers

"The future means and method of classroom interaction is a hotly debated and controversial topic that greatly impacts on all aspects of education."

Candidates write this because they have been trained to do so. However, this is IELTS writing task 2, not a high school or college assignment and this type of opening is irrelevant and certainly will not impress examiners.  There are no extra points for clever or impressive opening statements.

An IELTS writing task 2 introduction should contain a paraphrase of the rubric (the task statement) and a thesis statement.

Paraphrasing the task statement shows examiners that you understand the task and what you are required to write. Do not copy from the rubric as this will be deducted from your word count.

Limit the paraphrase to 1 sentence.  You can paraphrase by using... 

Words and phrases that have similar meaning. Example:

Statement                                          

believed  

Changing the form of the word

Example: from verb to noun

Using different grammatical structures.  Example:

Statement                                            

Many people believe  

It is claimed by many

Paraphrase of the statement

It is claimed by many that the contemporary practice of students interacting with teachers in actual classrooms is forecast to disappear by 2050.  

For more discussion on synonyms and paraphrase, follow the link.

IELTS Vocabulary: Synonyms & Paraphrase

Thesis Statement.   After paraphrasing the statement, write the thesis statement which has 2 parts. These parts can be in any order.

1. A statement of intent or purpose - what you will do in your essay.

2. State your position (opinion) in response the instructions. For example...

To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

I strongly disagree with this statement and this essay will detail the reasons why.  

Pronouns.   It is acceptable to use pronouns in your thesis statement. Example:

I strongly disagree with this statement and I will detail the reasons why in my essay.  

Stating a clear position is a main requirement of the Task Response criterion.

Band 7:  presents a clear position throughout the response.

State your position clearly in the introduction and be consistent in following it all the way through your essay.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction and Vocabulary

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  • What to do and what not to do for the introduction to Task 2
  • Opening/paraphrasing vocabulary terms
  • Vocabulary words for stating an opinion
  • Overview words and phrases

Do’s and Don’ts of Writing the IELTS Task 2 Introduction

  • Write at least 60 words in your introduction
  • Be as specific as possible
  • Plan before you write
  • Paraphrase the topic
  • Clearly state your opinion in a thesis statement
  • Give an overview of the essay

DON’T:

  • Write too much—you need to save time and energy for the body paragraphs! Aim for a maximum of 80 words
  • Restate the task question exactly as it appears in the prompt
  • Try to take “both sides” in your thesis statement
  • Spend more than five minutes writing the introduction on test day
  • Forget to use formal language

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Vocabulary

Though IELTS Writing Task 2 topics can vary widely, you can still use the same basic IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction vocabulary to introduce your ideas. Here, I’ll use the following sample prompt to show words you can use for all types of prompts, as well as examples of how you could respond to this prompt specifically.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Opening: Paraphrasing the Topic

First, you’ll need to restate the topic. Be careful! You want to make sure that you use different words than the original prompt.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Vocabulary That Works For Many Prompts

  • Experts have hotly debated the issue of X.
  • It appears that…
  • It may seem that…
  • Some people may think that…
  • People have very divided opinions about X.

Examples for This Prompt

  • Experts have hotly debated the issue of social media’s effect on human psychology.
  • It appears that social media may, in some cases, have detrimental effects on human emotions.
  • It may seem that social media websites, like Facebook and Twitter, have an overall negative influence on our psychology.
  • Some people may think that using social media sites and apps is a benign hobby.
  • People have very divided opinions about how social media affects the brain.

Stating an Opinion

Next, you need to give your opinion clearly!

  • I/This essay will show that…
  • I/This essay agree/s that…
  • I/This essay disagree/s that…
  • I/This essay will argue that…
  • As I/this essay will show/argue,
  • I will show that the overuse of social media can have harmful effects on how we feel and act.
  • This essay agrees that using social media can negatively impact our emotions.
  • I disagree that spending time on social media has any unfavorable effects on our psychology.
  • This essay will argue that , in moderation, social media does not harm us, but in fact provides extensive mental health benefits.
  • As I will show , use of social media sites has very little effect on human psychology, either positive or negative.

Overview of the Essay

  • This essay will first…before…
  • To examine this issue, this essay will examine both….and…
  • Firstly, this essay will…and secondly, it will….
  • To discuss this issue, this essay will both…and…
  • This essay will first examine how social media affects our emotions before discussing how it affects our actions.
  • To examine this issue , this essay will examine both personal and social effects of social media use.
  • Firstly, this essay will discuss social media use in teenagers and secondly, it will discuss social media use in adults.
  • To discuss this issue, this essay will both use examples and provide reasoning to support the point that social media use has little to no psychological effects.

Example Introduction

Let’s look at a whole introduction now. Here’s what an introduction could look like for the prompt:

Experts have hotly debated the issue of social media’s effect on human psychology. I will show that the overuse of social media can have harmful effects on how we feel and act. To examine this issue, this essay will examine both personal and social effects of social media use.

More Resources for IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary

Want even more resources for IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction vocabulary? First, check out Eliot’s top tips in this video!

  • Then, brush up on IELTS Writing Task 2 general vocabulary and advanced vocabulary . Or, take a look at Advantages/Disadvantages essay vocabulary if you need word ideas for this essay type.
  • Make sure that you’re fully prepared to tackle all aspects of Writing Task 2 by looking at the IELTS rubric .
  • 
Finally, take a deep dive into IELTS vocabulary for Writing Task 2 with Eliot!

Eliot Friesen

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips to Write an Effective Introduction

Janice Thompson

Updated On Oct 07, 2022

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips to Write an Effective Introduction

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Many IELTS test candidates devote a lot of effort to practising their essay writing. The main goal of the IELTS writing module is to evaluate the test-takers’ writing abilities. Particularly taking into account the elements of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and the capacity for writing. Success in the IELTS writing test relies heavily on essay writing.

Have you ever felt challenging to write an essay in IELTS Writing task 2?

All IELTS learners (even IELTS teachers) reckon that the most difficult part of writing is how to get started. Getting started, or writing an introductory paragraph, can be easy if you remember that an introduction has four purposes:

  • Introduce the topic of the essay.
  • Arouses the reader’s interest in the topic.
  • Indicates the overall “plan” of the essay.
  • Tells reader what the essay is about

In the IELTS writing exam, the examiners are not looking for the interesting introduction as it is not assessed in your IELTS essay. In other words, there is no difference between the fascinating introductions and boring ones in IELTS exam. In addition, time is another pressure for IELTS Writing. You have to do a lot of things in your essay for the IELTS writing within 40 minutes, for example, analysing the statement, planning your essay, and proofreading it when you have finished, so actually you just have about 35 minutes to write your essay. There is not enough time for you to worry about having “a hook” in an introduction.

Basically, the introduction has two parts:

  • General statements
  • A thesis statement

You should aim for around 50 words for the length of your essays.

How to structure your introduction:

  • Your introduction should be 2- 3 sentences
  • Sentence 1 -2 :  General statement. Introduce the topic of the essay.
  • Sentence 3:  Thesis statement. Keep it clear, and get to the point. “ While I agree that governments and individuals are spending a significant amount of money on those celebrations, I would argue that this activity is necessary and therefore can be considered acceptable.”

Beer in mind that specific examples from your own experience shouldn’t be included in the introduction paragraph (instead the body paragraph).

GENERAL STATEMENT:

General statements aim to:.

  • introduce the topic of the essay
  • give background information on the topic

How to write a general statement?

When it comes to writing a general statement, the first sentence in an introductory paragraph should be a very general comment about the subject. Each subsequent sentence should become more specific than the previous one and finally, lead into the thesis statement.

Make sure you do it by paraphrasing the statement of the question, which means you need to write it again with the same meaning but use your own words. This act helps you to increase your score in the IELTS writing test, for instance:

Question : In recent years some countries have experienced very rapid economic development . This has resulted in much higher standards of living in urban areas but not in the countryside. This situation may bring some problems for the country as a whole. What are these problems? How might they be reduced?

General Statement : It seems to be an increasingly widespread concern for the effects of urbanisation with the imbalance in living standards between the city and the outskirt.

Obviously, you can see in this example; the writer used the different vocabularies with the same meaning to introduce also give the background information on the topic.

THESIS STATEMENT:

What is the definition of thesis statement.

A thesis statement is usually a sentence to offer a concise summary of the main point or claim of your IELTS essays and follows the general statement. It is critically important in your IELTS writing task 2 because it is your answer or your opinion/point of view about the given topic in the Writing test. It will guide IELTS examiner what your essay is about and help keep your argument focused.

So don’t get it mixed up with the general statement which tells the reader what topic of your essay is at the beginning of your introduction.

So, how to write a good thesis statement?

There are a range of essay question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, namely:

  • Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
  • Discussion (Discuss both view)
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Problem and Solution
  • Two-part Question

  The first thing we need to do is to identify which type of question it is and look at the action words. For example, in the question below the action words are ‘do you agree or disagree?’

Question: The government and individuals are spending too much money on national celebrations like new year or festivals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

We, therefore, need to tell IELTS examiner clearly whether we agree or disagree, and this will influence our thesis statement. So, the thesis statement should be as follows:

People have different views about whether public expenditure on national occasions such as new year or festivals is too much nowadays. While I agree that governments and individuals are spending a significant amount of money on those celebrations, I would argue that this activity is necessary and therefore can be considered acceptable.

As can be seen, the above sentence makes it crystal clear to IELTS examiner what you think about the question. The rest of your IELTS essay will go on supporting this thesis statement.

How does the thesis statement change with different types of question?

We will now look at how thesis statements can vary with different question types. However, you should not try to learn set phrases or sentences to fit certain essays.

The golden rule is to  always read the question very carefully  and figure out what you have to do.

Your thesis statement will then follow on from this, depending on what you have decided you need to write about in order to answer the question.

Sample thesis statements for 5 essay question types in IELTS Writing Task 2:

  • Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Topic: Too much emphasis is placed on going university for academic study. People should be encouraged to do vocational training, because there is a lack of qualified tradespeople such as electricians or plumbers. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Thesis statement: It goes without saying that society always needs a skilled workforce to function. Employees of different professions contribute differently to the thriving of the community, and therefore I disagree with the statement that vocational courses should be given any more weight than before.
  • Discussion (Discuss both view) Topic: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion Thesis statement: Many people show preference for repeating their daily routine while others always look for change as they believe change would bring more benefits. In my opinion, I would agree with the latter point of view.
  • Advantages and Disadvantages Topic: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion Thesis statement: Many people show preference for repeating their daily routine while others always look for change as they believe change would bring more benefits. In my opinion, I would agree with the latter point of view.
  • Problem and Solution Topic: There is a general increase in anti-social behaviours and lack of respect for others. What are the causes and solutions? Thesis statement: The widespread problem of anti-social behaviours and disrespectful attitudes towards others has long been a major topic of concern in society. Some of the major culprits of this problem will be discussed before the most important solutions are drawn.
  • Two-part Question Topic: Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.  In what ways has technology affected the types of personal relationships?  Has this become a positive or negative development? Thesis statement: Rapid advances in technology have undoubtedly affected the way we interact in various ways. While some of this change can exert a negative impact on the way we communicate with each other, my view is that overall modern technology typically improves communication in personal relationships.

Below are two potential introductions with different thesis statements for IELTS essay question. Choose which one is better.

IELTS Essay Question:

Some people believe increasing business and cultural contacts between countries is a positive development while others argue that it is a threat to the identity of a nation? Discuss both views and give your opinion?

Introduction:

Intro 1: It is sometimes argued that increasing business and cultural contacts between countries are a positive development. I believe that the trend is a threat to identity a nation.

Intro 2: It is sometimes argued that increasing business and cultural contacts between countries  is a positive development. Such positive elements include increased employment prospects, increased commerce, and increased multilateral harmony. However, I believe that this trend is a threat to the identity of a nation.

IELTS examiner’s comment:

Intro 2 is the better one. A better thesis statement (and an increase in coherence) would be to state what the reasons’ are. For example, sentence two could be “Such positive elements include increased employment prospects, increased commerce, and increased multilateral harmony.” Remember that a clear position throughout is a key feature of TR and a strong thesis statement is a great start to alert the examiner that you making your position very clear in the beginning. (notice that the above use of increased’ three times in this context is an effective writing technique)

I hope the tips mentioned above could help you to hike up your IELTS score in the IELTS writing test! Stay tune for the latest update on IELTS Material website.

Don’t forget to keep practicing to write an introduction to get yourself familiarized with the IELTS test and get the high score in IELTS.

You can also write your own introduction in the comment boxes below to receive feedback from us!

Also check :

  • Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
  • IELTS Writing recent actual test
  • IELTS Band 9 essays
  • Advantage and Disadvantage Essays
  • IELTS Writing Answer sheet
  • IELTS map vocabulary
  • IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

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Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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writing task 2 introduction for ielts

Posted on Jan 7, 2017

It seems that countries in the globe are enhancing their business and cultural interaction with each other. Although some people consider it a sinister to a nation identity, I think that it is a positive development. It will bring increased employment prospects, increased commerce, and increased bilateral harmony. In addition, this essay will also discuss how the identity of a nation can be kept safe with these activities by adopting some procedures.

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  • Aug 24, 2023

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write the Introduction Paragraph

Updated: Jan 7

There are many ways to write an introduction paragraph but a simple and tested technique is the following:

1. Paraphrase the question (use synonyms/ different parts of speech/ different word order etc.).

2. For questions which ask for your opinion - give your opinion.

3. Outline your 2/ 3 main ideas (which will be in body paragraphs 1 & 2).

Let’s look at an IELTS Writing Task 2 question and use this format to write the introduction paragraph:

Some people argue that we are born with a fixed personality while others argue that we develop our personality because of our experiences.

What do you think is the most important factor?

1. Paraphrase the IELTS Question

A. use the passive:.

One of the best ways to begin is to change the active “some people believe” to the passive, “it is believed by some people” or vice-versa.

b. Use a similar, but different verb:

Verbs such as “argue”, “believe”, or “think” are interchangeable in this context. So, if the question says, “Some people believe ”, you can write “It is argued by some people”, or just, “ It is often argued ”.

c. Use synonyms

In the rest of the sentence, look for synonyms which can replace words in the question. For example, “fixed” becomes “determined” , “develop” becomes “forms” , “personality” becomes “character” , and “because” becomes “due to” .

d. Change parts of speech or word order

You can also change parts of speech, word order or grammatical structure. For example, we develop our personality… becomes the development of our personality…

2. Give Your Opinion (usually required)

A. completely agree/ disagree with one side.

Most IELTS questions ask for your opinion. The easiest way to write an IELTS essay that asks for your opinion is to completely agree (or disagree) with one side. In this case you can use one of the following phrases in your introduction:

I totally agree…

I completely agree…

I strongly believe...

I firmly believe...

For example:

I strongly believe that our personalities are decided by our upbringing and the events in our lives.

I firmly believe that we are born with our characters and they are not changed by circumstances.

If you are not so good at writing, this is a good way to write the essay because your opinion will be very clear (which is important for Task Achievement in IELTS Writing Task 2).

b. Partially agree with both sides

However, if you want to say that you partially agree with more than one side, you can use the following phrases:

I somewhat agree…

I partially agree…

I somewhat agree that we are born with innate characteristics. However, I also think that our upbringing affects how our personalities develop.

If you use this approach, make sure that you write in a very clear way. Often this approach causes problems because the examiner becomes confused about what the writer's opinion is. Make sure that you show that you partially agree with both sides in the introduction and conclusion. Be consistent.

c. Argue both sides, but support one side more

An advanced approach that works for both questions that ask for your opinion, and questions which ask you to discuss both sides, is to argue both sides, but support one side more.

You can do this by using a contrast adverb (or adverbial phrase) such as while , although , and however .

In my opinion, while genetics do play an important role, what happens in our lives is the most important factor in the development of our personalities.

Although we are born with some fixed characteristics, our upbringing is a more important factor in how our personality develops.

Using this approach, you can give both sides of the argument, but show that you support one side more. This is the most advanced approach.

3. Outline your 2/ 3 main ideas

At this point you already need to know the 2 or 3 main ideas in your essay. For the essay above I have chosen the following:

Main Idea 1: Genetics create a starting point for our personalities.

Main Idea 2: But experiences have a bigger impact on how our personality develops.

As you can see I am taking an advanced approach and showing I partially agree with both arguments. So, to summarise these main ideas, I could write:

"while genetics do play an important role, it is what happens in our lives, particularly in our childhoods, that is the most important factor in the development of our personalities."

Putting it all together

If we put this all together we have the following introduction:

"It is believed by some people that personality is determined at birth, but others think that our character is formed due to the experiences we have. In my opinion, while genetics do play an important role, it is what happens in our lives, particularly in our childhoods, that is the most important factor in the development of our personalities."

To read my whole model answer for this essay look here: IELTS Writing Task 2: 8. Personality (fastforwardielts.com)

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How to write a Task 2 introduction

How to write a Task 2 introduction

Write 2 sentences only.

Don’t try too hard to paraphrase the keywords.

Express your opinion in the introduction if you are required to do so.

Now, here comes the guide.

Why only 2?

Most of the IELTS Task 2 essay introduction will have only two sentences:

One for a general statement relating to the topic. Most of the time, you just have to paraphrase the fact provided in the topic question.

One for answering the topic question. Either by expressing your opinion (if you are writing an opinion essay) or explaining the causes and the solutions of the problems (if you are writing a cause & solution essay).

Example: More houses are needed in many countries to cope with increasing populations . Would it be better to build houses in existing towns and cities, or to develop new towns in rural areas?

Answer from Simon: It is true that the populations of many countries are growing, and that new housing is therefore needed . In my opinion, it would be better to increase the provision of housing by creating new towns, rather than by further developing existing towns and cities.

As you can see, the vocabulary and grammatical structure used by Simon are very simple, mostly just some recycling from the topic question. His answer retains most of the keywords ( population, develop, new towns, existing town and cities ), and even a common phrase ( it would be better ).

While the above strategy seems to be boring, it is actually effective, especially if you don’t aim higher than the 7.0 score. Remember, your essay usually has 14 sentences, but only 2 of them are in your introduction. Spending too much time for the introduction, while leave your body paragraphs underdeveloped will hamper your test result.

Therefore, it’s better to write a short and simple introduction, without trying too hard to paraphrase the question.

     2.   The template

Regarding the two popular types of IELTS essay (opinion versus cause/solution), there are two simple templates used by Simon:

For an opinion essay:

People have different views about …(insert the general statement). In my opinion …(insert your opinion)

Remember to give your opinion if you are asked to do so! If the examiner has to read more than 100 words to figure out which side of the argument you are on, there are chances that he will lower your score in Task Response criterion.

For a cause/solution essay:

It is true that …(insert the general statement). There are various reasons for this, and to improve the situation, ….(insert the solutions)

There are various templates like this, using weasel words such as “nowadays”, “while some people argue that”, etc etc.

Please don’t memorising too many templates, because you won’t earn any extra point in Lexical Resource by using a different synonym of “nowadays” (for example, “in recent times”). The IELTS examiners are savvy enough to know that you just copied some phrases on the Internet. Why bother learning 10 templates if it doesn’t make any difference from just learning one?

     3.   Do you need the 3rd sentence? (Hint: No)

Some websites & teachers advise students to write an extra sentence at the end of the introduction, with the purpose of giving an essay overview, for example:

“These days, many local governments spend large portions of their budget not only on public services, but also on the visual arts. Although I agree that it is important to invest in local amenities, I do not think spending on the visual arts is a waste of money. This essay will discuss this issue using examples to support arguments and demonstrate points ”.

While a summarizing phrase like that is important in a graduate thesis, in an IELTS essay, it is unnecessary. You will demonstrate your evidences in the body paragraphs anyway; if you also do that in the introduction, then your writing will be repetitive. And too much repetition will result in a 5.0-6.0 score, as can be seen in the Official Band Descriptor . Not to mention the whole thing “This essay will discuss…” is so overused, to the point that it no longer gives you any extra score in Lexical Resource.

Another way to write a 3-sentences introduction is to add another general statement at the beginning of your introduction, like this (written by Mat Clark):

“ The world in the 21st century is marked by high population mobility. When an increasing number of people have chosen to leave their motherlands and resettle in a new country, they are at crossroads whether to blend in with the local culture or to cherish their own cultural heritages by establishing a minority community. In my opinion, the convergence of different cultures does not require a culture to yield to another; instead, it can be achieved by building minority communities.”

In the above paragraph, the first sentence presents a fact, which aims to grab the attention of the readers. However, the best hook sentences are usually interesting facts. Simply using a well-known information won’t raise your Task Response score, so just avoid doing that. Even Mat Clark is not exactly good at this.

This tip is written by  Anh Tran  -   Let's Write Something Group .

If you want to practice more about writing Task 2, you can join this group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/351029818650829/

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writing task 2 introduction for ielts

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

An Introduction to Writing Task 2

The Academic IELTS Writing Test has two separate writing tasks in 60 minutes. For each part, you will receive a question paper and an answer sheet. You can make notes on the question paper, only the text on the answer sheet will be marked by the examiner. You can write your answers in pen or pencil and correct when necessary. You cannot use a dictionary or any electronic devices.

IELTS Academic and General Training students do different tests for part 1 but complete the same test for part 2. Both Academic and General Training students write a discursive essay in writing task 2 – but the difficulty of the question will differ. All students should learn how to write this type of essay.  In writing task 2 you will be asked to write an essay (250 words minimum) on a specific topic. You should leave 40 minutes for this during the test, which includes time to check your work. Each essay has a slightly different structure, you can learn about those structures in the other posts in the writing task 2 section . 

Requirements from universities and immigration agencies vary. Most students will need at least a band score 6 for undergraduate study. For postgraduate study or immigration, a band score 7 is generally required. 

One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria  to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.  You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score. 

In the IELTS writing task 2 essay, you will be assessed on the four main areas:

Task Achievement

Coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, marking criteria for ielts writing task 2 band score 7.

In this section, you must be able to ‘addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout the response, presents extends and supports main ideas but there may be a tendency to overgeneralise and/or supporting ideas may lack focus’  this means that you are able to answer all parts of the question and that your information is relevant, but some of it may be too general or lack focus. 

In this section, you must produce an answer that can be easily understood by the reader (the examiner!). The criteria states that you should be able to ‘logically organise information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout’  this means that you have organised your information in easy to read paragraphs and the paragraphs have a good structure.

The criterion also states that you should ‘use a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under/overuse’ . This refers to the use of linking words and cohesive devices – such as; firstly, secondly, in addition, one the one hand, on the other hand, furthermore, therefore, etc. but there may be too many or too few. It also says that you should ‘presents a clear central topic within each paragraph’ this means that you write about one idea in each main body paragraph.

In this section the examiner will be looking at your vocabulary, making sure the words you have used are correct for this type of task. In the criteria, it states ‘uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision’ . It is therefore important for you to study terms and keywords that can help you to gain a 7+ score in this task. There may also be ‘occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation’ There may be some repetition of words and a few errors.

In the marking criteria, it states ‘uses a variety of complex structures, produces frequent error-free sentences, has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors’ . You have to write clear error-free sentences in this essay, as many grammatical or spelling errors will make the writing unclear and hard to follow. If the text has more than 25% errors, this will bring the score down. You also need to show that you have used the appropriate sentence structures, necessary for a formal academic essay.

Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing task 2 Band Score 8

In this section, you must be able to ‘addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout the response, presents extends and supports main ideas’  this means that you are able to answer all parts of the question and that your response is relevant and well developed. This should be very clear in your answer. You should also support your views/arguments with specific examples. 

In this section, you must produce an answer that can be easily understood by the reader (the examiner!). The criteria state that you should be able to ‘sequences information and ideas logically, manages all aspects of cohesion well, uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately’  this means that you have organised your information in easy to read paragraphs and the paragraphs have a good structure, with only one main idea in each of the main body paragraphs.

The criterion also states that you should ‘manages all aspects of cohesion well’ . This refers to the use of linking words and cohesive devices – such as; firstly, secondly, in addition, one the one hand, on the other hand, furthermore, therefore, etc.

In this section the examiner will be looking at your vocabulary, making sure the words you have used are correct for this type of task. In the criteria, it states ‘uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings’ . It is therefore important for you to study terms and keywords that can help you to gain a 7+ score in this task.

In the marking criteria, it states ‘uses a wide range of structures, the majority of sentences are error-free, makes only very occasional errors or inappropriaces’ . There will be clear error-free sentences in this essay and most of the writing will have the appropriate sentence structures, necessary for a formal academic essay.

There are practice tests you can download from the British Council .

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IELTS Writing Tasks How to Write Task 2 Introductions

To score highly for IELTS writing tasks, you need to impress the examiner from the very first sentence. This lesson will show you how.

In it you’ll learn:

  • Why the introduction is so important
  • The 3 part structure
  • 4 common mistakes to avoid
  • How to write a great introduction

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Why the Introduction is So Important

Beginning your IELTS writing tasks well will immediately start stacking up the marks for both Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion which together carry 50% of the marks.

A good introduction does several things:

  • It gives an excellent first impression.
  • It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
  • It gives the examiner a brief overview of what you’ll cover in the rest of the essay.
  • It focuses your thoughts and keeps you on track while writing.

The 3 Part Structure

A good introduction has a simple 3 part structure:

  • Paraphrased question

Thesis statement

Outline statement.

This structure can be used for any type of question. It should:

  • Have 2-3 sentences
  • Be 40-60 words long
  • Take 5 minutes to write

Before I show you how to write good introductions to Task 2 IELTS writing tasks, I want to flag up some common errors students make to help you avoid them.

4 Common Mistakes

# 1  not being specific enough.

It’s tempting to start your essay with a general statement about the topic of the question. Don’t do this. You need to be very specific. Here’s an illustration of a poor opening sentence.

Everybody should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems. 

  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Bad first sentence:

These days, many people are worried about their health and changing their diet is one way that they try to improve it.

This is not a question about health in general but one specifically about becoming a vegetarian for health reasons.

A good first sentence will paraphrase the question, that is, it will state the same information using different language and often, a different sentence structure as well.

We’ll be looking at paraphrasing and an example of a good first sentence later in this lesson.

# 2  Not writing a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a summary of the main idea of your essay. When the examiner reads it, they will instantly know whether or not you have understood the question correctly. It also acts as an outline for the rest of your essay.

This makes the thesis statement the most important sentence in your essay. If you get it right, you will have got off to the perfect start.

There’s an easy to remember formula for writing thesis statements which we’ll be studying below. For now, here’s an example relating to our sample question.

Thesis statement : This essay agrees that the world’s population should stop consuming meat due to the related health risks.

Note the use of synonyms to paraphrase the question.

# 3  Not stating your opinion

Task 2 IELTS writing tasks generally require you to give your opinion. Usually, this will be clearly stated in the question. For example, the instruction might say,

        or

  • Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In other questions, it won’t be so clear that this is what you should do. For example,

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world?

However, your opinion – the main idea of your essay – is still required. If you always include it in the introduction, as well as throughout your essay, you won’t go wrong.

# 4  Using inappropriate language

For Task 2 essays, you must use formal language. Most students understand this.

However, many candidates make the mistake of trying to use clever or complex language to add interest or to show off their high-level language skills.

Keep tight control of your language. This is a very short essay and you don’t have the time or space to get carried away with elaborate words and phrases.

Get the information across quickly and succinctly using everyday language that includes topic words and their synonyms.

Most importantly, use the language correctly. The more complex you make it, the more errors you’re likely to make.

I show you how to write essay introductions for each of the 5 question types on their individual pages where I go into everything in much more detail.

Opinion Essays  – Agree or Disagree

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays  + Causes & Solutions

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

For the rest of this page, I’ll go through just one example to illustrate some of the points I’ve made.

How To Write a Great Introduction

Here’s a reminder of the 3 part structure you should use for all task 2 IELTS writing tasks.

Paraphrased Question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside.

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Paraphrased question:   The migration of the younger generation to urban areas is leaving many rural locations populated predominantly by the elderly.

Note the use of synonyms for many of the keywords. For example,

  • young people – younger generation
  • countryside – rural locations
  • cities and towns – urban areas
  • leaving – migration
  • old people – the elderly

You don’t have to replace them all but do so where possible without making the sentence sound awkward.

It’s fine to repeat one or two words. Don’t spend too much time trying to think of synonyms or use ones you are not 100% sure are correct.

The thesis statement states your opinion on the topic. In most instances, you simply need to decide whether to agree or disagree with it and to reiterate the main idea of the statement. For example,

Thesis statement:  This essay argues that the loss of young people from the rural landscape has problematic consequences.

This thesis statement states the opinion of the writer and paraphrases the question again in a way that makes this view clear.

Finally in the introduction, you must outline the two main points that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay. This acts as a guide to the examiner and also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

Do it in one sentence, or you can add them onto the end of the thesis statement if appropriate.

Outline statement:   The two most serious are, the depletion of the rural workforce and the loss of local education facilities.

These two ideas will become your two main body paragraphs.

  • Main body paragraph 1 – the depletion of the rural workforce . 
  • Main body paragraph 2 – the loss of local education facilities.

The Finished Introduction

So now, let’s pull the whole introduction together.

Final introduction:

The migration of the younger generation to urban areas is leaving many rural locations populated predominantly by the elderly.  This essay argues that the loss of young people from the rural landscape has problematic consequences.  The two most serious are, the depletion of the rural workforce and the loss of local education facilities.

These three sentences exactly follow the 3 part structure I showed you for creating introductions to task 2 IELTS writing tasks and also avoid the common mistakes I outlined above.

This short paragraph would be an excellent introduction to an essay on this topic.

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More help with ielts writing tasks.

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

IELTS Writing Tips  – Top 10 tips to bring you success in your writing test. Essential information you need to know to achieve a high score.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

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Introduction to Agree/Disagree Essay Writing In IELTS Writing IELTS Podcast

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Giải đề IELTS Writing Task 2 ngày 21/1/2024 – Living away from family while at university

In some countries, students live with their family while studying at a university. In other countries, students attend university in another city.  Do you think the advantages of living away from the family home while attending university outweigh the disadvantages?

to live with their family 

  • reside with their family.
  • dwell in the same household as their family.
  • share a residence with their family.
  • inhabit a home alongside their family.

living away from the family home while attending university

  • Residing independently during university education.
  • Staying apart from the family residence while pursuing a degree.
  • Living autonomously while enrolled in university.
  • Domiciling separately from the family home while at university.

In various nations, students confront the pivotal choice of either residing with their families while pursuing a university education or embracing independent living in a different city. Although both options present distinctive advantages and drawbacks, I firmly contend that the merits of living away from the family home during university studies outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, independent living during student life entails several challenges. The first drawback is the potential onset of homesickness and emotional stress stemming from the detachment from one’s familial support system and accustomed surroundings. The emotional toll caused by this separation can significantly impact the overall well-being of students. Furthermore, the financial implications associated with renting accommodation and meeting daily expenses pose a formidable challenge , particularly for students from economically constrained backgrounds.

On the other hand, I posit that an autonomous life while at university offers more advantages. Firstly, domici l ing separately from the family home cultivates a profound sense of autonomy and self-reliance among students. This independence facilitates the development of life skills, including budgeting, time management, and problem-solving, all of which are pivotal for personal and professional growth. Another benefit of studying away from home is the conducive environment it creates for academic focus and concentration. The university setting fosters an atmosphere conducive to learning, with fewer distractions compared to a family environment.

In conclusion, while the decision to live away from the family home during university studies leads to challenges, such as homesickness and financial strain, I contend that the overarching benefits of personal development and academic concentration make it an advantageous choice.

Gợi ý sách liên quan

Giải đề thi thật IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2

Nếu bạn muốn tham khảo các bài mẫu IELTS Writing bám sát với đề thi thật nhất, thuộc những chủ đề thường được hỏi trong IELTS Writing Task 2, sở hữu cuốn này chính là sự lựa chọn tuyệt vời.

writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  • Confront (v): đương đầu, đối đầu, đối mặt Giải thích: to face, meet, or deal with a difficult situation or person Ví dụ: As she left the court, she was confronted by angry crowds who tried to block her way.
  • Onset   (n): sự bắt đầu, sự khởi đầu Giải thích: the beginning of something Ví dụ: We have to get the roof fixed before the onset of winter.
  • Homesickness   (n): nỗi nhớ nhà Giải thích: the feeling of being unhappy because of being away from home for a long period Ví dụ: She saw a counsellor to discuss her homesickness.
  • Emotional stress  (n): ccăng thẳng cảm xúc Giải thích: mental tension or strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances affecting one’s emotions. Ví dụ: Dealing with a breakup can cause emotional stress, leading to feelings of sadness and anxiety.
  • Stem from   (v): bắt nguồn từ Giải thích: to start or develop as the result of something Ví dụ: Their disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding.
  • Detachment   (n): tính độc lập, sự tháo gỡ, biệt đội Giải thích: a group of soldiers who are separated from the main group in order to perform a particular duty Ví dụ: A military detchment was sent to the island to provide support.
  • Pose a formidable challenge   (v): đặt ra một thách thức đáng kể Giải thích: to present a difficult challenge that is difficult to overcome. Ví dụ: Climbing Mount Everest poses a formidable challenge even for experienced climbers.
  • Autonomous   (adj): tự chủ Giải thích: independent and having the power to make decisions for yourself Ví dụ: The company’s divisions, which have been largely autonomous up to now, will be centralized under the newly appointed CEO.
  • Domicile   (v): ở tại, định chỗ ở tại (nơi nào) Giải thích: to treat a specified country as a permanent home. Ví dụ: Residents could have been be domiciled here well before.
  • Cultivate   (v): trau dồi, nuôi dưỡng, tu dưỡng (nhằm cải thiện tốt lên) Giải thích: to try to develop and improve something Ví dụ: She has cultivated an image as a tough negotiator.
  • Conducive to   (adj): có lợi Giải thích: providing the right conditions for something good to happen or exist Ví dụ: Such a noisy environment was not conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Translation

Ở nhiều quốc gia khác nhau, sinh viên phải đối mặt với sự lựa chọn quan trọng là sống cùng gia đình trong khi theo học đại học hoặc sống tự lập ở một thành phố khác. Mặc dù cả hai lựa chọn đều có những ưu điểm và nhược điểm riêng biệt, tôi khẳng định chắc chắn rằng lợi ích của việc sống xa gia đình trong thời gian học đại học sẽ lớn hơn những bất lợi.

Một mặt, cuộc sống tự lập trong suốt cuộc đời sinh viên kéo theo một số thách thức. Hạn chế đầu tiên là khả năng xuất hiện nỗi nhớ nhà và căng thẳng về cảm xúc bắt nguồn từ sự tách rời khỏi hệ thống hỗ trợ gia đình và môi trường xung quanh quen thuộc. Những tổn thương về mặt tinh thần do sự chia ly này gây ra có thể ảnh hưởng đáng kể đến sức khỏe tổng thể của học sinh. Hơn nữa, những tác động tài chính liên quan đến việc thuê chỗ ở và đáp ứng các chi phí hàng ngày đặt ra một thách thức lớn, đặc biệt đối với những sinh viên có hoàn cảnh khó khăn về kinh tế.

Mặt khác, tôi thừa nhận rằng cuộc sống tự chủ khi học đại học mang lại nhiều lợi thế hơn. Thứ nhất, việc sống tách biệt với gia đình nuôi dưỡng ý thức tự chủ và tự lực sâu sắc của sinh viên. Sự độc lập này tạo điều kiện cho sự phát triển các kỹ năng sống, bao gồm lập ngân sách, quản lý thời gian và giải quyết vấn đề, tất cả đều đóng vai trò then chốt cho sự phát triển cá nhân và nghề nghiệp. Một lợi ích khác của việc học xa nhà là môi trường thuận lợi mà nó tạo ra cho sự tập trung trong học tập. Môi trường đại học nuôi dưỡng một bầu không khí thuận lợi cho việc học tập, ít bị xao lãng hơn so với môi trường gia đình.

Tóm lại, mặc dù quyết định sống xa gia đình trong thời gian học đại học dẫn đến những thách thức, chẳng hạn như nỗi nhớ nhà và căng thẳng về tài chính, nhưng tôi cho rằng lợi ích bao trùm của việc phát triển cá nhân và tập trung học tập khiến nó trở thành một lựa chọn có lợi.

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IELTS Updates And Recent Exams

IELTS Updates And Recent Exams provide complete, efficient and intensive IELTS preparation material to help you achieve the dream score you need. IELTS Updates And Recent Exams upload all Recent IELTS Exam Questions across the globe.

17 February 2024, IELTS Exam, Writing Task 2, Evening Slot, INDIA

Q. If some people get a chance to choose between life without work in spending most of the time working, then they would choose not to work. Do you agree or disagree?

Today we live in a world full of various questions, the answer to which requires serious knowledge of the Universe. Many people argue that if societies are given the opportunity to choose between working their whole lives and living without working, they will choose the second option. This essay will be written taking into account the writer's agreement with the theory presented.

To commence with, I believe that people are lazy by nature. This means that our instincts try to convince us not to work hard if there is a way to achieve the goal without much effort. For example, nowadays one can see a growing trend among young people, especially teenagers, that they prefer to earn income from playing video games rather than studying a course at university and finding a job based on their degree. Therefore, we invent new methods to work less or at least in a more comfortable situation.

Moreover, we all know that work does not equal a luxurious lifestyle. In other words, we recognize the fact that many people simply can meet their basic needs by working full-time. Thus, they cannot achieve all their dreams and goals by simply working as hard as they can. To illustrate: Most of our parents worked eight hours a day, five days a week for 30 years, but they don't even own a home.

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IMAGES

  1. IELTS Task 2 introduction: a better way to start your essay

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  2. How To Improve Ielts Writing Task 2

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  3. The Best IELTS Task 2 Writing Template

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  4. IELTS Task 2 Writing: How to Write a Clear and Simple Introduction

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  5. IELTS Task 2 introduction: a better way to start your essay

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

  6. IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide

    writing task 2 introduction for ielts

VIDEO

  1. IELTS WRITING TASK 2

  2. IELTS Writing task 1

  3. How to Write Introductions & Conclusions in IELTS Task 2

  4. IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic

  5. How to Write IELTS Task 2 Introduction

  6. IELTS Writing Task2 Introduction with Simon

COMMENTS

  1. IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

    An introduction paragraph for an IELTS writing task 2 essay requires only two statements. A Background Statement - This is a paraphrase of the essay question. All essays must have this statement. A Thesis Statement - A direct answer to the essay question and task.

  2. PDF Writing Task 2 Essay structure and writing an introduction

    In Writing Task 2, test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. They will be expected to write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task. The essay should be written in formal, academic English.

  3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction

    IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Did you know that a strong introduction can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2? In the video above, I'll show you how to write a Band 8 introduction and avoid the 7 biggest mistakes most people make when they introduce their essays.

  4. IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

    Tip 1: Stop to read and analyse the question In Writing Task 2, you need to address all the parts of the question or task in a relevant way. Because your introduction is the first step towards achieving this goal, you need to introduce your answer to all the different parts of the question.

  5. IELTS Writing Task 2

    Download PDF: https://bit.ly/course-slides-previewLearn how to write a perfect introduction to your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay using my easy 3-sentence formu...

  6. How to write effective Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2

    2255 By IELTS Practice Online Did you know that a strong introduction can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2? This post will help you write better introductions in your Task 2 IELTS essays and show the specific sentences I advise all of my students to use when writing IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions.

  7. Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

    In the writing for task 2, you must write an IELTS essay introduction, but you only have 40 minutes. In this time you need to analyze the question, brainstorm ideas to write about, formulate an essay plan, and then write your response. Even for a native writer of English, this is a lot to do in 40 minutes! So you need to use your time carefully.

  8. IELTS Task 2 introduction: a better way to start your essay

    IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction: a better way to start your essay By ieltsetc on May 12, 2020 The IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction causes a lot of controversy. Should you paraphrase the question in the introduction? Should you always give your opinion? Thank you for your interest in my IELTS lessons and tips.

  9. How to Write an Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

    How to Write an Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 Posted by David S. Wills | Jul 8, 2021 | IELTS Tips, Writing | 0 The following is an excerpt from my 2019 book, How to Write the Perfect Essay for IELTS. It is all about how to write an introduction to an essay and I felt it was important enough that I would include it here for everyone to read.

  10. IELTS Task 2 Writing: How to Write a Clear and Simple Introduction

    Example 2 (discuss both sides question) Some people think that governments should spend money on railways. Others believe that there should be more investment into new roads. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. For this kind of Task 2 question you need to discuss both sides of the question.

  11. IELTS Writing Task 2: ️ Everything You Need to Know

    IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

  12. IELTS Writing task 2

    Crafting a compelling introduction and conclusion is very important in IELTS Writing task 2, as they serve as the gateway to engage the reader and leave a lasting impression.

  13. IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

    Use Clear and Formal Language - It is essential to create an introduction in a simple, clear, formal language. Moreover, you should avoid slang, colloquialisms, or overly complex language, which is necessary for academic writing. Be Concise and to the Point - Your IELTS Writing Task 2 should not be lengthy. You must avoid repeating lines ...

  14. IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Band 7+ Introduction

    The standard IELTS Task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs - an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, with each body paragraph focussing on one main idea. So for the introduction above the main idea for body paragraph 1 will be traffic, and the main idea for body paragraph 2 will be pollution.

  15. Writing IELTS Introductions and Conclusions

    Everyone knows that introductions are necessary for the IELTS writing task 2 essay but most people don't know why or what the introduction should include. The introduction is truly a vital section of the essay. Without one, you will not get any higher than band score 5 in Coherence and Cohesion.

  16. Total-IELTS Writing task 2: Introduction

    An IELTS writing task 2 introduction should contain a paraphrase of the rubric (the task statement) and a thesis statement. Paraphrasing the task statement shows examiners that you understand the task and what you are required to write. Do not copy from the rubric as this will be deducted from your word count. Limit the paraphrase to 1 sentence.

  17. IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction and Vocabulary

    April 1, 2021 in IELTS Vocabulary A good introduction can make the difference between a band 6 score and a band 7 or 8 score. In this post, we'll look at IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction vocabulary you can use for both the General Training and Academic tests. Specifically, you'll learn: What to do and what not to do for the introduction to Task 2

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  19. IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write the Introduction Paragraph

    1. Paraphrase the IELTS Question a. Use the passive: One of the best ways to begin is to change the active "some people believe" to the passive, "it is believed by some people" or vice-versa. b. Use a similar, but different verb: Verbs such as "argue", "believe", or "think" are interchangeable in this context.

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  21. An Introduction to Writing Task 2

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    How to Write Task 2 Introductions To score highly for IELTS writing tasks, you need to impress the examiner from the very first sentence. This lesson will show you how. In it you'll learn: Why the introduction is so important The 3 part structure 4 common mistakes to avoid How to write a great introduction Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

  23. ‎BEAT IELTS: IELTS Writing Task 2- Structure, Types and Tips on Apple

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  24. ‎IELTS Podcast: Introduction to Agree/Disagree Essay Writing In IELTS

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  25. Giải đề IELTS Writing Task 2 ngày 21/1/2024

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  26. 17 February 2024, IELTS Exam, Writing Task 2, Evening Slot, INDIA

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  27. Mehak Dhawan (IELTS Trainer) on Instagram: "IELTS WRITING TASK

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  28. TOEFL TestReady

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  29. IELTS Updates And Recent Exams on Instagram: "10 August 2023 IELTS

    20 likes, 0 comments - ielts_updates_and_recent_exams on August 10, 2023: "10 August 2023 IELTS / Writing Task 2 / Academic / Exam Review / INDIA Video Link - https://yout ...