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IELTS Writing Task 2: How To Write an Effective 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.
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 giving your opinion
This is the most important sentence in the essay. Not including this will lose you marks in several different ways.
- Not supporting your opinion with main ideas
If you don’t do this, the examiner doesn’t really know what you think about the question. 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 the increasing use of motor vehicles contributes to rising global temperatures because of the production of greenhouse gases by vehicles and certain health issues are caused by the release of toxic chemicals 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 generally talks about the topic, 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 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 marks.
An IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay should have three elements, and these should be:
- Paraphrase question
- Give opinion
- Support opinion with 2 ideas
That’s it. Simple!
Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service or email me at [email protected].
About Christopher Pell
My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.
I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.
If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.
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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.
Content Tags
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 Start an IELTS Essay: Expert Tips for a High Score
The IELTS writing section can be daunting, especially when faced with a blank page and a ticking clock. A strong introduction is crucial, setting the tone for your essay and making a positive first impression …
Written by: IELTS Mentor
Published on: June 24, 2024
The IELTS writing section can be daunting, especially when faced with a blank page and a ticking clock. A strong introduction is crucial, setting the tone for your essay and making a positive first impression on the examiner. This article will delve into proven techniques for crafting compelling introductions that capture attention and pave the way for a high band score.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Introduction
Your essay introduction serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining your stance on the given topic and the key arguments you’ll explore. A well-structured introduction:
- Grabs the reader’s attention: It should be engaging and encourage the examiner to continue reading.
- Establishes your understanding of the topic: Demonstrate that you’ve comprehended the question and have a clear perspective.
- Outlines your essay’s structure: Briefly introduce the main points you’ll discuss in the body paragraphs.
Effective Techniques to Start Your IELTS Essay
1. general statement + thesis statement.
This classic approach begins with a broad statement related to the essay topic, gradually narrowing down to your specific thesis statement.
Topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to use mobile phones in school. Others believe that they should be banned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Introduction:
In today’s digitally driven world, mobile phones have become ubiquitous, even among young children. While these devices offer undeniable benefits in terms of communication and access to information, their presence in educational settings remains a subject of debate. This essay will examine both sides of the argument before presenting a concluding viewpoint on whether mobile phones should be permitted in schools.
2. Rhetorical Question + Thesis Statement
Posing a relevant question at the beginning can be an effective way to engage the reader and introduce the essay’s central theme.
Topic: Is it better to travel alone or with a group of friends?
Is the thrill of solo exploration more rewarding than the shared experiences of a group adventure? When it comes to travel, the choice between embarking on a solitary journey or venturing with companions is a matter of personal preference. This essay will delve into the advantages of both approaches before concluding which option offers a more fulfilling travel experience.
3. Startling Statistic/Fact + Thesis Statement
Using a surprising or thought-provoking statistic or fact can immediately capture the reader’s attention and create a strong opening impact.
Topic: The increasing use of technology in the workplace is having a negative effect on employee productivity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Studies have shown that the average office worker is interrupted every 11 minutes, and it can take over 23 minutes to regain focus on the original task. This constant barrage of technological distractions raises concerns about the impact of technology on workplace productivity. This essay will argue that while technology offers undeniable benefits, its overuse can indeed hinder employee efficiency.
Office Worker Distracted by Technology
Dos and Don’ts for IELTS Essay Introductions
- Keep it concise: Aim for 3-4 sentences.
- Paraphrase the question: Use synonyms and different sentence structures.
- State your opinion clearly (if required).
- Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use memorised introductions.
- Don’t include irrelevant information.
- Don’t use informal language or slang.
- Don’t copy directly from the question.
Mastering the art of crafting effective introductions is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS writing section. By employing the techniques outlined above and adhering to the dos and don’ts, you can confidently start your essays, engage the examiner, and pave the way for a well-structured and high-scoring response. Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate time to writing practice introductions on various IELTS topics to refine your skills and approach the real exam with confidence.
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