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IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Essay Introduction

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:

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

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

Improve Writing Coherence for IELTS essays with Transitions

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 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.

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

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

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

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

Transitional Phrases for Essays

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

Improve Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing

Strategies to improve your coherence and cohesion in IELTS writing as it is 25% of your score.

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.

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.

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.

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.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

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.

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.

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.

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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 Start an IELTS Essay: Expert Tips for a High Score

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.

How to Write a High-Scoring IELTS Essay: A Guide by an Expert

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