How to Write a Strong Introduction for IELTS Task 2
The introduction is only two or three sentences, but it creates the first impression of your essay. A clear introduction shows the examiner that you understand the question, that you can use language flexibly, and that you know what you are going to say. This lesson gives you a simple formula, paraphrasing techniques and model introductions for every Task 2 question type.
What Makes a Strong Introduction?
- Short: usually 40-60 words and 2-3 sentences. A long introduction wastes time you need for the body paragraphs.
- Paraphrased: it explains the topic in your own words and does not copy the question.
- Clear: it states your position or what the essay will discuss.
- Free of examples and details: save those for the body.
The Two-Step Formula
- Sentence 1, the background statement: paraphrase the topic.
- Sentence 2 (and 3), the thesis: state your opinion, or say what the essay will cover.
Question: Many people find it hard to balance work and family life. What are the causes and what can be done?
Sentence 1: Balancing professional and family responsibilities is difficult for many individuals.
Sentence 2: This essay will examine the main reasons for this problem and suggest some practical solutions.
How to Paraphrase
There are three main techniques. The best introductions combine two or three of them.
1. Use synonyms
| Original | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| increasing | growing, rising |
| young people | youngsters, the younger generation |
| children | young learners, youngsters |
| a large number of | a significant proportion of, many |
| important | essential, vital, crucial |
| problem | issue, challenge, concern |
| government | authorities, policymakers |
| some people believe | it is widely argued that, it is sometimes claimed that |
2. Change the word class
Original: Cities are becoming more crowded. Paraphrase: The growing overcrowding of cities... The adjective crowded became the noun overcrowding.
3. Change the sentence structure
Original: Many people prefer to shop online. Paraphrase: Online shopping is the preferred option for a large proportion of consumers.
Warning: do not change technical words that have no real synonym, such as public transport or climate change. Replacing them with unnatural words reduces your score.
Model Introductions for Each Question Type
Opinion (agree or disagree)
Question: Some people believe that university students should do unpaid community work. To what extent do you agree?
It is sometimes suggested that undergraduates ought to be obliged to carry out voluntary work in their communities. I largely agree with this view, as it benefits both students and society.
Discussion (both views)
Question: Some people say that museums should be free. Others think visitors should pay. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Opinions differ on whether people should pay to enter museums or be admitted at no charge. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that free entry is the better policy.
Advantages and disadvantages
Question: More people are working from home. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Remote working has become increasingly common in recent years. Although it presents certain challenges, I believe that the benefits are greater.
Problem and solution
Question: Many cities suffer from traffic congestion. What problems does it cause and what solutions can be suggested?
Heavy traffic is a growing concern in urban areas worldwide. This essay will outline the main problems it creates and propose some practical measures to reduce it.
Two-part question
Question: Many young people leave their home town to work in big cities. Why do they do this? Is it a positive or negative development?
A growing number of young adults move from smaller towns to large cities for employment. This essay will explain the reasons for this trend and argue that it is mostly a positive development.
Weak and Strong Introductions Compared
| Weak | Why it is weak | Strong version |
|---|---|---|
| Nowadays, technology is very important in our life. In this essay I am going to write about technology. | Too general and does not answer the question | Digital devices now play a central role in daily life. This essay will argue that their benefits for education outweigh the risks. |
| Some people think that children should start school early. Others think they should not. I will discuss both views. | Copies the question and gives no opinion | Opinions differ on the best age for children to begin formal education. This essay will discuss both views and explain why a gentle early start is preferable. |
Common Mistakes
- Copying the question. Copied words do not count as your own language.
- Memorised openings. Phrases such as "In today's modern world" are overused and signal a template.
- "In this essay I am going to write about..." This adds no information. Say what you will argue or discuss instead.
- Writing too much. Anything over four sentences is too long.
- Including examples or statistics. They belong in the body paragraphs.
- Missing the position. For opinion and discussion questions with "give your opinion", the position must appear in the introduction.
Practice: Paraphrase These Sentences
- The number of people living in cities is rising rapidly.
- Some people think that children spend too much time on their phones.
- Governments should invest more in public transport.
- Many people prefer to shop online.
- Education is the key to economic development.
Possible answers:
- Urban populations are growing quickly.
- It is believed by some that youngsters devote excessive time to mobile devices.
- Authorities ought to allocate greater funding to public transportation.
- Online shopping is the preferred option for a large proportion of consumers.
- Economic progress depends largely on a good education system.
Your answers may differ and still be correct. The key is to keep the meaning the same and to sound natural.
Introduction Checklist
- Did I paraphrase the question in my own words?
- Did I keep the original meaning?
- Did I state my opinion or outline the essay?
- Is it two or three sentences?
- Did I avoid examples and memorised phrases?
Summary
A strong introduction paraphrases the topic in one sentence and states your position or plan in the next. Practise by taking ten past IELTS questions and writing an introduction for each in under two minutes. After a week you will write them automatically, leaving more time and energy for the body paragraphs.
Continue with IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay and Discussion Essay.